ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a general approach to the subject of venting. It focuses on explosion development in a vented vessel with unrestricted vents. Although precise calculation of the venting area required limiting explosion pressure to a predetermined value in a vessel or building is difficult, a number of the factors affecting venting are considered. Some of these factors are: the vent area, reactivity of dust, vessel size, strength and location of igniting source, turbulence and the flow of gases through the vent. Before developing the equations for pressure development in a vented vessel, it is helpful to examine how the flame develops in the vented vessel. Comparable equations will be developed for closed and vented vessels to illustrate flame and pressure development, as well as the effects of location of the ignition source. An isothermal system is considered to keep the equations as simple as possible.
