Fire and Explosion Suppression Performance of Luffa Sponge in Premixed Methane/Air Gas

Based on the fire and explosion-proof mechanisms of porous materials, pipeline explosion system, pressure sensor, high-speed camera and other equipment were used to study the suppression effects of natural luffa sponge (different filling positions: 1.9 and 4.4 m from the ignition location; different filling lengths: 5, 8 and 10 cm) on the explosion pressure and flame propagation in premixed methane/air gas with methane concentration of 9.5% by volume. The experimental results show that: under different conditions, luffa sponge has inhibitory effect on the explosion pressure and flame propagation. Meanwhile, it has the obstruction pressure effect. When the luffa was filled at a distance of 1.9 m from the ignition location, its inhibition effects on the explosion pressure and flame propagation rate are better than those of filling position at 4.4 m. When the filling position of luffa is constant, the filling length exerts significant influence on the explosion pressure and flame propagation rate. When the material was filled at a distance of 1.9 m from the initial detonation point, the flame propagation was completely blocked by the three lengths of loofah, and the material with the filling length of 10 cm has the best explosion suppression effect. Compared with unfilled condition, its maximum explosion pressure and maximum explosion pressure rising rate decrease by 73.90% and 71.72%, respectively.