US EPA

5097399 

Journal Article 

Suppressants for the Control of Industrial Explosions 

Moore, PE 

1996 

Yes 

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries
ISSN: 0950-4230 

9 

1 

119-123 

10.1016/0950-4230(95)00045-3 

WOS:A1996UB29200012 

The use of explosion suppression systems for control of industrial gas or dust explosions was reviewed. Such systems have been employed since the early 1950s. These early systems were based on the use of proprietary halons as explosion suppressants. With the phase out of the use of halons, research has focused on identifying environmentally friendly suppressant agents. Both water and dry powders have proven to be effective against dust and gas explosions. Dry powders have been demonstrated to be superior to both water and halons in explosion suppression. The most widely used powder explosion suppressant has been Furex-770, a proprietary monoammonium-phosphate, although recently industries have moved toward the use of a water soluble and food grade compatible sodium-bicarbonate (144558) based powder suppressant, Dessikarb. For explosion suppression in occupied spaces, a use not suitable for dry chemical suppressants, the addition of other halocarbons and additives to water has been shown to be more effective than water alone. Superheated water has also been postulated to be a more effective suppressant than water alone; however, several practical limitations have essentially ruled out its use for industrial safety. Current data indicate that the use of dry chemical suppressants plus inerting with halocarbon post explosion is applicable for all but the lower intensity explosion hazards. 

explosion suppressants; fire-extinguishing agents; gas dust explosions