What is dust explosion proof? The answer can be found in this article.
If you translate dust explosion proof from English into Dutch, it literally means dust explosion resistant or dust explosion free. You might not expect it, but dust can catch fire and explode. And that can lead to dangerous situations in factories. Read more about how you can make a space dust explosion proof. This way you can prevent nasty accidents that can lead to fatal consequences.
Dust explosion proof: can dust explode?
Dust explosion occurs when combustible dust accumulates in the air and ignites in a short time, creating a strong pressure wave. An explosion of dust is life-threatening in various workplaces such as grain silos, a plastics factory but also in other workplaces. Several factors must come together for a dust explosion to occur:
- The combustible dust is at the right concentration level
- The dust is in an enclosed space
- There is oxygen in the room
In a so-called ‘Dust explosion Pentagon’ you can see these factors together in a graph. Is the dust concentration too low? Then there is not enough dust to cause the explosion. If the concentration is too high, there is not enough oxygen to maintain combustion.
When you think of flammable substances, you quickly think of wood or paper. However, aluminium dust, for example, is also a flammable substance. The flammability of the substance is higher when the particles are finer. This is because fine dust particles have a high surface/volume ratio. If the dust particles combine with oxygen within a certain concentration range, a dust explosion is possible. And the dust can quickly explode due to an ignition source. This source can be a cigarette, an overheated wheel bearing or a spark.
Some combustible dusts can even explode by self-ignition, due to the static charge that builds up when dust particles rub against each other. Such an ignition causes the dust to explode rapidly. This process is also called deflagration and causes a wave of high air pressure.
The danger of a dust explosion is that the dust that has settled in nooks and crannies will be released, making the new dust cloud also fuel for a second explosion. A dust explosion should not be underestimated: it can blow up walls and kill or seriously injure people in the room. It is therefore wise to look at how you can make an area dust explosion proof.
How can you make an area dust explosion proof?
If you work in an industrial environment it is wise to make spaces dust explosion proof. An explosion of for example fine sugar dust can generate a pressure of more than seven bars in a closed process apparatus within 100 milliseconds.
To make areas dust explosion proof it is wise to prevent and remove dust accumulations. In rooms, use smooth ceilings, sloping surfaces, cover cables and pipes or anchor them in the wall to prevent dust accumulation. And make sure that ignition sources are removed. For more information on how to make areas dust explosion proof, visit joaairsolutions.