The Spontaneous Ignition of Dust Deposits – Ignition Temperature and Induction Time – [Translated]^†

Abstract

The temperature distribution in the combustible dust deposits placed in hot environments is described by a differential equation according to the thermal theory. The temperature profiles of the dust deposits at any time could be calculated at various ambient temperatures by solving the equation using the finite element method. Thus, the minimum ambient temperature for ignition, which is defined as the ignition temperature, and the induction time to ignition could be determined. With the cylindrical cork dust deposits, the resulting temperature distribution in the radial direction at any time, and the self-ignition temperature as well as the induction time to ignition, by varying the size of the deposit, agree well with the experimental data reported by Leuschke, except at extremely high ambient temperatures. Therefore, it is practicable to estimate the spontaneous ignition behavior of dust deposits by computer simulation.

^† This report was originally printed in J. Soc. Powder Technology, Japan, 23(5), 326-331 (1986) in Japanese, before being translated into English by KONA Editorial Committee with the permission of the editorial committee of the Soc. Powder Technology, Japan.