The mass loading monitor—fundamental principles and proof of concept

The operating principle, and proof-of-concept data, for a physical device (the mass loading monitor) to alert plant operators when airborne dust approaches the minimum explosive concentration (MEC) level are presented. The MEC, stated as g m−3, is dependent upon the material and environmental factors. Values as low as 30 g m−3 must be evaluated. The measurement strategy, a temporal integration of the piston face pressure as the air-plus-dust charge is impulsively expelled from a cylinder compared with the same integral for an air-only sample, is shown to yield the mass loading (xx g m−3) of the airborne dust. This measurement strategy is demonstrated using a dedicated test apparatus. This demonstration establishes the proof of concept.