Ignition likelihood

If it is assumed that explosible dust will be present above the MEC, and equipment design data are not required, explosibility testing forP g, and Kg usually has no direct application. However, minimum ignition energy (MIE) testing should be considered to help determine the likelihood of ignition. Since MIE is extremely sensitive to particle size it is especially important to test a sample that is sufficiently fine to represent the worst credible case. 

Ignition sources in the cupboard and duct system should be avoided. Plastic fans, electrical sockets external to the cupboard, and explosion-proof light fittings reduce the likelihood of ignitions. 

Figure 5. The capacitive discharge. Sometimes series resistance slows the discharge, increasing or decreasing the likelihood of a dust ignition.

The prospect of successfully estimating the likelihood of spontaneous ignition depends on our ability to know 8C for our configuration and heating condition, and the bulk kinetic... 

Fundamentally all 13 kinds of ignition sources mentioned and also described in detail in EN 1127-1 must be considered. In EN 1127-1, the descriptions refer to both the ignition mechanisms of the different kinds of ignition source and the necessary scope of protection (material- and zone-dependent). The ignition sources should be classified according to the likelihood of their occurrence in the following manner ... 

The approach used in an FHA is to assume ignition of releases. In reality, not all releases result in afire. The likelihood of ignition can be addressed in the quantitative risk assessment process. However, in an FHA it is important to identify if ignition sources are present for the fire scenarios to occur. In some instances, fire scenarios can be eliminated from analysis because of the lack of a credible ignition source. 

It is known that much of the antimony is vaporized during burning30 or char formation.28 The ignition behavior of polyester resins inhibited by antimony halogen systems has been considered to indicate the likelihood of gas-phase inhibition.23-24... 

Of course, there are no electrical switches or an ignition source in the closed sterilizer-heat exchanger system. Even the presence of high amounts of moisture both in the product from the preconditioning rooms and from the humidity injection system would reduce the likelihood of an explosion by absorbing the EtO into the moisture and by eliminating the cause of static charges. 

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