Direct ignition tests with brush discharges

To study the ignition behaviour of brush discharges, a new experimental approach was chosen. In a clear and easy manner it was possible to demonstrate the incendivity of brush discharges for flammable gases (what was already well known in the past) and the nonincendivity for powders, even in case of very low minimum ignition energies (MIE). Based on the investigations performed, it could be demonstrated, that the influence of the dust on the electric field and thus on the course of the brush discharge as well as the different wave form (power density) of the brush discharge compared with a spark discharge are responsible for the non-ignition of powders by brush discharges. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.