Preventing grain dust explosions

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — There are five factors that lead to grain dust explosions: fuel, oxygen, a confined space, the dispersion of dust in the air and an ignition source.

These factors make grain silos susceptible to dust explosions, said Kingsly Ambrose, professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue University

On average, the United States experiences nine grain dust explosions every year.

“We have been working on preventing dust explosions through research and also through training programs,” Ambrose said.

“We also train industry workers so that they are aware of dust explosion incidents so we can prevent at least some incidents from happening.”

Ambrose is researching a technique that would allow for the detection of dust particles in grain processing and storage facilities.

A camera would detect light passing through dust particles to determine if dust dispersion is reaching unsafe levels.

“Dust explosions are instantaneous,” Ambrose said. “So, if there is enough dust, if there is an ignition source, an explosion can occur any time.

“So, we are trying to develop a technique that can immediately let us know that we have too much dust dispersed in the air that could lead to potentially an explosive environment.”

Purdue University released a nationwide annual summary about grain dust explosions. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/Agricultural-Particulates.