(133b) Using a Burning Rate Model for Deflagration Vent Sizing

NFPA 68 provides simplified calculation methods for sizing deflagration vents for combustible dust explosions. These simplified methods apply to a limited set of process parameters and equipment. For applications outside those limitations, full-scale testing or a performance based approach is needed. This paper presents a methodology for using burning rate models to predict explosion behavior in enclosed vessels. Measured K_St values are used to determine an estimate of the burning rate. Once the burning rate of a material is known, application to various process parameters and equipment can be made using dynamic simulation. Predicted burning rates for several materials will be presented.