What measures can bulk powder processing plants take to prevent dust explosions?
Dust explosions in bulk powder processing plants are a serious issue. Over the past 30 years, more than 300 dust explosions have killed more than 120 workers in grain silos, sugar plants and food processing plants. And in 2008, after a disastrous explosion in a Georgia sugar factory, a bill was passed to require the Occupational Safety and Hazards Administration (OSHA) to set standards to regulate combustible dusts. Sophisticated explosion venting and suppression systems can be successful if the primary explosion is contained within the process equipment. It’s also important to control the ignition of sources to prevent dust explosions. OSHA offers a few tips: • Use appropriate electrical equipment and wiring methods • Control static electricity • Control smoking, open flames and sparks • Control mechanical sparks and friction • Use separator devices to remove foreign materials capable of igniting combustibles from process materials • Separate heated surfaces and heating systems from d
