Eliminating Electrostatic Hazards to prevent Dust Explosion: Case Studies and Strategies -- Occupational Health & Safety

Eliminating Electrostatic Hazards to prevent Dust Explosion: Case Studies and Strategies

Date: Thursday May 9, 2024 at 2:00pm ET - 1:00pm CT - 11:00am PT

The risk of combustible dust explosions in industrial settings, initiated by electrostatic discharges, presents a significant challenge to maintaining safety and reliability in processes involving flammable particulates. This webinar delves into the critical examination of electrostatic hazards, with a particular focus on combustible dusts as potential fuels for explosions triggered by electrostatic discharges. Through a combination of case histories and use of laboratory test data, our study emphasizes the importance of early detection and diagnosis of electrostatic phenomena that could lead to combustible dust explosions.

This webinar scrutinizes two incidents: one involving the ignition of a dust cloud by electrostatic discharge in a simple sieving operation, and another in the production of flake where an electrostatic discharge led to a combustible dust explosion. By employing diagnostic tools and utilizing materials’ data, we were able to trace the electrostatic pathways that contributed to these incidents. We identified the processes and equipment where charge generation and accumulation occurred, leading to the conditions favorable for an electrostatic discharge that could ignite the combustible dust atmosphere.

This webinar highlights the key factors influencing charge generation and accumulation, discharge mechanisms, and the specific conditions under which a combustible dust atmosphere can become ignitable. The incidents studied showed early warning signs of electrostatic accumulation, which, if recognized and addressed, could have averted the incidents. Our approach emphasizes the critical role of understanding electrostatic charge generation, accumulation, and discharge incendivity in preventing dust explosions through practical and targeted interventions.

By focusing on combustible dust hazards, this webinar expands the discussion on electrostatic safety and presents strategies for mitigating risks associated with electrostatic discharges. The implementation of grounded equipment, the management of insulating materials, and the optimization of process conditions are discussed as effective measures to control electrostatic charges and prevent ignition in dust-laden environments.

In conclusion, our findings provide insights for companies handling combustible dusts, offering a path toward enhancing safety protocols, reducing the risk of dust explosions, and maintaining operational integrity through the control of electrostatic discharges.

Speaker:

Vahid Ebadat Ph.D., M.Inst.P, MIET, C.Phys. is CEO of Stonehouse Process Safety, Inc. He has worked extensively as a process safety consultant for the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, paper/wood, and other process industries globally for over 30 years. Dr. Ebadat has published many technical articles and papers and is a regular speaker on process safety topics, including dust explosion, static electricity, gas & vapor flammability, and thermal decomposition/self-heating hazard assessment and control. Dr. Ebadat is a member of NFPA 77, NFPA 91, NFPA 652, NFPA 654, and NFPA 655 Technical Committees. For more information, call: 609-455-0001, email: [email protected], Web: www.stonehousesafety.com

Sponsors:

Camfil APC is the world's leading manufacturer of industrial dust, mist and fume collection systems. Camfil APC’s flagship product is the Gold Series dust collection system that handles toxic and combustible dusts and fumes, including fine, fibrous and heavy dust loads. The Gold Series exceeds OSHA mandates for factory air quality, and when equipped with a Camfil explosion vent, offers the highest combustible dust explosion protection in accordance with NFPA and ATEX standards. www.Camfilapc.com

Donaldson’s comprehensive dust collection solutions help process owners effectively address their dust, fume, and mist collection challenges by providing knowledgeable guidance, industry-leading equipment as well as unrivaled aftermarket service and support. With our Consultative, Comprehensive, Connected approach to dust, fume, and mist control, Donaldson is with you every step of the way. Donaldson.com

Nilfisk helps industrial manufacturers meet their cleaning requirements and challenges with an extensive range of certified, high-performance, HEPA filter industrial vacuum cleaners. The company’s vacuums are equipped with industry-specific features, efficient filtration systems, and a wide range of accessories including overhead cleaning of dust and debris on overhead pipes. Nilfisk also offers floor scrubbers and sweepers and high pressure washers. www.nilfisk.us

EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides Combustible Dust Testing & Dust Characterization services. Our labs also provide Indoor Air Quality, Microbiological and Environmental Testing.www.emsl.com www.emsl.com

Duration: 1 Hour

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