Determination of flammability parameters for organic waste resulting from the processing of sunflower seeds

National Institute for Research and Development for Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion INSEMEX Petrosani, 32-34 G-ral Vasile Milea Street, Petrosani, Romania

^* Corresponding author: andrei.szollosi@insemex.ro

Abstract

Agricultural waste is found in abundance in the environment, whether it is the plant itself represented by the stem, leaf or seeds that have been peeled or other waste. By drying and crushing the residues from the plants, organic powders will be formed with a variable granulation and humidity. Through the processing of oilseeds such as sunflower seeds, significant amounts of waste from seeds result. Seed shells resulting from technological processes crumble, forming fine powders, whose granulations are different. A certain percentage will be 63μm or smaller and if those fine powders are mixed with air can form clouds with explosive properties. The purpose of this paper was to determine the minimum ignition layer and cloud temperatures. Experimental determination of flammability parameters is particularly important in order to take the proper safety measures so that accidents can be avoided.