Explosion hazards of aluminum finishing operations

Journal Article (2018)
Author(s)

Jérôme Taveau (TU Delft - Fluid Mechanics, Fike Corporation)

S. Hochgreb (University of Cambridge)

SM Lemkowitz (TU Delft - ChemE/Delft Ingenious Design)

Dirk Roekaerts (Eindhoven University of Technology, TU Delft - Fluid Mechanics)

Research Group
Fluid Mechanics
Copyright
© 2018 J.R. Taveau, Simone Hochgreb, S.M. Lemkowitz, D.J.E.M. Roekaerts
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2017.11.011
More Info
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Publication Year
2018
Language
English
Copyright
© 2018 J.R. Taveau, Simone Hochgreb, S.M. Lemkowitz, D.J.E.M. Roekaerts
Research Group
Fluid Mechanics
Volume number
51
Pages (from-to)
84-93
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Abstract

Metal dust deflagrations have become increasingly common in recent years. They are also more devastating than deflagrations involving organic materials, owing to metals' higher heat of combustion, rate of pressure rise, explosion pressure and flame temperature. Aluminum finishing operations offer a particularly significant hazard from the very small and reactive aluminum particles generated, and thus require high attention to details of operation and explosion safety management. This paper presents available statistics on metal dust explosions and studies the specific explosion hazards of aluminum finishing operations. The analysis of seven case studies shows that the proper design, monitoring and maintenance of dust collection systems are particularly important. Furthermore, the isolation of deflagrations occurring in dust collection systems, as well as good housekeeping practices in buildings, are critical safeguards to avoid the occurrence of catastrophic secondary explosions.

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