Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 29 Number 6 (2025): 1051

 

Research Article

 

Influence of particle size and dust concentration on polymer dust explosions

 

Keh Ivan, Aainaa Izyan Nafsun*, Muhammad Syahrul Ridhzuan Mazilan, and Siti Zubaidah Sulaiman

 

Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Lebuh Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, 26300 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

 

*Corresponding author: izyan@umpsa.edu.my

 

Received: 11 January 2024; Revised: 10 December 2024; Accepted: 30 November 2025; Published: 28 December 2025

 

Abstract

A dust explosion is caused by finely divided combustible particles suspended in a sufficiently oxidised atmosphere, combined with an ignition source that triggers a combustion reaction. It is a frequent hazard in many industrial sectors with imminent potential for catastrophic consequences, including the loss of human lives and valuable properties. A number of studies have been done in the past on the factors influencing the explosions, but these studies were limited to a narrow range of combustible dust. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the effects of particle size and dust concentration towards the severity of polyethylene (PE), melamine resin (MR) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dust explosions. Initially, the chemical compositions (e.g., moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon compositions) of all three polymer dusts were identified using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Then, dust samples of different particle sizes (125 μm, 160 μm, 180 μm, 250 μm) and concentrations (250 g/m3, 500 g/m3, 750 g/m3, 1000 g/m3, 1500 g/m3) were prepared by screening the samples through sieves of distinct pore sizes. The explosion phenomenon of each sample was observed in a Siwek 20L spherical vessel, where the data on explosion pressure and pressure rise were recorded. Additionally, the deflagration index (Kst) was calculated using Cubic’s Law. Finally, the obtained findings were compared in terms of explosion likelihood and severity. The results showed that the explosions for all three samples were most severe at a particle size of 160 μm and the highest possible concentration (1000 g/m3 or 1500 g/m3). All three dusts were classified under the St1 category, with PET exhibiting the most severe explosive effects. This finding is essential since it provides information that can be used to reduce the frequency of dust explosions and control the risk associated with combustible dust. This is especially important when conducting industrial risk assessments and proposing safety precautions.

 

Keywords: Dust explosion, polymer, particle size, concentration, explosion severity

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