Explosion properties of aerosol/air mixtures

Combustion hazards associated with liquid fuels are often categorized in terms of the fuel’s flashpoint. However, in hazard scenarios where high-flashpoint fuel is released under pressure, jet breakup and aerosol formation will result. In these cases, this simplistic method of combustion hazard classification may be not sufficient and then alternative approaches are required. As for gases and dusts a classification of aerosols hazard may be obtained by evaluating the thermo-kinetic parameters such as the maximum overpressure attained during an explosion (Pmax), the deflagration index (here defined as Kae) and the laminar burning velocity (Sl). To this aim we developed a model for the calculation of the thermo-kinetic parameters by assuming that the main mechanism controlling aerosol explosion is the combustion of vapor/air mixture. We described the vapor combustion by using a detailed reaction mechanism. The comparison of model results with experimental data reported in literature for jet fuels and kerosene showed a quite good agreement.