Investigation on the Explosion Process and Chemical Activity of Pyrite Dust

The explosion process and chemical activity of pyrite dust were investigated by explosion test, thermo-gravimetric analysis and FactSage numerical simulation. Based on the results of tests and simulation of pyrite dust explosion, a numerical model was developed to reveal the explosion process. The results indicate that the explosion process is controlled by heterogeneous combustion and the volatilization of sulfur oxides leads to weight loss of pyrite dust. In addition, the explosion severity is dominated by the sulfur content, and the apparent activity energy of pyrite dust decreases with the sulfur content increasing, resulting in enhancing chemical activity and weight loss. Compared to pyrrhotite dust explosion, pyrite is less susceptible to oxidation, but pyrite dust is more explosive.