Safety Analysis for Vented Dust Explosions,
Abstract
Below some critical particle size, magnesium powder is pyrophoric in air. Techniques for producing fine magnesium powder therefore require use of an inert atmosphere in an enclosed system. For added safety, these systems are set up in strong, vented explosion test bays, and all operations are conducted remotely from control consoles located outside the test bays. This paper describes methods for determining the pressure loads on and structural response of two vented explosion test bays subjected to hypothetical explosions involving fine magnesium powder. The analyses predicted catastropic failure of the bays in their original configuration. By increasing the vent area in the original structures, however, the bays could survive the predicted worst case explosions. Thus, minor modifications in the existing structures ensured safe operation without a decrease in production quantities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADP005386
Entities
People
- James J. Kulesz
- Wilfred E. Baker
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute