Perhaps you’re beginning work in an industrial environment or you want to become a special effects artist for movies. Whether you already know a bit about dust explosion or it’s a completely new topic to you, this quick guide can help you learn what it is, how it works, and why isolation is important.
What Is Dust Explosion?
Dust explosion occurs when particles in an enclosed location are suspended in air and then combusted. They occur when combustible powdered material is in high concentration in the atmosphere and come into contact with the right type of gaseous medium. People who work in special effects tend to create these explosions on purpose because they are able to be contained under controlled conditions. However, people who work in industrial environments or in places like grain elevators or coal mines know the possibility of these explosions to be a hazard.
Required Conditions
There are five required conditions for a dust explosion to occur. Naturally, there needs to be combustible dust. This typically means coal or sawdust, but other organic materials can create an explosion as well. Some of these include grains, cocoa, pollen, or powdered metals like magnesium. Next, the dust must be suspended in the air and have a high concentration. Next, the explosion needs an oxidant, such as oxygen, an ignition source, and a confined area.
Importance of Isolation
Unless you work in pyrotechnics or special effects, you’ll want to isolate dust to protect yourself and anyone else in an enclosed building that has a high level of atmospheric dust. This required a dust isolation kit. There are a variety of explosion isolation kits available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. To determine which one is right for you, consider which industry you work in, the size of your building, how must dust is in the air, and which regulations you must adhere to for safety and legal precautions.
When choosing an isolation kit, be sure to buy one from a reputable manufacturer. Read reviews, ask questions and talk to experts beforehand if necessary. Taking the time to make the right choice now could save you money and ensure your safety in the future.