Introduction
While combustible dust in an industrial facility may appear harmless, it can lead to disaster. A surprising range of industrial materials in your facilities can accumulate combustible dust. This can include high surfaces as well as ground-level materials. If combustible dust ignites, it can cause a catastrophic explosion, damaging expensive equipment and risking the safety of those working at your facilities.
This article will explore the primary factors that can lead to a combustible dust explosion and strategies to prevent a tragedy from occurring in your facility.
How Dust Becomes Combustible
Combustible dust comes in varying sizes, shapes, concentrations, and chemical compositions. It generally consists of a metal or organic material ground into tiny fibers, particles, chips, flakes, or chunks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines combustible dust as any solid particles or pieces that present a fire or deflagration hazard when present in air or other oxidizing mediums.
Explosions from combustible dust can be violent and often devastating events. These can occur when fine, dry particles from combustible materials hovering in an enclosed space ignite and release a sudden burst of energy. When combustible dust explodes, it involves a specific sequence of events:
- The dispersion of dust particles in the air
- The formation of a dust cloud
- Ignition (usually from an open flame, spark, or hot surface)
- Rapid combustion (resulting in pressure waves, fireballs, and potential damage)
Specific properties make dust more prone to combustion when suspended in the air. These include:
- Particle Size. Fine particles (typically smaller than 420 microns) have an increased surface area and are more likely to ignite.
- Chemical Composition. Certain materials have inherently flammable properties, making composition another key characteristic.
- Concentration. Dust clouds must attain a certain atmospheric concentration level to become combustible.
Key Elements of Combustible Dust Explosions
The combustion triangle is useful for assessing the major elements that can lead to combustible dust explosions. These include:
- Fuel. Combustible dust acts as the fuel and can include finely divided materials such as sugar, coal, or wood.
- Oxygen. An adequate supply of oxygen must exist in the surrounding atmosphere.
- Ignition Source. The ignition source bridges the gap between oxygen and the fuel, leading to combustion. The ignition source could be an open flame, spark, heat caused by friction, or static electricity.
Dispersion of dust particles in high concentrations and quantities can cause deflagration, or rapid combustion. If the event is confined by an enclosure, such as a building, room, vessel, or piece of equipment, the resulting pressure can lead to an explosion.
Together, these variables (fuel, oxygen, heat, dispersion, and confinement) make up the Dust Explosion Pentagon. If one of these variables is missing, an explosion will not occur.
Preventing Combustible Dust Explosions
Combustible dust poses a health and safety risk whether it ignites or not. It can collect along neglected indoor areas and high surfaces, negatively impacting indoor air quality and resulting in disastrous consequences if ignited. Regular cleaning is critical to protect workers and keep in compliance with OSHA safety requirements. Having a team of professionals implement regular dust cleaning services to eliminate dust helps prevent explosions while simultaneously enhancing the aesthetic appeal of facilities.
Combustible Dust Cleaning by Interior Maintenance Company
With over 50 years of industry experience, IMC has the expertise and resources to provide clean and safe indoor environments in food processing, metalworking, plastics fabrication, chemical processing, and other facilities. We utilize specialized equipment, including explosion-proof vacuums with HEPA filters, to ensure safe handling. We can also erect OSHA-compliant lifts, ladders, or scaffolding, depending on your facility’s needs.
Contact us today and enjoy professional combustible dust cleaning services that help keep your facility safe.