Finding a way through the “misty” evaluation of the flammability and explosivity of kerosene aerosols

• JetA1 mist flammability and explosivity are assessed in a confined explosion vessel. Influence of initial conditions on sensitivity severity is studied. mists with small droplet size have higher rate pressure rise. The MIE may be lower than that vapors at low temperatures. vapor/liquid ratio key parameter its severity. In the context assessing hydrocarbon ignition severity, an original test method proposed, focusing kerosene but applicable to other hydrocarbons. Experiments were carried out modified apparatus based 20L sphere. Fine control gas/liquid flow rates, concentration, energy duration, was ensured by specifically customized system guaranteeing flexibility compliance apparatus. distribution (DSD) level turbulence cloud first determined in-situ laser diffraction sensor Particle Image Velocimetry, respectively. explosive limit (LEL), minimum (MIE), limiting oxygen concentration (LOC), maximum overpressure (P max ), rise (dP/dt ) then for different concentrations, ambient temperatures, levels, energies, DSD. Tests showed LEL average diameter 8 µm around 94 g/m 3 , value which increases 220 increasing This also tends decrease considerably Moreover, 125 P dP/dt as high 6 bar 192 bar/s respectively reached, latter about 480 T = 60 °C. These shown ignitable using energies 200 mJ, 15.8 % v/v . potential presence should therefore element requires reconsidering classification hazardous areas. Finally, stress influence vapor-liquid present before combustion kinetics, evaporation model d 2 -law developed estimating time vapor quantity temperatures or diameters. Findings well coherent allowing proposition new technique determining safety criteria. results can ignite below liquid’s flashpoint under varying levels distributions.