scope:

Introduction

Inerting is one measure for the preventive explosion protection. The prerequisite for its appHcation is a closed and sufficiently tight apparatus.

By introducing inert gas into the space which needs protection from dust explosion (e.g., the interior of vessels, silos, mills) the oxygen content is reduced until no explosion can occur. The complete displacement of oxygen is only required in rare occasions.

Inerting which is sufficient to prevent a dust explosion is not a protective measure to prevent fires, autoignition, exothermic reactions or a deflagration (see Guideline VDI 2263 Part 1 [5], Section 1.6) of a dust layer.

In special cases, admixing of an inert dust to a combustible dust may prevent an explosible dust/air mixture.

The Guideline at hand is only valid for such processes which use inerting as a preventive measure to avoid dust explosions. The use of inert gas during fire fighting to reduce the risk of an explosion or whüe emptying a silo are governed by different conditions [1 to 3].