Dec 2001 – Paper 2 Question 6

Carbonaceous granular material is poured from portable hoppers into a bin which feeds a
small hammer mill. The milled material is then blown into a storage silo for transfer into a
road tanker.

i) Outline the factors affecting the likelihood and severity of a dust cloud explosion
during the process. (5)

 Size and shape of material particles – surface area

 Explosive nature of the material
 The mixture of the air and dust – concentration within the explosive limits
 Air movement – to mix the dust with the air
 Temperature, pressure and humidity of the atmosphere
 Energy require to initiate the explosion
 Presence of sources of ignition
 Movement and speed of movement of material causing static build-up
 Rate of pressure rise and the maximum explosion pressure
 Possibility of secondary explosions
 Propagation of the explosion through interconnected plant

ii) Identify the control measures that may be needed to prevent or minimise the effects
of such an event and explain the principles by which they achieve their aim. (15)

Technical
 LEV at the point of transfer
 Choice of materials to prevent build-up of static
 Inhibitors
 Dust suppression systems – damping down
 Earthing
 Prevention of ignition sources – no hot-welding, smoking
 Intrinsically safe or flame proof electrical equipment
 Pressure relief devices
 PPM – lubrication to prevent hot surfaces, sparks
 Fire fighting measures in case of explosion – sprinkler systems, inert gas
Procedural and Behavioural
 Good housekeeping and cleaning
 PTW (particularly for hot work)
 Risk assessments and SSOW
 Air monitoring
 No smoking policy
 Provision of suitable training and supervision for the employees
 Emergency procedures