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Global Combustible Dust Hazards in breakfast cereal manufacturing.

Just last year there was dust explosion at Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where a spark got into the dust collector and ignited the cereal dust causing an explosion, no injuries, according to media reports. Prior to that the Chemical Safety Board reported on three other instances at Breakfast Cereal Manufacturing facilities from 1991-2005 where combustible dust related fires/explosions occured. Mostly it's dust collector related and even the hammermill where ignition sources completed the fire triangle or explosion pentagon. Globally last year there was Grampian Oat Products where a piece of metal getting into the pelleter, causing sparks in Banff, Banffshire, United Kingdom. Grampian Oat Products are Oat millers & packers, Scottish produce in both retail and industrial park sizes of oatflakes, jumbo oatflakes, oatmeals, oatbran and oatflour.

Great overview of the components of a dust collector. Be sure to check out the FarrAPC Plog on helpful information concerning combustible dust hazards

We know that most people faced with buying an industrial dust collection system are probably not familiar with the different components and equipment terms. So we've called them out on this page. Hope it's helpful.

Dust collector part names and descriptions.

Example of one of the dozens of combustible dust related fires that occur every year yet are unaccounted for by OSHA. Additionally the facility is not a national industry (NAICS)in the OSHA Dust NEP recognized as having a potential for Combustible Dust Explosions/Fires

Example of one of the dozens of combustible dust related fires that occur ever year yet are unaccounted for by OSHA. Additionally the facility is not a national industry (NAICS)in the OSHA Dust NEP recognized as having a potential for Combustible Dust Explosions/Fires

The fire resulted in the ignition of dust in the pipes leading to the dust control bag house. Automatic suppression equipment activated, but the fire ignited dust in the dust collector resulting in an audible explosion

Excellent article that I highly recommend for all to read! The importance of addressing combustible dust related fires is highlighted here. Do you have spark detection and flame suppression as part of your dry dust collector system?

Excellent article published in Pulp & Paper Oct 2000 by Mark Williamson. The importance of addressing combustible dust related fires is highlighted here. Do you have spark detection and flame suppression as part of your dry dust collector system?

Very informative article that also provides generic data on explosion severity and ignition sensitivity of Aluminum dust. Was a bit troubled when mention that, "administrative controls and personal protective equipment may also be required." These type of controls should always be required instead of maybe.

Good overview of understanding dust collectors

Source for sparck detection and flame suppression

Spark detection systems are primarily used as a fire prevention method in dust collectors and pneumatic conveying systems by detecting and extinguishing sparks and embers.

Dust Collector fire hazards

A dust-collecting machine caught fire outside American Cabinetry

Focus on safe dust collection of industrial paper scrap applications like shredding, sliting, scoring, corrugated box scraps, etc. Page contains a link to an informative PDF article discussing the NFPA 68 standard, how it applies to the paper industry, and give action items for applicable companies to ensure compliance.