Fundamental investigation on the effects of ammonium polyphosphate on flame propagation behaviors of starch dust deflagration

Inhibition of Four Inert Powders on the Minimum Ignition Energy of Sucrose Dust

In order to evaluate the effect of inert powder on the ignition sensitivity of sucrose dust, this study investigated the effects of NaHCO3, NaCl, NH4H2PO4 and Al(OH)3 on the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of sucrose dust. The results showed that all four different inert powders inhibited the MIE of sucrose dust, and all of them showed a trend that the smaller the particle size of the inert powders, the better the inhibition effect. The inhibition effect was ranked as NaHCO3 > NH4H2PO4 > NaCl > Al(OH)3. NaHCO3 and NH4H2PO4 had both physical and chemical inhibition effects, which were better compared to NaCl and Al(OH)3, which had only physical inhibition effects. Analysis of the flame images showed that the inert powder slowed down the combustion of the sucrose dust flame and reduced the flame height. No flame appeared in the region of higher inert powder concentration.

Investigation on thermokinetic suppression of ammonium polyphosphate on sucrose dust deflagration: Based on flame propagation, thermal decomposition and residue analysis

In this investigation, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is applied to suppress the deflagration of sucrose dust. Through the systematic research on flame propagation images and temperature, decomposition behavior of powder samples and the compositions of deflagration residue, the suppression performance and mechanism of APP on sucrose deflagration are profoundly summarized. Timing diagrams show that APP contributes to reduce deflagration flame brightness, increases ignition delay time and flame fault area. The minimum inerting concentration of APP for sucrose deflagration is determined to be 8 %. From the collected deflagration flame temperature curves, it is confirmed that APP can delay peak temperature arrival time, weaken temperature fluctuation, and decrease peak values of flame temperature and temperature rising rate. Through the analysis on thermal decomposition of samples and deflagration residue, it is reflected that APP has superior composite suppression effect. It can not only absorb reaction heat, but also decrease deflagration exotherm to improve thermal stability of sucrose particles. Thus, the easily oxidized components in sucrose are protected, and deflagration intensity is effectively weakened. This work provides a new solution for prevention and suppression deflagration of dust waste in sugar industry.