Investigation on the Inhibition of Aluminum Dust Explosion by Sodium Bicarbonate and Its Solid Product Sodium Carbonate

[Image: see text] To characterize the inhibiting effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) on aluminum dust, the inhibiting capacities of NaHCO(3) and its solid product sodium carbonate (Na(2)CO(3)) on the explosions of 10 and 20 μm aluminum dusts were studied using a standard 20 L spherical chamber. Explosion parameters were analyzed based on the induction period and explosion stage to evaluate the inhibiting effects. The results show that the induction period of 10 μm aluminum dust explosion is 18.2 ms, which is shorter than that of 20 μm aluminum dust. Two aluminum dust explosions can be completely inhibited during the induction period when inert ratios of NaHCO(3) are 350 and 150%, respectively, but that is not observed after adding the corresponding amount of Na(2)CO(3). When the inert ratio ranges from 0 to 150%, the physical effect of NaHCO(3) on 10 μm aluminum is poor and the chemical effect is the essential process. But as the inert ratio increased from 200% to 350%, the physical effect of NaHCO(3) is higher than the chemical effect, suggesting that the physical effect is the key factor. With the increase of NaHCO(3), the physical effect increases gradually. However, the chemical effect changes little. The physical effects of NaHCO(3) including heat absorption and isolation play an essential role in the inhibiting process, which has a significant impact on the pyrolysis process and explosion parameters. The results of the present work provide guidance for the prevention and control of aluminum dust explosions.