Inerting of fine metallic powders

Minimum explosible concentration (MEG) tests were carried out on mixtures of 50:50 Al-Mg dust, Al dust, and 70:30 Mg-Ca dust. MgO dust was added to these mixtures as an inertant. The results indicate that between 70 and 75% fine MgO dust is required to completely inert the 50:50 Al-Mg dust, which is in the same range as the levels of rock dust needed for coal dust inerting. Use of a coarser MgO dust raises the quantity of MgO required to inert. Minimum oxygen concentration tests on the 50:50 Al-Mg dust with added MgO correlated with the MEC results. Preparation of inert/metal dust mixtures is a novel method of decreasing the explosion hazard in manufacturing, transportation and for the end-user.