Analysis of causes of combustible mixture explosions inside production floor areas

¹ Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, 129337, Moscow, Yaroslavskoye shosse, 26, Russia
² NPO PULS, 107014, Moscow, Rusakovskaya street, 28, Russia

^* Corresponding author: lyapin@mgsu.ru

Abstract

The work provides a cause analysis for major industrial explosions and a review of the causes of combustive air-gas mixture generation in a production environment. It has been established that during operation of explosive production facilities, it is process equipment that, as a rule, creates explosive environment inside the floor area. A qualitative method for determination of a potential accident has been reviewed. Analysis of the nature of explosion effect on building structures and equipment has shown that exposions characterised by absence of equipment and building structure disintegration normally have a localized character. It has been identified that during explosions inside process equipment, the largest structural damage occurs in spots hit by equipment debris. Complete destruction of building structures and equipment is caused by explosions inside equipment containing large quantities of combustible products. It has been identified that most explosions are accompanied by partial or total destruction of building structures and equipment. Therefore, measures taken to protect equipment and buildings from explosion effects lack efficiency.