EFFECT OF ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION ON SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION OF PYROPHORIC DEPOSITS FORMED IN TANKS WITH SULFUROUS OIL

The theoretical and experimental analysis of the causes of formation and spontaneous combustion of pyrophoric deposits in process equipment with sulfurous oil. With the differential thermal and gravimetric analysis methods it was found possible to except exothermic processes in pyrophoric deposits under a nitrogen atmosphere. According to the temperature-time curves induction period of spontaneous combustion is defined. When the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere of less than 10 % vol. a sharp increase in the induction period of spontaneous combustion. At concentrations above 15 % vol. it remains almost constant. Experimental set the oxygen concentration of 7 % vol., at which autoignition of pyrophoric deposition becomes impossible. It has been proposed to ensure the fire and explosion safety of sulfurous oil tanks from self-combustion of pyrophoric deposits through elimination of oxygen from the over-oil space by blowing into the nitrogen atmosphere.