In the UK the tragic event at Wood Flour Mills in Bosley Cheshire this month may have been the result of a wood dust explosion, this site was also struck by fires in 2010 and 2012. WTL International Ltd established in the 1920’s processed Wood flour at the plant with a consistency like sand, it is used to make laminate flooring. Days later search teams have not found all the bodies under the rubble. This highlights the need for closer scrutiny of wood as an explosive dust, especially as the larger power plants convert from coal to wood pellet biomass.
In a recent white paper produced by ATEX Explosion Hazards Limited we look at the fundamentals of Explosion Prevention and Protection in a Wood dust atmosphere. First we go back to basics. For a fire you need a fuel (the wood dust), oxygen and an ignition source but to cause an explosion you need dispersion and a confined deflagration. It is important to exhaust all methods of explosion prevention; keep your plant clean, know the hazards, train your staff. In the event after hazard analysis and risk assessments you still need explosion protection to mitigate the consequences of a potential explosion, you must protect your people from its harmful effects using containment, venting (to a designated safe area), suppression (fast fire extinguishing) and isolation to prevent propagation throughout your plant.
Explosion Hazards offers the very best in explosion safety solutions. If you’re unsure what explosion safety measures you should implement into your operation, contact us today and we’ll find a solution that meets all of your specific requirements. We use our 42+ years of experience to make you a safer ATEX complaint company.
Photos credit to the Independent