Ignition and explosion characteristics of olive-derived biomasses

The flammability and explosibility properties of olive stone and exhausted olive cake dusts were determined in this study. The results indicated that both materials could form explosive atmospheres or lead to a dust layer fire. However, it was found that the former requires more severe safety measures, since it is more prone both to spark ignition and to hot-surface ignition than the latter. Furthermore, a dust explosion would also be stronger and faster for olive stone than for olive cake. TGA tests were also carried out to study the thermal behaviour of these materials and to estimate their self-ignition risk. Olive stone presented a greater tendency to oxidation and a medium self-ignition risk, whereas olive cake showed a low risk. The experimental data presented in this study fill gaps in literature and have implications for the design and management of industrial facilities.