Explosion Severity Testing

K_St and P_max are considered two of the most important parameters to characterize dust material combustibility. K_St provides insight into the rate of pressure increase during a dust explosion event. P_max provides insight into the maximum achievable pressure generated during a dust explosion event. The results of this test can be used to design deflagration containment, venting and suppression systems. These values are applicable to the design of protective measures, such as deflagration venting per NFPA 68, VDI Method 3673 or ISO Method 6184.

Instrument

20-L Sphere Apparatus, manufactured by Kühner AG of Switzerland

Applicable Standard

ASTM E 1226 Standard Test Method for Explosibility of Dust Clouds. The methods of this standard can be used to determine if a dispersed dust cloud is "explosible" and, if so, to what degree it is explosible, i.e., its "explosibility".

Sample Results

Sample Requirements

Approximately 750g of material is required.

Sample Preparation

ASTM recommends that dust samples tested be made up of at least 95% minus 200 mesh size particles and less than 5% moisture content. However, "as-received" testing of samples is allowed. The decision on sample preparation should be based on how the data is to be used. If you are unsure which sample size/dryness level is appropriate for your application, call us at 1-844-ioKinetic to discuss further.