Due to several recent fires traced to combustible dust in storage and in process–some safely contained, others causing serious injuries or fatalities–Rene Medina, executive vice president of process equipment manufacturer Gericke USA, offers three, key considerations for promoting safe storage:
Specify a certified explosion venting system that matches the conditions specific to the material, silo, elevator, vessel, or other powder storage unit. Explosion vents direct the pressure and flames from an industrial explosion to a planned pathway designed to safely avoid workers while maintaining the integrity of the machinery or equipment. Once installed, use the storage unit as intended and in the event the material or other conditions change, verify the explosion vent remains suitable.
