Papers by Author: P.L. Metropolo

Abstract: Heat radiation source in ceramic furnaces can be either electric or with combustible, such as LPG or natural gas (NLG). Recently, due to electric shortage and costs, natural gas turned up to be a better alternative to provide heat source to furnaces. Paper presents a study on risk analysis of the use of natural gas in burners of ceramic furnaces. Safety concern to identify hazard causes and consequences was performed, people vulnerability was also studied. Prevention and protection analysis was elaborated by PHA (Preliminary Hazard Assessment) technique. After hazard identification, explosion shock wave consequences as well as people and or material vulnerabilities were performed with the TNO method. Natural gas leakage followed by fire jet and CVE – confined vapour cloud explosion calculations and its effects to the people and facility materials were also provided. Finally, safety measures to prevent and or protect equipment and furnace operators were proposed.

Abstract: Explosion study in an iron powder reduction furnace was performed. Pressurized gaseous hydrogen was used as reductive atmosphere to convert iron powder in the interior of the furnace. Hydrogen was fed to the pre-chamber of the iron powder reduction furnace. The furnace was located inside a brick building. Explosion potential causes were determined by the fault tree technique. The impact effects to people, environment and materials were also analyzed by using Chem-Plus software. The consequences and vulnerability analyzes were performed considering a confined explosion inside the furnace pre-chamber, resulting from formation of a hydrogen cloud within the H2 explosion limits. The vent area criteria recommended by NFPA 68 to confined spaces were employed to the reduction furnace and to the vulnerability calculations; probit equations of the Eisenberg model were used. As results, safety measures to enhance safety on the reduction of iron powder operation inside the furnace installation were recommended.