A review of aerosol flammability and explosion related incidents, standards, studies, and risk analysis

In the process industries, the flammable and explosive hazards of aerosols receive less attention and have less understanding as compared to gases and dust clouds. Numerous incidents in various industries have revealed the distinct differences between the hazards of a bulk liquid compared to those of aerosols. Flash point, the criterion for liquid flammability becomes insignificant when the liquid is present in aerosol form. A practical discussion of the criteria for aerosol flammability hazard assessment is needed. Unlike standard measurements for gas and dust clouds, an aerosol flammability standard test method, such as ASTM D3065-01, has not been widely adopted owing to the lack of quantification. Therefore, it is important to establish quantitative aerosol flammability and aerosol explosion testing procedures. This paper comprehensively reviews the methodologies to generate aerosols, both lab and large-scale aerosol combustion and explosion experiments, and liquid flammability risk assessments. Additionally, this paper reviews important but sparsely studied areas such as aerosol deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) and proposes a systematic strategy to investigate the complicated mechanism and consequences of aerosol combustion and explosions. (C) 2020 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Aerosols receive less attention in terms of flammable and explosive hazards compared to gases and dust clouds, highlighting the need for quantitative testing procedures. The paper discusses criteria for assessing aerosol flammability hazard, methodologies for generating aerosols, and proposes a systematic strategy to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of aerosol combustion and explosions.