Currently NFPA 68 (Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting) utilizes a system of explosion hazard classification that relies on a deflagration index; as part of this project we attempted to find a different explosion hazard parameter called the laminar burning velocity. Throughout the project, the group designed and developed a dust combustion apparatus to experimentally determine the laminar burning velocity of a cornstarch-air mixture. The apparatus consisted of an air intake, dust hopper, mixing chamber, burner tube and a vacuum exhaust system and allowed a flame (about 4 to 8 cm long) to stabilize at the burner outlet. The measured laminar burning velocity showed good agreement with data published in literature.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Schwalbenberg, Andrew P.
• Black, Kevin Matthew

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042909-132743

Advisor

• Rangwala, Ali S.

Year

• 2009

Date created

• 2009-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-02-02