Over the past years, catastrophic dust explosion incidents have caused numerous injuries, fatalities and economical losses. Dust explosions are rapid exothermic reactions that take place when a combustible dust is mixed with air in the presence of an ignition source within a confined space. A variety of strategies are currently available to prevent dust explosion accidents. However, the recurrence of these tragic events confirms flaws in process safety for dust handling industries. This dissertation reports advances in different approaches that can be followed to prevent and mitigate dust explosions. For this research, a 36 L dust explosion vessel was designed, assembled and automated to perform controlled dust explosion experiments. First, we explored the effect of size polydispersity on the evolution of aluminum dust explosions. By modifying systematically the span of the particle size distribution we demonstrated the dramatic effect of polydispersity on the initiation and propagation of aluminum dust explosions. A semi-empirical combustion model was used to quantify the laminar burning velocity at varying particle size. Moreover, correlations between ignition sensitivity and rate of pressure rise with polydispersity were developed. Second, we analyzed the effect of particle size and crystalline levels in the decomposition reactions of explosion inhibitor agents (i.e., phosphates). We fractionated ammonium phosphate- monobasic (NH_4H_2PO_4) and dibasic ((NH_4)_2HPO_4) at different size ranges, and synthesized zirconium phosphate (Zr(HPO_4)_2·H_2O) at varying size and crystalline levels. Particle size was found to be crucial to improve the rate of heat absorption of each inhibitor. A simplified model was developed to identify factors dominating the efficiency of dust explosion inhibitors. Finally, we conducted computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations to predict overpressures in dust explosions vented through ducts in large scale scenarios. We particularly focused on the adverse effects caused by flow restrictions in vent ducts. Critical parameters, including ignition position, geometric configuration of the vent duct, and obstructions of outflow such as bends and panels were investigated. Comparison between simulation and experimental results elucidated potential improvements in available guidelines. The theoretical analyses complemented the experimental work to provide a better understanding of the effects of particle size on the evolution of dust explosions. Furthermore, the validation of advanced simulation tools is considered crucial to overcome current limitations in predicting dust explosions in large scale scenarios.

This master´s thesis solves the coal dust autoignition problems in the heatplant Karviná. The first part is devoted to the combustion of pulverized coal possibilities and technical description at the heatplant Karviná equipment. The second part deals with the phenomenon of the coal self-ignition itself. In the last part the calculation of the mill circuit heat balance is solved as well as it´s inerting protection. The final part of the thesis is devoted to the coal powder reservoir, where the fuel blaze is the most common.

Properly inerting a fuel cell is an essential function for the safety and durability of the product. DAM designs and produces a bypass valve to effectively inert the fuel cell while maintaining the oxidant gas flow in the compressor. The system provides a short closing and opening response time less than 100 ms, while consuming very little energy. In addition to cutting off the oxidant gas supply, the valve can be used to drain the fuel cell, optimize the shutdown and startup cycles, and even optimize the inerting of the fuel cell through the hydrogen circuit. DAM has already produced valve prototypes in diameters 16 mm and 50 mm which are currently in the test phase with first successful results, and whose functions can be extended with a position sensor or heating system. / Die geeignete Inertisierung einer Brennstoffzelle ist eine wesentliche Funktion für die Sicherheit und Lebensdauer des Produkts. DAM entwickelt und produziert ein Bypass-Ventil, das die Brennstoffzelle effektiv inertisiert und gleichzeitig den Oxidationsmittel-Gasstrom im Kompressor aufrechterhält. Das System bietet eine kurze Schließ- und Öffnungszeit von weniger als 100 ms und verbraucht dabei sehr wenig Energie. Neben der Unterbrechung der Oxidationsgaszufuhr kann das Ventil auch zum Entleeren der Brennstoffzelle, zur Optimierung der Abschalt- und Anfahrzyklen und sogar zur Optimierung der Inertisierung der Brennstoffzelle durch den Wasserstoffkreislauf eingesetzt werden. DAM hat bereits Ventilprototypen in den Durchmessern 16 mm und 50 mm hergestellt, die sich derzeit mit ersten Erfolgen in der Testphase befinden und deren Funktionen durch einen Positionssensor oder ein Heizsystem erweitert werden können.