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Published on: June 1, 2016
Flame deflagration in side-on vented detonation tubes: A large scale study
Mohammed J Ajrash1, Jafar Zanganeh1, Behdad Moghtaderi1
1The Frontier Energy Technologies Centre, Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
Side-on venting significantly reduces explosion pressure and flame velocity in methane deflagrations. Optimal vent placement between 6.5m and 20.5m is crucial for mitigating explosion severity in large-scale operations.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Combustion Science
- Explosion Safety
Background:
- Venting is a critical safety measure in process industries to mitigate explosion risks.
- The effectiveness of side-on venting for methane deflagration in large-scale operations remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of side-on venting on methane flame deflagration.
- To analyze the impact of vent location on explosion parameters in a 30m Detonation Tube (DT).
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of methane flame deflagration in a 30m DT.
- Varying methane concentrations and vent locations were tested.
- Measurement of pressure rise and flame propagation velocity.
Main Results:
- Venting between 6.5m and 20.5m from ignition reduced total explosion pressure by 33%–56%.
- A 7.5% methane concentration showed a 66% dynamic and 33% static pressure reduction.
- Flame velocity was decelerated by approximately 70% due to venting.
- Secondary pressure rises were observed at high methane concentrations due to a vacuum effect.
Conclusions:
- Side-on venting is effective in reducing methane deflagration pressure and flame velocity.
- Vent location critically influences explosion mitigation effectiveness.
- Further research is needed to address secondary pressure rises at high fuel concentrations.
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