Ignitability and Explosibility of Silicon Dust Clouds: Influence of Dust Fineness

Abstract

The use of fine silicon powders in engineering ceramics has increased during recent years. Fine silicon powders can give rise to dust explosions. The present investigation confirms that both electric spark ignition sensitivity and explosion violence increase with increasing powder fineness. Although likely to be less hazardous than aluminum of equal fineness, fine silicon powders still represent a significant industrial explosion hazard unless appropriate precautions, including ignition source prevention, venting, and good housekeeping, are taken.