NIOSH Mining Major Equipment

Large Spherical Explosion Chamber

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The Large Spherical Explosion Chamber is used to study the explosion hazards of gases and to measure the toxic fumes and residue produced from the detonation of solid explosives used in the mining industry. It has a diameter of 12 feet and a volume of 905 cubic feet or 25 1/2 cubic meters. It can be used to measure the explosion pressures and flammability limits (upward and downward propagation) of gases. Research on the fumes produced from the detonation of explosives can be conducted in air or in an inert atmosphere (e.g., argon). Associated instrumentation includes pressure transducers, high speed video cameras, and gas analyzers to measure NO, NO2, CO, CO2, O2, and SO2. Gas samples are also collected in evacuated tubes for subsequent gas chromatographic analyses for H2 and heavier hydrocarbons through C5.

Site:  Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

Laboratory:  Toxic Fumes Laboratory (Surface)