BAM Test Site Technical Safety

Silo for dust explosion testing

The silo is used for research on vented dust explosions. The tests in particular are focussed on the influence of turbulence on the venting processes.

Full-scale test results are needed to validate numeric simulation models for dust explosions in vented enclosures. Appropriate investigations can be performed in this silo.

The silo consists of several cylindrical parts flanged with one another, which enables tests to be made using different container volumes and geometry and different length-to-diameter ratios (L/D). The product can be discharged through a cone at the silo base.

The silo can be filled using a pneumatic conveying system. The product is fed through a feed vessel and a rotary valve. In addition, there is a choice of injecting dust from pressurised vessels over several nozzles into the silo. Vertical and horizontal venting openings are available for venting in the topmost segment.

The silo can also be used for testing explosion protection equipment, e.g. explosion venting devices.

Test procedure

Combustible dust is provided in the receive vessel and conveyed via a rotary valve into the silo. After establishing steady-state conditions, the mixture in the silo is ignited. During the explosion, turbulence and flame propagation are recorded at distinct locations in addition to the pressure-time-curve of the explosion. The dust concentration in the silo can be increased by supplying dust from dust-filled pressurised vessels suitably attached to the silo.

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