Existence of aerosols creates fire and explosion hazards in the chemical process industry. Flammable mists can be formed by pressurized release of hydrocarbons from the operation unit. Because of the complexity in the aerosol formation and combustion process, behaviors of flammable aerosols in the process industry have not been fully understood. Flammability of aerosols is studied here. By applying different voltages to electrospray and various liquid feeding rates we were able to get an accurate flammable aerosol condition distribution. We then generated a reference for industry and lab scale consideration of handling liquids. Process of combustion from initial to global flame formation was simulated in terms of heat transfer, droplet evaporation, and dynamics of phase interaction. Local temperature change, as an indicator of luminous flame, was analyzed to describe the flame development and ignition delay time of aerosols. Knowledge from the work provide understanding on flammable behaviors of aerosols which can be used in the industry, and take relevant measures for prevention of fire hazards from flammable aerosols.

Flammability and combustion behavior studies of industrial heat transfer fluid: Flammable region, flame development, and ignition delay

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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