Using dimensional analysis to assess dust explosion severity

Abstract

This work presents a dimensional analysis (DA) approach to assess risk and understand the interdependence of various deflagration parameters in dust explosions. Several dimensionless numbers have been derived using the Buckingham $\Pi$-theorem and Ipsen's method based on key influencing factors, including particle size, dust concentration, interparticle spacing, characteristic length of the explosion chamber, and several physical and chemical properties (e.g., density, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and specific heat of reaction). The proposed DA framework has been used to study explosibility of high-density polyethylene and aluminum dust samples, which exhibit different reactivity and deflagration mechanisms. Generalized empirical correlations for explosion pressure and rate of pressure rise using the proposed dimensionless numbers have been deduced to predict dust explosibility at varying conditions. This can be useful in understanding dust explosibility and devising safety measures for dust explosion prevention and mitigation.