Synergistic inhibition of aluminum dust explosion by gas–solid inhibitors

Abstract

The inhibition mechanism of gas-solid inhibitors on Al dust explosion was investigated experimentally in a closed cuboid chamber. The variation of parameters concerning flame propagation characteristic and explosion severity used to reflect the synergistic inhibition effect of gas-solid inhibitors on Al dust explosion were elucidated. The results showed that flame propagation velocity and explosion overpressure were inhibited with the increase of gas-solid inhibitors. The inhibition curves of gas-solid inhibitors within the experimental range were further obtained. The reason concerning the SEEP phenomenon was revealed through the GC-MS analysis. The combustion of ammonia enhanced the explosion overpressure when solid inhibitors performed at low concentration. The gas-phase product could be regarded as the inert gas as long as enough amount of inhibitors were added. To comprehend the inhibition mechanism of gas-solid inhibitors, X-ray diffraction was applied to figure out the crystal structure of explosion residue. The results indicated that both physical and chemical inhibition effects were imposed on Al dust explosion by gas-solid inhibitors, including endothermic decomposition, dilution of oxidizer, coverage of Al dust, and scavenger of free radicals. The results of this study will provide a scientific basis for the design of inhibition technology for the dust explosion.