Electrostatic charging and a two-phase flow of solid particles-hazards and their assessment

It is noted that there exists a close interconnection between the charging of particulates in pneumatic transport and the parameters of the flow (velocity, mass flow rate, turbulence, etc.). During transport operations with dusts and powders and when these are stored in silos, vessels, etc. strong electric fields are established and can lead to electrostatic discharges which, in turn, can cause fires and/or explosions. The existing safety criteria have been developed on the basis of a static analysis, using the equations of electric field theory and fluid flow. An attempt is made at obtaining dynamic criteria, which are based on an analysis in which the parameters of the flow and the electric charge of solid particles undergoing pneumatic transport are time-dependent and random variables.<>