Aspects regarding the explosion risk assessment of installations in atmospheres with combustible dust

Many industrial processes involving the presence of dust and combustible dust, suspended or accumulated in the form of deposits, have the potential to lead to a fire, explosion or decomposition in the presence of oxygen. As the damage caused by an explosion of dust is generally greater than that caused by explosions of flammable gases and vapours, a special attention must be paid to measures and means of protection and prevention of explosions of dust. A dust explosion can only occur if there is mainly a potentially explosive atmosphere generated by the air / dust mixture and a source of ignition. The level of safety is given by the operational efficiency of the employees and technical equipment involved in the production process to ensure that at least one of the above conditions is eliminated. The probability of a dust explosion is related to the physicochemical properties of the processed materials, together with the nature of the operations performed and the equipment used. This paper highlights the principles and factors that must be taken into account when conducting an explosion risk assessment in installations with combustible dust atmospheres in order to establish prevention and protection measures, with the aim of ensuring a tolerable level of risk.

Assessment of Destructive Impact of Different Factors on Concrete Structures Durability

The durability of concrete structure members is dependent on several factors that should be analyzed at each stage of the construction process. Omitting any of these factors might lead to the augmentation of harmful interactions and, as an effect, to safety hazards and the degradation of a structure or its parts. The article, based on several years of studies on exploited concrete structures, presents the effects of an incorrect analysis of selected factors resulting in the occurrence of faults significantly influencing the possibility of safe use of the objects. The described cases include, but are not limited to, the consequences of an improper assessment of building conditions after a biogas explosion in a fermentation chamber, the effect of a wood dust explosion, fire temperature and firefighting action on the prestressed girders, the stages of degradation of bearing structures supporting gas tanks exploited in an aggressive environment, and the consequences of omitting the temperature load in relation to the upper surface of a plate covering the fire pond. In each case, methods of restoration of the damaged elements were proposed, and their application to engineering practice was described. The practical aspects of the conducted research and implemented interventions were indicated.

Theoretical basis for the formation of damaging factors during the coal aerosol explosion

Purpose. Assessing the process of damaging factors formation during the coal aerosol explosion in mine workings on the basis of theoretical research of the explosion of coal dust deposits in order to substantiate promising methods of protecting miners from their impact. Methods. An integrated approach is used, which includes a critical analysis of literature data on the occurrence and development of coal aerosol explosions in mine workings; theoretical research into the state of the gaseous medium at the characteristic points of the development diagram of the coal dust deposits explosion as a result of mining operations based on the laws of classical physics and chemistry. Findings. The main aspects of the explosion mechanism of dust in a powdery state, accumulated on the surfaces along the mine working perimeter, and the formation of such negative factors as the effect of gaseous medium accelerated movement, have been revealed; high temperature formed during coal and methane detonative combustion; increased gas pressure. The revealed aspects of the dust explosion mechanism make it possible to determine the main directions for protection of miners caught in the explosion. The diagram of the development of settled coal dust explosion along the mine working with normal ventilation conditions, taking into account the influence of seismic waves, has been improved. Originality. Analytical dependences, reflecting the value of gas energy at characteristic points of the diagram, have been determined, and the dynamics of the formation of negative factors caused by the explosion have been revealed. Practical implications. Possible ways of protecting miners from the impact of negative factors caused by the coal aerosol explosion and reducing the severe consequences of such accidents are proposed.