Results
Research results show that even at temperatures well below
the flash point, high pressures can create hazardous leaks through
formation of aerosols. Consistent with a decrease in surface tension
and viscosity, aerosol drop sizes are smaller at higher temperatures.
At higher pressures there are greater shearing forces and more effective
stream breakup, and the formation of smaller particles are observed.
At most conditions studied, significant amounts of aerosol do not
form until 200 - 250 mm (- 8 -10") from the orifice. So, for
pressures below 500 psig and temperatures below the flash points,
one suggestion for safety precautions may be to design and place
shields to prevent the dispersion of aerosols within 200 mm of potential
leaks.
|
|
