Tests on Suitability of the Ignition Source “Exploding Wire” for the Determination of Explosion Characteristics of Combustible Dusts in the 20-L-Sphere

Abstract

According to international standards several safety characteristics of dusts are determined in the 20-L-sphere (also known as SIWEK Chamber). Dust cloud ignition is carried out using pyrotechnical igniters. Due to various disadvantages of such igniters the need for alternative ignition sources arises again and again. An alternative ignition source could be the so called “exploding wire” or “fuse wire". The paper presents test results of a comparative study between both ignition sources for the determination of the safety characteristics Maximum Explosion Pressure and Maximum Explosion Pressure Rise of five selected dusts in the 20-L-sphere. In addition to that the ignition mechanisms of both ignition sources were analysed by high speed camera recordings and the ignition energy was determined with electric and calorimetric recordings.