Using electrostatic modelling to study cone discharges

[摘要] Cone discharges, also known as bulking brush discharges, can arise when charged insulating powder accumulates in a heap in silos. They can be an effective ignition source to relatively ignition sensitive powders and therefore represent a possible electrostatic hazard. The current international guidance on control of electrostatic hazards (IEC/TS 60079-32-1 [1]), endorses the usage of electrostatic modelling to estimate the electric field above the powder heap. "Such model calculations should be based on the charge to mass ratio, bulk density and filling rate of the powder, the relative permittivity and resistivity of the bulked powder as well as the silo geometry." This study shows a practical demonstration of this modelling technique. It also examines whether the shape of the heap affects the strength of the electric field above the powder heap, and thus the likelihood of cone discharges from occurring.

[发布机构] Chilworth Technology Ltd, Beta House, Southampton Science Park, Southampton; SO16 7NS, United Kingdom^1

[效力级别] 数学

[关键词] Brush discharges;Charge-to-mass ratios;Electrostatic hazards;Electrostatic modelling;Ignition source;Model calculations;Modelling techniques;Relative permittivity