Deflagration Venting for Dust and Vapor Explosions

Deflagration Vent Opens, Reducing Overpressure and Resulting Damage 

The actual construction details of blowout panels is beyond the scope of the text. A detached blowout panel moving at high velocity can cause considerable damage. Therefore a mechanism must be provided to retain the panel during the deflagration process. Furthermore, thermal insulation of panels is also required. Construction details are available in manufacturers literature. 

Blowout panels are designed to provide the proper relief area, depending on a number of design factors. These include the explosive behavior of the dust or vapor, the maximum overpressure allowable in the structure, and the volume of the structure. Design standards are available.15 

15NFPA 68, Guide for Venting of Deflagrations (Quincy, M A National Fire Protection Association, 1998). 

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