SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1987
STP28174S

Review of Coal Pulverizer Fire and Explosion Incidents

Source

Reports of 26 coal pulverizer fires and explosions are reviewed in order to elucidate causes and preventive measures. Most of the explosions occurred during pulverizer shutdowns or restarts. The most common ignition scenario involved coal dust accumulations in the mill spontaneously igniting and coming in contact with a flammable coal dust-air suspension during a mill shutdown or restart. Detection of spontaneous combustion by pulverizer outlet temperature alarms (and, to a lesser extent, carbon monoxide analyzers) has not been reliable. Improvements are needed in the detection of incipient mill fires and the effective use of inert gas purges to prevent destructive pulverizer explosions.

Author Information

Zalosh, RG
Factory Mutual Research Corp., Norwood, MA
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E27
Pages: 191–201
DOI: 10.1520/STP28174S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5019-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0957-5