Numéro |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 12, Numéro 7, August 2002
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Page(s) | 65 - 69 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20020267 |
J. Phys. IV France 12 (2002) Pr7-65
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20020267
Propagating brush discharge initiation of dust layers - A new test method
C.J. Dahn and A.G. DastidarSafety Consulting Engineers Inc., 2131 Hammond Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173, U.S.A.
Abstract
In many powder handling processes, powder can be deposited onto a metal or conductive surface layers.
If the powders are very good insulators, the deposited layer can build up electrostatic charges to the level of local
electrostatic breakdown creating a propagating brush discharge. An explosion hazard can exist if the powder fines
cling to the insulating layer in process. The occurrence of a discharge on the insulating layer, either by internal
electrostatic breakdown or by moving a grounded object toward the insulating layer, can loft the dust into the air.
This discharge may also have sufficient energy to ignite the dust cloud causing catastrophic explosion results. A
new test method has been developed to simulate this occurrence. Its goal is to determine the electrostatic discharge
energy in the propagating discharge required to ignite the lofted dust. Propagating brush discharge having energies
less then 30 millijoules have ignited dust deposits on insulating surfaces backed up by grounded conductive
material. A method description and some test results are presented in this paper.
© EDP Sciences 2002