Inhibition of the reaction between aluminium dust and water based on the HIM

Abstract

Aluminium dust can react with water to produce hydrogen. The existence of hydrogen can bring about the risk of fire or explosive accidents in wet dust removal systems. A hydrogen fire or an explosion accident can lead to property damage and casualties in factories. Through a hydrogen inhibition experiment using CrK(SO₄)₂·12H₂O solution, the Hydrogen Inhibition Method (HIM) was proposed. The aluminium particles before and after the reaction were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Al(OH)₃ and Cr(OH)₃ were generated and covered the surface of the aluminium particles, thus preventing contact between the aluminium core and water. Based on the shrinking core model, the physicochemical mechanism of the reaction was clarified. The HIM is low cost and can effectively inhibit hydrogen production. The HIM can be used in wet dust removal systems for the treatment of aluminium dust to reduce the risk of hydrogen fire or explosion-accidents.