Study on Methane Explosion Suppression in Diagonal Pipe Networks Using a Fine Water Mist Containing KCl and an Inert...

To explore an effective approach for suppressing methane explosions in actual pipe networks, we used a custom-made diagonal pipe network experimental system to assess the suppression of methane explosions using a fine water mist containing KCl and an inert gas. The shock wave pressure, flame wave velocity, and flame wave temperature under different suppression conditions were compared to characterize the effects of explosion suppression under different working conditions, and the mechanism of explosion suppression was analyzed. The results showed that under single-factor explosion suppression conditions the optimal explosion suppression results were achieved when the volume fraction of N₂ was 25%, the volume fraction of CO₂ was 20%, and the concentration of KCl was 7%. The suppression effect of CO₂ on the flame wave temperature was better than fine water mist containing KCl and N₂, and the suppression effect of fine water mist containing KCl on the shock wave overpressure and flame wave velocity was more significant. Under the working conditions of fine water mist containing KCl, which was coupled with an inert gas to suppress the explosion, the suppression effect of the fine water mist containing KCl coupled with 20% CO₂ on the shock wave overpressure, flame wave velocity, and flame wave temperature was considerably better than fine water mist containing KCl coupled with 25% N₂.