Page 178 - CW E-Magazine (29-7-2025)

Special Report Special Report

crucial because they pose signifi cant in industries like mining and metal- the intense heat generated during cut- suppressors to rapidly release a fl ame
risks in many industries, leading to working. ting and welding operations. Mechani- quenching medium, such as sodium
property damage, injuries, and even  Cartridge fi lters – which effi ciently cal processes, such as friction heating bicarbonate, into the process equipment.
fatalities. fi lter fi ne dust particles, in pharma- or sparks, can ignite combustible mate- This eff ectively stops the explosion
ceutical and woodworking indus- rials, highlighting the importance of in its infancy and results in a reduced
In severe cases, dust explosions can tries. vigilance during operations. Addition- explosion pressure that is safe for the
generate pressures exceeding 10 bar  Cyclones – which are eff ective for ally, high-temperature surfaces, spon- protected equipment.
(1,000 kPa) and rates of pressure rise separating larger particles from air taneous self-heating of certain materi-
over 600 bar/s. This rapid pressure in- streams, typically used as pre-fi lters als, and sparks generated by impacts Explosion isolation systems
crease can cause extensive structural in various industries. all contribute to the array of ignition Another consideration is explosion
damage, equipment destruction, and sources present. isolation, which prevent the propaga-
even building collapse. Damage control measures tion of explosions between intercon-
Preventing and protecting against Self-heating poses a signifi cant hazard, nected equipment or process areas.
Even if a dust explosion does not dust explosions involves a multi-face- particularly in industries dealing with Ducting and piping connecting process
occur, exposure to fi ne particulate mat- ted approach that integrates advanced combustible materials like wood or equipment can propagate an explosion
ter can cause chronic respiratory prob- technology, stringent safety protocols, coal. Electrostatic discharge presents of even greater intensity and this is why
lems, including asthma, bronchitis, and and practical preventative measures. a unique challenge in industrial isolation is called for. If unprotected,
other lung conditions. Some types of environments due to the capability of the ducting, piping, as well as all the
dust, particularly chemical or metal The following are some suggested various operations to generate it. connected vessels and equipment are
dust, can be toxic when inhaled, lead- protection methods: at risk.
ing to long-term health problems such  Separation of the hazard (isolate Explosion venting
as poisoning or cancer. with distance); Designed to relieve pressure by A common example of passive iso- implementing the right strategies can To avoid explosions, it is crucial
 Segregation of the hazard (isolate providing a controlled pathway for lation is a fl ap valve that is essentially dramatically reduce the risks associated to store and handle fl ammable mate-
Explosion prevention methods with a barrier); expanding gases to escape, vents should a one-way valve installed on the inlet with combustible dust. Proactive mea- rials correctly. Regular maintenance of
While explosion mitigation meth-  Defl agration venting of a building, be strategically placed in areas prone to duct to a dust collector. The fl ap is open sures and a commitment to safety are equipment is also necessary. Practicing
ods aim to minimize the negative room, or area; dust accumulation. During the early during normal operation and latches key to preventing explosions and their electrical safety is important, as well as
eff ects of a deflagration with the assump-  Pressure relief venting for equip- stages of a dust explosion, explosion closed against a seat in response to the devastating consequences. following regulations. Ongoing train-
tion that ignition will occur, explosion ment; vents open rapidly at a predetermined cessation of air fl ow and a pressure ing and monitoring are critical.
prevention methods aim to keep the  Provision of spark/ember detection burst pressure, allowing the rapidly wave travelling in the opposite From installing a dust collection
deflagration from occurring in the first and extinguishing systems; expanding combustion gases to escape direction. system to conducting regular Dust By implementing these strategies,
place.  Explosion protection systems; to the atmosphere and limiting the pres- Hazard Analyses and ensuring employee businesses can signifi cantly reduce
 Sprinkler systems; and sure generated inside the process equip- CONCLUSION training, each of the strategies the risk of explosions, protect their
Explosion prevention is achieved by  Use of other specialized suppres- ment to calculated safe limits. Eff ective dust management is a discussed plays a vital role in creating employees, and ensure a safe working
removing one or more of the legs of the sion systems. critical aspect of industrial safety, and a safer workplace. environment.
Dust Explosion Pentagon. The fi rst line Venting is the most widely adopted
of defence revolves around controlling Preventing defl agration: limiting oxidant protection mechanism because it pro- Chemical Weekly | Import-Export Data | Market Surveys
the elements conducive to combustion: concentration vides an economical solution and is
fuel, oxidants, and ignition sources. Defl agration is eff ectively pre- often considered as a fi t-and-forget solu- Directories | Business Forums | Expositions
vented by maintaining an oxidant con- tion. However, it is important to note
Implementing proper ventilation, centration below the Limiting Oxidant that vents need to be regularly inspected
dust control systems, regular cleaning, Concentration (LOC) through the re- as product build-up from materials can The only organisation in India catering exclusively to the needs of the entire chemical industry
and maintenance, along with employee placement of oxidants with inert gases. prevent explosion relief devices from Contact:
training on handling and emergency For example, reducing oxygen concen- operating eff ectively.
procedures, are critical steps in mitigat- trations by introducing inert gases such SEVAK PUBLICATIONS PVT. LTD.
ing the risks. as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon Explosion suppression systems 602-B, Godrej Coliseum, K.J. Somaiya Hospital Road,
into the system eff ectively displaces These systems detect and suppress
Dust collection systems come in oxygen, lowering its concentration. explosions in their early stages using Behind Everard Nagar, Sion (E), Mumbai 400 022.
various forms, each designed to man- sensors and suppressant agents. Explo- Phone: +91-22-24044471 / 72
age diff erent types of dust: Controlling ignition sources sion suppression equipment detect a
 Baghouses – ideal for handling These include open fl ames (a dust explosion in the fi rst milliseconds Email: admin@chemicalweekly.com
large volumes of dust, especially direct and obvious hazard), alongside of the event and then signals explosion

178 Chemical Weekly July 29, 2025 Chemical Weekly July 29, 2025 179

Contents Index to Advertisers Index to Products Advertised