Vacuum chamber suppression of gas-explosion propagation in a tunnel

To control and reduce the harm of a gas explosion, a new method is proposed for suppressing gas-explosion propagation in a tunnel by using a vacuum chamber. We studied the suppression effect on gas explosions by placing a vacuum chamber at dif-ferent positions along the tunnel. The results indicate that: 1) the vacuum chamber can absorb the explosion wave and explosion energy as much as possible at the beginning of the gas explosion, and; 2) when the vacuum chamber is used the closer it is to the ignition source the more significant the suppression effect. In addition, by using the vacuum chamber: 1) the flame propagation velocity decreases from ultrasonic to subsonic; 2) the flame propagation distance is remarkably shortened; 3) the maximum peak value of overpressure (pm) decreases from 0.34 to 0.17 MPa or less, and; 4) the impulse of the blast wave (I) decreases from 20 to 8 kPa·s or less.

Effects of extrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure on work of breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective To investigate the effects of extrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPe) on work of breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their corresponding mechanism.Methods Ten ventilated patients with COPD were included in the study. A Bicore CP-100 pulmonary monitor (Bicore Monitoring System, USA) was used for monitoring respiratory mechanics. First, dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi,dyn) was measured when PEEPe was zero, which was called PEEPi,dynz. Then the PEEPe was set randomly at 0%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of PEEPi,dynz respectively. Pulmonary mechanics and other parameters (heart rate, blood pressure and blood gas analysis) were measured 30 minutes after the level of PEEPe was changed.Results Work of breathing patient (WOBp), pressure time product, difference of esophageal pressure and PEEPi,dyn decreased significantly when PEEPe was applied, and continued decreasing as PEEPe was increased. Work of breathing ventilator increased significantly when PEEPe was increased to 80% and 100% of PEEPi,dynz. Significantly positive linear correlation was found between the changes in WOBp and in PEEPi,dyn.Conclusions WOBp decreases gradually as PEEPe is increased. WOBp decreases by narrowing the difference between the alveolus pressure and the central airway pressure at the end of expiration when PEEPe is applied.

Investigation of a semi-empirical load model of natural gas explosion in vented spaces

Due to the influence of many factors,the overpressure-time history load model of vented gas explosions is difficult to describe and is not conducive to further structural design.Based on vented gas explosion test data,this paper obtains three typical overpressure-time history curves and puts forward a new semi-empirical model-double hump model that considers gas concentration and venting pressure,and gives a formula for peak pressure and overpressure-time history model.The scientificity of the model is then verified by the total impulse in the load.The model is able directly reflect the load characteristics,provide reference for calculating key parameters of a vented gas explosion and provide information on the structural response under the load.The model thereby has the potential to help reduce the impact of gas explosion disasters.