Symposium on the mitigation of industrial explosions turns into worldwide virtual discussion forum

PTB in Braunschweig and the Otto von Guericke University of Magdeburg hosted the 13th International Symposium on Hazards, Prevention and Mitigation of Industrial Explosions in July 2020. Instead of the planned on-site meeting, the hosts managed to organize a virtual discussion forum at short notice with 575 scientists participating from 38 countries. The large number of participants showed how important this kind of conference is and that such symposia are also readily accepted as virtual events.

Every two years, the conference series rotates between Asia, North America and Europe. It offers a valuable opportunity for a global exchange on explosion phenomena and industrial explosion hazards and thereby closes the gap between science and industry. The main concern of all participants is to understand the physical and chemical processes and their interdependencies and to use this knowledge for the safe implementation of industrial processes. In addition to experimental fundamental investigations and model development, the contributions therefore also comprise prevention strategies as well as accident analyses. In general, new technologies create new potential hazards. The symposium addresses these topics and provides answers. Current examples are hydrogen technology and electrochemical energy sources.