An introduction to dust explosions : understanding the myths and realities of dust explosions for a safer workplace

Preventable dust explosions continue to occur in industry in spite of significant research and practice efforts worldwide over many years. There is a need for effective understanding of the unique hazards posed by combustible dust. This book describes a number of dust explosion myths - which together cover the main source of dust explosion hazards - the reasons they exist and the corresponding scientific and engineering facts that mitigate these circumstances.

An Introduction to Dust Explosions describes the main erroneous beliefs about the origin and propagation of dust explosions. It offers fact-based explanations for their occurrence and the impact of such events and provides a critical guide to managing and mitigating dust explosion risks.

Introduction

1 Explosion Pentagon: Fiction or Reality?

2 Dust does not explode

3 Dust explosions only happen in coal mines and grain elevators

4 A lot of dust is needed to have an explosion

5 Gas explosions are much worse than dust explosions

6 It's up to the testing lab to specify which Particle size to test

7 Any amount of suppressant is better than none

8 Dusts only ignite with a high-energy ignition source

9 Only dust clouds - not dust layers - will ignite

10 Oxygen removal must be complete to be effective

11 Taking away the oxygen makes things "safe"

12 There's no problem if dust is not visible in the air

13 Once airborne, a dust will quickly settle out of suspension

14 Mixing is mixing; there are no degrees

15 Venting is the only/best solution to the dust explosion problem

16 Total confinement is required to have an explosion

17 Confinement means four walls, a roof and a floor

18 The vocabulary of dust explosions is difficult to understand

19 Dust explosion parameters are fundamental material properties

20 It makes sense to combine explosion parameters in a single index

21 It won't happen to me

22 Dust Explosion Realities

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Summary

Summary

Table of Contents