Explosion protection for the POWER & ENERGY industry
Preventing Explosions in the Energy Industry
Power plants processing coal and biomass are more accident-prone by an increased risk of explosion. During the production of energy, both thermal and electrical, explosive dust concentrations can occur in the production process. Ideal conditions created in closed space, such as the presence of an ignition source, the optimal concentration of combustible dust, and oxidizing agents, will initiate the explosion. Which endangers human health and lives and poses a high risk of destructive damage to property.
Potential places of explosive dust concentrations are external and internal coaling areas of heating plants or power plants. When transporting coal from a coal dump to other parts of the production process, explosive mixtures may form. Coal travels through coal roads, sorters, cyclones, mills, and tanks to the boiler. A combustible mixture of coal powder and air can form everywhere, and there is a high risk of a devastating explosion.
A similar risk also arises in heating plants and biomass power plants. Biofuels require the drying of larger organic particles, which are later crushed into lighter particles. Also, in this situation, an explosive mixture of dust particles and air can form and become dangerous.
RISKS OF EXPLOSION IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY
The influence parameters for the formation of an explosive mixture are the humidity of the coal product, its temperature, the oxygen content in the carrier medium, and the grain size. In general, we can say that if the moisture content of the coal is low, the temperature of the carrier medium is higher and the grain size of the coal is smaller, the risk for the explosion to occur is higher. Therefore, it is necessary to pay increased attention to these technologies during design and operation. When burning a mixture of coal and biomass (straw, husks, wood pulp, etc.), the minimum ignition temperature of this mixture must also be taken into account.
COMBINATION OF ELEMENTS LEADING TO IGNITION AND EXPLOSION
Ignition and subsequent explosion occur if the following conditions are met at the same time in the same space:
Preventing Explosions in the Energy Industry
At present, it is technologically possible to identify all imminent risks in advance. The obligation to apply appropriate preventive measures is imposed by the ATEX 153 directive, which achieves the protection of human lives and production technology from the devastating consequences of an explosion.
EXPLOSION PROTECTION METHODS
BENEFITS OF EXPLOSION PROTECTION
RISKS OF CHAIN EXPLOSIONS
Operating with combustible materials in power plants creates significant explosion risks. One explosion can trigger multiple secondary blasts as shockwaves and heat spread to nearby fuel sources, pressure vessels, and volatile chemicals. These chain reaction explosions often devastate entire facilities, potentially leading to loss of life, destruction of critical infrastructure, and long-term disruption of power supply to communities.
