Inertant effects and mechanism of Al(OH)3 powder on polyethylene dust explosions based on flame propagation behavior and thermal analysis

To assess the inhibitory effect and mechanism of Al(OH)(3) powder on the flame propagation from a polyethylene dust explosion, tests were conducted in a vertical transparent tube. The results show that the addition of Al(OH)(3) powder has a significant effect on the polyethylene dust explosion flame structure and propagation characteristics. With increasing mass ratio of Al(OH)(3) powder, the polyethylene dust explosion flame brightness decreases, the flame propagation velocity decreases, and pulsation of the flame during propagation diminishes. The Al(OH)(3) powder destroys the continuity of the structure of a polyethylene dust explosion flame, and retards the acceleration of flame propagation. The thermal weight loss of the polyethylene gradually decreased with increasing addition of Al(OH)(3) powder. Al(OH)(3) powder can retard the characteristic temperature of severe heat release from polyethylene. The cumulative heat release gradually decreases with the increasing amount of Al(OH)(3) powder. Al(OH)(3) powder can inhibit flame propagation of polyethylene dust explosion through physical effects such as cooling, heat insulation, and suffocation. This work is of significance for the prevention and treatment of polyethylene dust explosion accidents.

Automated summary

The addition of Al(OH)(3) powder has a significant effect on the structure and propagation characteristics of a polyethylene dust explosion flame, by decreasing flame brightness and propagation velocity, and diminishing flame pulsation. Al(OH)(3) powder retards the acceleration of flame propagation and decreases the thermal weight loss of polyethylene, showing significance in the prevention and treatment of polyethylene dust explosion accidents.