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Dust Explosion Risk Reduction

Dust Explosion Risk Reduction

Dust Explosion Risk Reduction

A necessity for Every Bulk Material Handling Application

For a number of bulk materials, dust explosion is a very real risk, particularly when it comes to bucket elevators. Businesses in a wide range of industries around the world have experienced dust explosions with consequences ranging from facility damage and work delays to tragic loss of life.

Dust explosions can occur during elevation of certain bulk materials, particularly in bucket elevators. More than 300 dust explosions have killed more than 120 workers in grain silos, sugar plants and food processing plants over the past three decades, and most are preventable by removing fine-grain dust as it builds up.

Industrial Dust Explosion Risk Factors

Risk Factor 1: Fuel

As explained by the OSHA published article, “Combustible Dust: An Explosion Hazard” dust created by materials being conveyed can become a powerful accelerant when other risk factors are present. Under some conditions, even materials that are not inherently flammable (such as aluminum and Iron) become explosible when they are in dust-form.

Risk Factor 2: Oxygen

Oxygen is present if sufficient air is in the elevator. Most conventional vertical elevation systems do not operate in a fully-flooded state, making Oxygen readily available for any potential ignition.

Risk Factor 3: Ignition

With both fine dust and oxygen available in high demand, the smallest spark from a broken bucket or overheated bearing can result in catastrophic facility damage and even loss of life.

How an Olds Elevator Prevents Dust Explosions

From Crops and Chemicals to Powders and Pellets…

Learn about the materials an olds elevator can handle