Dust Explosion Severity (KST)
The dust explosion severity test is performed to determine the degree of “explosibility’’ of a dust cloud characterized by the dust explosibility parameters, maximum explosion pressure, Pmax; maximum rate of pressure rise, (dP/dt) max; and explosibility index, Kst, under specified operating conditions. Kst is the rate of pressure increase during a dust explosion event. Pmax provides insight into the maximum achievable pressure generated during a dust explosion event.
Minimum Explosible Concentration (MEC)
The minimum explosible concentration (MEC) is conducted to determine the minimum concentration of dust-air mixture that will propagate a deflagration in a closed system such as 20L Sphere.
It is the lowest concentration of combustible dust in the air that is capable of producing a dust explosion if ignited. It represents the lower limit at which a dust-air mixture becomes capable of sustaining combustion or explosion.
Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC)
The Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC) for combustible dust refers to the minimum oxygen level in the air at which a dust explosion or combustion involving the dust cannot be sustained, even in the presence of an ignition source or sufficient fuel. It represents the lower boundary below which the dust-air mixture is unable to support combustion or explosion.
Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE)
The minimum ignition energy is the lowest voltage spark that is capable of igniting a dust cloud at its most easily ignitable concentration in air. A capacitive generated spark is used in place of processing plant sparks such as propagating brush discharges, brushes and mechanical and electrical sparks.
Minimum Autoignition Temperature (MAIT)
The Minimum Autoignition Temperature (MAIT) of a dust cloud stands as a pivotal parameter in assessing the propensity for spontaneous combustion within environments where airborne combustible dust particles are prevalent. This temperature represents the lowest threshold at which a dust-air mixture, suspended in the atmosphere, can ignite spontaneously without the need for an external ignition source. The test is used to assess the maximum operating temperature for electrical and non-electrical equipment used in areas where test material is present.
Layer Ignition Temperature of Dust (LIT)
The Layer of Ignition Temperature or the Minimum Ignition Temperature of a dust layer is the lowest temperature at which the dust layer is capable of autoigniting on a hot surface. The test is used to assess the maximum operating temperature for electrical and non-electrical equipment used in areas where test material is present.
