EXPLOSIONS FDY 493 Jim Cleary
EXPLOSIONS Overview: What is an explosion? What can fuel an explosion? Explosion effects Protection from explosions Case studies
EXPLOSIONS What is an explosion? Rapid combustion in a confined space Requires fuel, oxidizer and ignition source Rapid combustion causes container to rupture
EXPLOSIONS What can fuel an explosion? Flammable liquid vapours Chemical explosives Flammable gases
EXPLOSIONS Explosion effects Fireball Ignition of nearby combustibles Pressure wave Damage to building and equipment Injuries or fatalities Shrapnel Same as for pressure wave
EXPLOSIONS Protection from explosions Explosion venting – most common Must be done in accordance with NFPA 68 Explosion suppression Very expensive
EXPLOSIONS Protection from explosions Containment Requires very strong vessels Inerting Common for chemical reactor protection
EXPLOSIONS Case studies Pepcon Oppau Texas City Port Chicago Halifax
EXPLOSIONS Class work: Research the case studies noted above Wikipedia has fairly good articles on all of them Review the requirements of Chapter 5 of NFPA 68 Note well the formula for calculating how much explosion vent area is required NFPA 68 is available electronically in MySeneca from the library Do the self-test located in MySeneca
EXPLOSIONS Discussion I’ll be available to do an online chat to discuss the material on the web page and in this presentation Go to MySeneca, then Communication, then Collaboration, then April 25 Virtual Classroom (click ‘join’).