Explosion Severity Testing (Kst)
Explosion Severity Testing (Kst) Services
The (maximum) rate of pressure rise generated by the expanding fireball and the maximum explosion pressure developed characterize the severity of an explosion caused by the ignition of a combustible environment in a confined location.
Dust samples of varied sizes are scattered within a 20 liter spherical enclosure and fired by chemical igniters with a total energy of 10,000 Joules (10KJ). The rate of pressure rise and maximum pressure of the resultant deflagration are both measured. The acquired data is used to compute the powder/dust material’s explosive severity index (Kst). Kst can be utilized in the design of explosion prevention systems in a plant.
The explosion severity test is carried out in line with the current edition of the ASTM E1226
Common Uses of Combustible Dust Testing
- To determine the combustibility and explosibility of a material.
- Quantifying dusts by measuring their ignition and explosion characteristics.
Advantages of Combustible Dust Testing
- The American Society for Testing and Materials has standards in place to carry out these tests.
- Proper testing can prevent operational hazards in factories.
Industrial Applications of Combustible Dust Testing
- Refineries
- Chemical factories
- Metal processing factories
- Woodworking
- Coal-fired power generation
