Dust explosion causation, prevention and mitigation: An overview

Abstract

The current paper gives a general overview of factors that can cause a dust explosion and the means by which such an event can be prevented and mitigated. Important explosibility parameters (e.g., maximum explosion pressure and standardized maximum rate of pressure rise) are described in terms of their relation to explosion causation, prevention and mitigation. Causation is further explained by means of the fire triangle and the explosion pentagon, and standard risk reduction measures are placed in a hierarchical arrangement incorporating inherent safety, passive engineered safety, active engineered safety, and procedural safety. The importance of safety culture and a safety management system approach are emphasized by reference to an industrial case study.