Xiaotong Wang

Bio: Xiaotong Wang is an academic researcher from Wuhan University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Combustion & Adiabatic flame temperature. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 8 publications receiving 43 citations. Previous affiliations of Xiaotong Wang include China University of Mining and Technology.

Effect of metal mesh on the flame propagation characteristics of wheat starch dust

Abstract: A self-designed vertical dust combustion pipeline platform was used to study the explosion of wheat starch dust along with the different characteristic parameters of metal meshes and to highlight the influence of the metal mesh on the flame propagation of wheat starch dust. The temperature and pressure of flames were measured using a micro-thermocouple and pressure sensors, and spontaneous images of flames under different working conditions were captured by a high-speed photography system. It was observed that the metal meshes damaged the structural characteristics of flame propagation and the flame front surfaces, which led to the distortion and prevention of flame spread. This blocking effect increased with an increase in the number of metal meshes and layers. When the metal mesh had a smaller aperture, there was an increased suppression of the flame propagation. The presence of metal meshes in flame propagation also quenched a large portion of the flame, with the decrease in flame temperature being large and inversely proportional to the number of meshes and layers. The metal mesh also moderately inhibited the propagation of the combustion pressure wave. The inhibitory effect on pressure wave propagation was more evident and the combustion pressure decreased with an increase in the number of metal meshes and layers.

Effect of Obstacles on Flame Propagation Characteristics of Corn Starch Dust

Abstract: The combustible and explosive characteristics of corn starch dust pose a significant safety risk in its production and processing. To reveal the influence of obstacle opening sizes on the f...

Modelling the effect of particle size on dust explosion

Abstract: The recent concept of inherent safety uses the properties of a material or process to eliminate or reduce the risk thus removing or minimizing the hazard at the source as opposed to accept the hazard and looking to mitigate the effects. In this framework the control of particle size in dust explosion prevention and mitigation is recognized as a major inherent safety methodology. Indeed, the increase of particle size may allow significant reduction of particle reaction rate eventually reducing the risk. In this paper a novel model is developed to quantify the effect of particle size on dust reactivity in an explosion phenomenon. The model takes into account all of the steps involved in a dust explosion: internal and external heating, devolatilization reaction and volatiles combustion. Varying the dust size can establish different regimes depending on the values of the characteristic time of each step and of several dimensionless numbers (Damkohler number, Da; Biot number, Bi; thermal Thiele number, Th). Results from the model are reported in terms of the deflagration index (KSt) as a function of dust diameter in all regimes and at varying Da, Th and Bi. Comparison with experimental data from polyethylene explosion tests shows promising results. Finally, the results of the model are presented in the form of a dust explosion regime diagram, which is helpful to make a draft evaluation of the role of dust size on explosion behavior and severity.