Sub-micron level (0.1 – 1\u03bcm)<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n The specific surface area of this level of powder significantly increases, and the oxidation reaction rate accelerates. For example, 0.5 \u03bcm graphite powder can sustain combustion at 700\u2103 in an oxygen-rich environment. Its combustion rate reach 0.8g\/(cm\u00b2\u00b7s) and it releases approximately 32MJ\/kg of heat.<\/p>\n
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Nanometer level (< 100 nm)<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Nanometer graphite powder exhibits special combustion characteristics due to its extremely high surface energy. In dry air, the oxygen molecules adsorbed on the surface accumulate heat through slow oxidation. And when the temperature rises to 60\u2103, it can trigger self-ignition. Additionally, the explosion limit concentration of nanometer powder is lower, which is approximately 5 – 30g\/m\u00b3, increasing the safety risk.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Synergistic effect of oxygen concentration and environmental temperature<\/span><\/h3>\nThe influence of oxygen concentration<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n In an air environment, which oxygen concentration is 21%, the combustion of graphite powder requires a higher temperature. But in an oxygen-rich environment, which oxygen concentration is greater than 30%, the activation energy of the reaction decreases. And the ignition point can drop by 100-200\u00b0C, thereby the combustion rate is three times higher than in the air environment.<\/p>\n
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The influence of environmental temperature <\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n If the environmental temperature increases, the oxidation process will accelerate. For example, when the environmental temperature rises from 25\u2103 to 300\u2103, the oxidation rate of graphite powder increases by 10 times. This positive correlation significantly increases the combustion risk of graphite powder in high-temperature environments.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/span>Energy threshold of the ignition source<\/span><\/h3>\nThe different ignition sources have different energies, which will affect the possibility of the graphite powder burning.<\/p>\n
Static sparks<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Its energy ranges from 0.2 to 1 mJ, which can ignite micron-sized graphite powder within the explosion limit.<\/p>\n
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Cigarette ash<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Its surface temperature is 300-400\u2103, so it has insufficient energy and is unable to ignite conventional graphite powder.<\/p>\n
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Welding sparks<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Its temperature > 1000\u2103, energy > 10 mJ, so it can directly ignite graphite powder below 50\u03bcm and trigger a chain reaction.<\/p>\n
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In addition, the duration of the ignition source is also crucial: short pulse ignition requires higher energy to initiate combustion. And continuous heat sources are more likely to cause the graphite powder to reach its ignition point.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Safety Management of Graphite Powder in Industrial Practice<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span>Risk prevention and control in the production environment<\/span><\/h3>\nConcentration Control<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n You need to install a central dust removal system and local ventilation devices to keep the concentration of graphite powder in the workshop below 10g\/m\u00b3.<\/p>\n
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Ignition Source Elimination<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n This requires that open flames be strictly prohibited in the production area, and the equipment be grounded to eliminate static electricity. While you should select explosion-proof motors and lamps, and clear the surrounding dust before welding operations.<\/p>\n
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Monitoring and Early Warning<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n You need to install a dust concentration sensor and a temperature alarm device. So that they can automatically trigger an alarm while activating the ventilation and fire suppression systems.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Specifications for Storage and Transportation<\/span><\/h3>\nYou need to store the graphite powder in a well-ventilated and dry warehouse to prevent it from spontaneously igniting. When packaging, you need to use a sealed container to prevent the powder from suspending. Besides, keep at least 3 meters away from oxidants and heat sources. During transportation, you should avoid the extreme vibrations and equip a dry powder fire extinguisher to prevent dust from flying and causing a secondary explosion.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Schlussfolgerung<\/span><\/h2>\nIn conclusion, the combustion of graphite powder requires certain conditions, which requires sufficient activation energy and an appropriate supply of oxygen. So it is non-flammable under normal circumstances, but can be flammable or even self-igniting under extreme or specific conditions.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Introduction Graphite is a layered carbon-based material, which\u00a0is widely used in various fields due to its excellent properties. The flammability of its powder has been the subject of much discussion. Although it is traditionally considered non-flammable, research and cases have shown that it can catch fire under certain conditions. Structural Characteristics of Graphite powder and […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8035,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-application"],"yoast_head":"\n
Is Graphite Powder Flammable? | Jinsun Carbon<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n