Application of Factorial Analysis to the Study of Vented Dust Explosions in Large Biomass Storage Silos

Dust explosions are a major concern in many industrial facilities and particularly storage areas of biomass materials. Although venting standards (EN 14491 NFPA 68) provide satisfactory safety levels for most applications, they present some limitations there exist situations that do not contemplate. Vented dust 4500 m3 silo the wood pellets were simulated by computational fluid dynamics. Maximum overpressures registered compared. The influence several parameters including initial turbulence level, concentration, ignition location, vent area was studied. A factorial analysis carried out to determine importance each four parameters, along with possible interactions between them. results showed great variations different scenarios simulated. Vent area, concentration similar effects on overpressure (around 25%), while had half this effect (13%). One interaction eleven identified as relevant specific scenario: combination location turbulence, an additional 5% overpressure. applied study could be interest risk assessment facilities.