Analysis of fire and explosion hazards of some hydrocarbon-air mixtures

Hazards caused by leakage of hydrocarbons have long been a problem. In this paper, the critical initiation energy and explosion limits of some hydroca rbon-air mixtures have been measured in confined (rectangle shock tube) and unconfined (plastic bag) condition tests. Two dimensionless parameters are suggested to compare the fire and explosion hazards of different hydrocarb ons. Additionally, a series of experiments was performed to determine the i nfluence of chemical additives on the fire and explosion hazards of some hy drocarbon-air mixtures in confined (rectangle shock tube) tests. These resu lts relate directly to flammability and reactivity of hydrocarbon air mixtu res. Such measurements are very important for hydrocarbon safety. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.