Dust explosion causation, prevention and mitigation: An overview

Abstract

The current paper gives a general overview of factors that can cause a dust explosion and the means by which such an event can be prevented and mitigated. Important explosibility parameters (e.g., maximum explosion pressure and standardized maximum rate of pressure rise) are described in terms of their relation to explosion causation, prevention and mitigation. Causation is further explained by means of the fire triangle and the explosion pentagon, and standard risk reduction measures are placed in a hierarchical arrangement incorporating inherent safety, passive engineered safety, active engineered safety, and procedural safety. The importance of safety culture and a safety management system approach are emphasized by reference to an industrial case study.

Explosibility of micron- and nano-size titanium powders

“…The amount of fuel available for an explosion can be eliminated or significantly reduced by performing proper housekeeping practices. 1,10 Substitution involves replacing a hazardous material or work procedure with one that is safer. Two examples are: to use an explosion proof vacuum cleaner instead of sweeping dust, or to substitute a combustible dust with a non-explosible powder.…”

“…Two examples are: to use an explosion proof vacuum cleaner instead of sweeping dust, or to substitute a combustible dust with a non-explosible powder. 1,10 Moderation involves reducing the potential severity of an explosion. This includes increasing the particle size of a powder to reduce potential ignition, changing the composition of the dust by admixing inert dust, or controlling the effects of a process upset by spacing out equipment.…”

“…Moderation typically does not prevent an incident from occurring, but instead reduces the effects if such an event should exist. 1,10 Simplification is a method of keeping processes, equipment and information simple. For example, a WHIMIS label indicating a flammable substance can direct the user to a clearly written MSDS where the hazards are properly explained.…”

A quantitative risk management framework for dust and hybrid mixture explosions

“…40 standard sieve (Amyotte & Eckhoff, 2010). A dust explosion can be defined as the rapid combustion of flammable particulates suspended in air (Abbasi & Abbasi, 2007).…”

“…Nevertheless, they may, in combination, create an explosible mixture (Amyotte & Eckhoff, 2010). Eckhoff (2003) demonstrated that the addition of flammable gas to a dust cloud significantly increases the explosion violence.…”