| Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted in a Siwek 20-L chamber, MIKE 3 apparatus and BAM oven. From these pieces of equipment, the effect of particle size on two polyethylene dust samples was determined. To establish the effect of particle size, the following explosion characteristics were determined: minimum explosible concentration (MEC), minimum ignition energy (MIE), minimum ignition temperature (MIT), maximum explosion pressure (Pmax), maximum rate of pressure rise (dP/dt)max and size-normalized maximum rate of pressure rise (KSt).From the experimental data, it was determined that as the particle size of polyethylene decreased, the material hazard increased. Also, it was found that the addition of 2% and 5% ethylene further increased the material hazard. Based on the increased material hazard associated with these two phenomena, the ways in which the hazard could be mitigated were discussed. Inherent and engineered safety methodologies were considered to determine how the material hazard could be mitigated or eliminated completely.Following determination of the effect of particle size, hybrid mixture experiments were conducted using the Siwek 20-L chamber. The maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) and maximum rate of pressure rise (dP/dt) max were determined for 2% and 5% ethylene addition (by volume). |
