Effects of inert particulate additives on ignition and flame propagation in dust–air mixtures

Non-combustible solid materials play a major role as inerting agents in explosion prevention. While the importance and application of these materials are well understood, there is still a lack of information about the actual mechanisms responsible for explosion suppression. Especially, the role of inert materials with a large specific surface area and the influence of the moisture content of inert materials have not been sufficiently investigated. In this work, an experimental and computational study of the effects of inert materials on ignition and flame propagation in lycopodium-air mixtures is undertaken. The influence of a large specific surface area is studied by using Clinoptilolith as an inert material.