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 dusts
• Proper use and type of industrial trucks and cartridge activated tools
• Adequately maintain all the above equipment
One area often overlooked are the flexible connections on process equipment. For bulk powder processing plants, hose clamps are likely to fail in the event of an internal dust explosion. In controlled tests by an independent lab, slow motion video revealed the BFM® fitting expands with the sudden pressure shock, but the internal snap band seal does not fail. Designed for food and dairy facilities to stop powder leakage, the BFM® fitting has the potential to improve safety in a wide range of industrial applications and industries.
Discover more about the BFM® fitting and its safety benefits.
