A small amount of excess dust probably doesn’t sound like too much of a problem. After all, what process occurs without a little dust? What most people don’t consider is what can happen if this dust is exposed to an ignition source.
While some ignition sources present in grain processes are obvious, others might be things that you would never think of.
Hot Work
Hot work can create sparks that, if located too closely to grain dust buildup, can easily cause an explosion. This is especially true if the dry dust becomes suddenly airborne for any reason.
Conveying
Many grain conveying systems can create both the dust and the ignition source. Overheated bearings, rubbing pulleys, and friction can create sparks.
Spontaneous Ignition
Some dusts, including grain dust, may spontaneously ignite when the particles rub against each other and create static electricity. This can occur without the presence of a nearby flame or spark.
Static Electricity
Equipment that is not bonded or grounded may have the potential to generate static electricity and produce a spark. Static electricity’s sparks can easily ignite dry dust.
Even with these in mind, a great deal of grain dust related incidents have an unknown ignition source. Proper engineering controls can prevent ignition and deflagration of hazardous dusts. Imperial Systems can supply various types of equipment best suited to your grain application.
