Experimental research on the synergy effect of resistance/inhibition on the syngas explosion

•Synergy effect of resistance/inhibition on syngas explosion protection was analyzed.•Relationship between explosion parameters under success and failure was discussed.•Effect and mechanism of spray pressure and nozzle type on explosion were clarified.•Effects of operating parameters on flame temperature of both ends was researched.•Effective suggestion was proposed based on this research for practical application. This experimental research focused on the combined effect of wire mesh and spray mist on the syngas explosion. The difference between flame propagation and pressure rise under success and failure conditions was analyzed, and the influence rule and mechanism of spray condition were determined. Results indicate that the synergistic effect was related to the spray condition and was affected by mist parameters. Nozzle type and spray pressure could change the mist parameters, thus affecting the inhibition effect of mist on explosion. Compared with failure condition, the pressure history of lower end only presented an acceleration process under success condition, and the pressures at both ends were evidently decreased. As the nozzle type increased, the mist parameter was increased. Flame propagation velocity and explosion intensity of upper end were reduced. Especially, the dwell time of flame inside the wire mesh was prolonged. As the spray pressure increased, the comprehensive effect of changes in mist parameters resulted in a change process of failure - success - failure. The velocity history and explosion intensity showed a trend of decreasing first and then increasing. Temperature history also exhibited the same variation regular. Apart from the energy weakening and wall effect of wire mesh on flame and compression wave, the flame front would form four structures affected by water mist: the laminar flame, small-scale weakly turbulent flame, large-scale weakly turbulent flame, and large-scale strong turbulent flame after contacting with mist. The change of mist parameters could cause varying degrees of disturbance and pulsation intensities on flame front, thereby affecting the physical and chemical effects of mist on flame. The inhibitory effect of wire mesh could be enhanced on the syngas explosion after adding mist, and was affect by the comprehensive effect of mist parameters.