Ignition Source Control in Dust Explosion Safety: Overcoming Persistent Challenges
Date: Thursday May 15, 2025 at 2:00pm ET - 1:00pm CT - 11:00am PT
The dust explosion pentagon is a well-known model for understanding the factors that contribute to dust fire, flash fire, and explosion incidents. Among its elements, the control of ignition sources – especially those that are sufficiently energetic – remains a pivotal element in preventing such incidents. Yet in practice, effectively managing these ignition sources remains a persistent challenge in safety engineering. This difficulty can result in unnecessary, costly explosion protection measures or manufacturing processes where dust explosion risk remains undefined.
This webinar explores the current understanding of incendivity of common industrial ignition sources and operations alongside the ignition sensitivity of dust clouds. By analyzing these elements within operational settings, the webinar aims to advance current approaches to ignition source management. Integrating data on explosive dust properties with insights into the ignition capability of industrial processes, this presentation highlights practical strategies for controlling ignition sources, reinforcing the use of 'avoidance of ignition sources' as a reliable basis of safety.
The participant will gain an understanding of:
- Incendivity capability of common ignition sources from industrial equipment and operations,
- Ignition sensitivity of dust clouds and accumulations by various industrial ignition sources, and
- Practical strategies for managing ignition sources and reinforcing 'avoidance of ignition sources' as a reliable basis of safety.
Ultimately, this presentation contributes to the broader goal of improving safety protocols and reducing the likelihood of dust-related fires and explosions in industrial settings, promoting a safety-first culture across industries.
Speaker:
Vahid Ebadat Ph.D., 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 the Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), a member of the Institute of Physics (IOP), a Chartered Physicist, a Member, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee E-27 on Hazard Potential of Chemicals, and a principal member of the following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committees:
- NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity
- NFPA 91, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Particulate Solids
- NFPA 660, Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids, including:
o Technical Committee on Fundamentals of Combustible Dust
(formerly NFPA 652)
o Technical Committee on Handling and Conveying of Dusts, Vapors,
and Gases
Sponsors:
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
Camfil APC is a global supplier of industrial dust collection systems. Their Gold Series dust collection systems safely handle all kinds of toxic, combustible and nuisance dusts, including fine, fibrous and heavy dust loads. Camfil systems exceed OSHA requirements for indoor air quality in industrial environments. Additionally, they provide top-tier protection against combustible dust explosions, meeting both NFPA and ATEX standards when equipped with a Camfil explosion vent. www.Camfilapc.com
VAC-U-MAX
For over 70 years, VAC-U-MAX, based in Belleville, NJ, has designed and manufactured explosion-proof industrial vacuum cleaners powered by compressed-air and ATEX certified. VAC-U-MAX product range includes portable units, continuous duty systems handling up to 5 tons per hour, and custom central vacuum cleaning systems for 24/7 operation. Learn more and fill out RFQ at www.vac-u-max.com.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides Combustible Dust Testing & Dust Characterization services. Our labs also provide Indoor Air Quality, Microbiological and Environmental Testing. www.emsl.com
Date: May 15, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Duration: 1 Hour