Dust explosions are the result of the rapid combustion of flammable mixtures, such as those found in dust clouds in the work environment mixed with ambient air. When this mixture with an ignition source, such as fire and dust particles, has gathered in groups large enough to maintain a stable flame, the dust cloud becomes flammable.
Studies show that 70% of all dust is combustible due to its particle size and density, which allows them to keep the flame burning long enough. When dust particles move freely and are hot enough, lightning is created which flashes momentarily. You can now look for the best industrial explosion protection systems in United Kingdom at Euratex Limited.
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However, if the dust particles are concentrated in a small area, such as ventilation holes or engine inlets, this causes an explosion and can lead to the complete destruction of the engine and even the building. Because it takes sufficient time to collect dust and cause an explosion, proper precautions and precautions can reduce the chance of an explosion.
What's so special about a dust explosion?
The main causes of dust explosions are friction and mechanical damage. In contrast to gases or solvents, fine dust poses a greater risk to workshop machinery and work safety.
While gaseous and solvent particles are distributed in air and can fall below the flammability limit, dust particles are heavier than air and therefore fall on the surface until they reach the surface. The airflow lifts them back into the air, where they can regroup with other dust particles.