Fire and explosion hazards in the spray drying of milk

Abstract

Recent reports in the literature indicate that incidents involving fires and explosions in the spray drying of milk products are increasing in number. Whilst milk powder is not highly explosible, the conditions for a dust explosion, apart from the ignition source are almost always present in certain areas of a spray dryer during its normal operation. Selfignition of deposits is known to be possible at the high temperatures in a spray dryer. At best, this can cause product degradation and discolouration whilst at worst it can provide the source of ignition for an explosion. This paper is an attempt to draw together recent work on fire and explosion prevention and protection formilk powders.