Large-scale Experimental System for Multiphase Fuel/Air Explosions

A large-scale experimental system for multiphase combustion and explosion study was developed and manufactured.The explosion tank consists of a 2 m diameter,3.5 m long tube and ellipsoidal domes on both ends.The volume of the experimental tank is 10 m3.Pressure histories of the explosion pressure can be measured at different locations in the tank.High pressure glass windows of 200～300 mm were used to have access to the visualization of the explosion process.The explosion process of methane/air mixture and methane/coal dust/air mixture initiated by a 40 J electric spark at the center of the tank was studied in the large-scale experimental system.Five pressure sensors were arranged in the tank with different distances from the ignition point.Ten dust dispersion units were equipped to eject dust into the tank.A high-speed camera system was used to visualize the flame propagation during the explosion process.The characteristics of the pressure wave and flame propagated in methane/air mixtures and methane/coal dust/air mixtures have been studied and analyzed.