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A large amount of asset damage and several unplanned process shutdowns can be avoided
through control of dust. Most of the organic fine dusts ignite at a temperature below 500OC.
Common high-risk zones include filters, silos and cyclones.
Recently an initial post-accident investigation in China has again highlighted the danger
of dust explosion. The accident might have been caused by an explosion of ultra-light
dust. Every year many such accidents go unreported worldwide, and there is hardly
any authentic statistical report available, especially in developing countries.
Many materials produce flammable dust clouds that can explode if ignited. Sugar,
carbon, grain, certain metals and approximately 85 per cent of all organic powders
An aerial view of Imperial
behave in this way. Broadly speaking anything that can burn and which exists in a fine
powdered form is a risk.
Ideally plant design should eliminate the risk of dust clouds forming, or make provision to eliminate the risk of ignition
sources existing in the same area. If this cannot be achieved, then protection measures must be implemented for
example, explosion venting, explosion suppression or containment. Ignition can be caused by friction, static
discharge, hot surfaces and mechanical sparks.
The probability of a hazardous area occurring in a particular area of the plant is defined by zoning and certain types
of equipment are certified as being suitable for each zone of use. Some electrical equipment is certified for gas
hazards only. It is important therefore to select equipment that is certified for gas and dust hazards. For example: II2
GD for use in Zones 21 and 22.
CONCLUSION: HOW TO AVOID DUST EXPLOSIONS
Housekeeping within the plant must be kept at a very high standard. Regular visual checks should be made to
ensure that areas remote from the process are dust free to prevent the possibility of a secondary explosion. For
example, floors, overhead pipes, the roof space above a suspended ceiling and ventilation ducts.
* Joint Managing Director of K Controls, UK.
Redakteur: Dominik Stephan
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