Many industrial processes pose the risk of dust explosions due to the handling of fine combustible dust particles accumulated in the air and on surfaces. High concentrations of dust particles that fall below the measure of 500 micron have a much higher explosibility making it critical to ensure the correct equipment and safety measures are in place.
According to a report by risk management specialist, Dr Julian Hought, one of the major problems in this area is lack of understanding in how dangerous dusts can be when accumulated into hazardous amounts in facilities.
Dust Safety Science, a combustible dust incident database, have reported on multiple cases of industrial dust explosions throughout the UK and there have been several news reporters covering some devasting events, sometimes fatal. Here are just a few of those reports to highlight the importance of preventing dust explosions in potentially hazardous environments.
Powder Explosion at a Food Processing Factory
In 2015 a powder explosion took place at a food production factory. An accumulation of combustible powder mixed with hot air caused the explosion and unfortunately resulted in a member of staff obtaining minor injuries.
Fatal Silo Explosion at UK Wastewater Treatment Plant
In 2020 a fatal dust explosion at a wastewater plant resulted in four people being killed. The explosion happened in the silo holding treated biosolids. A fine build-up of dust particles from dried sludge which is usually recycled back to land as an organic soil conditioner is said to be the cause of the deadly explosion.
Dust Fire at UK Sugar Beet Processing Plant
In 2021 fifteen fire crews responded to a dust fire that broke out at sugar processing plant. The 30m x 30m fire started in one of the high-rise buildings at the Suffolk site and interrupted one of the conveyer belts during processing. The fire crew quickly isolated the gas supply and managed to put the fire out without any injuries to report.
Grain Terminal Explosion at Tilbury Port
Another incident reported in the BBC News was a blast that took place at one of the UK’s largest grain terminals which has been running since 1969. The blast which partially destroyed the roof of the large premises, was caused by a rare dust explosion in which the dust reached a flammable temperature.
Fire and rescue teams found that the stored grain had caught fire inside the building, they managed to quickly remove all the accessible stored grain to avoid further ignitions. Flames reached up to 75m (246ft) high and it took the fire crew 20 days to fully extinguish the fires and prevent further damages, luckily no injuries were reported.
Fatal Explosion at a Wood Treatment Facility
In 2015 a fatal incident was reported in the Manchester Evening News, when a large explosion happened at a flour mill. Four bodies were recovered after an initial search of the members of staff who were unaccounted for.
The business produced wood flour; a powder like sawdust which can range in size producing a percentage of very fine powder. A fire broke out from a cloud like build-up of very fine particles in an enclosed space. An initial blast caused a further two explosions which destroyed the four-storey building.
There are countless reports of dust explosions in the UK and regardless of strict regulations, unfortunately some companies misunderstand the importance of dust control in preventing explosions.
Preventative measures must be in place where there is a risk of dust explosion to avoid serious consequences. It is important that you are made aware of the correct ATEX zone by a certified ATEX consultant before contacting us as this is a specialised area that requires the correct information before fan selection.
ATEX Material handling fans suitable for dust
Zone 22 provide a safe solution for handling dusty air, preventing the build-up of explosive fine particles by safely transporting any dust and solids during processing.
