Gexcon’s testing solutions
Poor handling of combustible dusts could potentially lead to devastating incidents.
The purpose of a dust explosion properties testing is to evaluate the potential explosiveness of fine particulate materials, such as dust, powders, or granules when they are dispersed in the air. These tests are essential for industries handling combustible dust, as they help identify the explosibility characteristics of specific materials and assess the risks associated with dust clouds forming in various industrial processes.
By determining factors like minimum ignition energy, minimum ignition temperature, and the explosibility index, these tests enable organisations to implement appropriate safety measures, engineering controls, and mitigation strategies to prevent catastrophic dust explosions. Ultimately, dust explosibility tests play a critical role in safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment in dust-prone environments.
How do I know if my dust is combustible?
The combustibility of dust can vary significantly depending on the specific material, its particle size, humidity levels, and other factors. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation and testing approach is essential to accurately assess the combustibility of dust in your workplace.
Reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheets and product labels for the materials you work with can often contain information about the combustibility or flammability of the materials and their dust.
Gexcon offers a wide range of standardised tests for the determination of the ignition and explosion properties of dust. Being aware of the properties of materials handled in your plant or used in your products will allow you to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent explosions and reduce the consequences.
At Gexcon we perform tests to determine the explosion characteristics of your hazardous dusts by following internationally recognised standards.
Dust explosion properties testing FAQs
-
1Why do I need to know if my dust or powder is combustible?
Identifying whether a specific dust sample poses a potential fire or explosion hazard is essential for safety planning and risk assessment.
The test outcomes can also help industries understand how to safely handle, store, and transport the dust material, considering its combustibility characteristics.
-
2Is it a legal requirement to have dusts or powders tested?
In many jurisdictions, safety regulations require the classification of dust as combustible or non-combustible. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for workplace safety and legal compliance.
-
3Do I need to consider the type of equipment I install?
Knowledge of combustibility is critical for selecting suitable equipment and materials that can safely handle the dust without posing an ignition risk.
-
4Does Gexcon provide safety awareness training?
Gexcon offers a range of safety awareness courses to make workers and personnel aware of the potential hazards associated with handling and processing of dusts and powders.
Please visit our courses page for further information.
Testing solutions for your combustible dusts
Dust explosive testing is crucial for ensuring safety compliance, and protecting workers, communities, and the environment from the consequence of explosion
Featured insights
Webinars
Blogs
Tune in to our webinars for in-depth discussions and expert insights related to dust explosion hazards.
-
Webinars
Fundamentals of fire and explosion from handling bulk solids
Learn about the main causes of fires and explosions when handling bulk solids, including assessing the hazards, preventing the hazards from occurring, and protecting people and assets.
-
Webinars
How to properly design your dust explosion protective systems
Learn about the importance of appropriately designing dust explosion systems based on lessons learned from a previous incident at a plywood manufacturing facility in Texas.
-
Webinars
Dust hazard analysis and prevention, the hierarchy of controls, and practical implementation
Get an overview of the practical steps required to assess hazards related to fire and explosions from handling bulk solids and to demonstrate ALARP.
Contact form
Do you have any questions about our testing solutions? Please submit them through the form.
Dust in process industries
Gexcon can support you with practical solutions to develop a safe and regulatory-compliant dust processing facility, storage, and goods transportation.
