ABSTRACT
In the presentation for explosion development in a vented vessel, a simplified model assuming a flat flame in a cylinder was used. A number of agencies such as the National Academy of Science and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have been reviewing, evaluating and investigating grain elevator explosions to determine their causes and means for prevention. This chapter shows that provision of equivalent vent ratios in structures of different volumes will limit the explosion pressure to the same value; several factors favor the use of smaller volume. The simplest and best way to minimize the chance and extent of explosion is by good housekeeping. The prevention of dust accumulations, control of spillage and leakage of dust from equipment are obvious means to eliminate the fuel for an explosion. Cleanliness and removal of extraneous combustible material and solvents from work areas and equipment contribute to safety by reducing the chance and extent of explosion and minimizing contamination of the product.
