Experimental study on using water mist containing potassium compounds to suppress methane/air explosions

Area of Science:

• Combustion science
• Chemical engineering
• Explosion safety

Background:

• Methane/air explosions pose significant safety risks in various industrial settings.
• Understanding and mitigating these explosions is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring operational safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the explosion suppression effects of five different potassium compounds on methane/air mixtures.
• To compare the efficacy of these compounds in reducing key explosion parameters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 20-L spherical explosion system to simulate methane/air explosions.
• Employed a high-speed camera to capture flame morphology and analyze explosion dynamics.
• Measured explosion overpressure, rate of pressure increase, time to maximum overpressure, and deflagration index.

Main Results:

• Potassium compounds showed strong suppression capabilities, particularly for nonstoichiometric methane mixtures.
• Observed substantial decreases in maximum explosion overpressure (Pmax), maximum rate of pressure increase ((dp/dt)max), and deflagration index (KG) for 7.5% and 11.5% methane concentrations.
• Noted a considerable increase in the time to reach maximum overpressure (tPmax), with a maximum reduction rate of 20.6% in overpressure.
• Potassium oxalate exhibited the most potent suppression effect, followed by potassium carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium chloride, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

Conclusions:

• Potassium compounds are effective agents for suppressing methane/air explosions.
• The effectiveness of suppression varies among different potassium compounds, with potassium oxalate being the most effective.
• These findings contribute to developing enhanced safety strategies for environments prone to methane explosions.