The Science of Metal Dust Explosions: How Big Is the Problem and Why Are They so Severe?

Dust explosion incidents involving metal dusts include a disproportionately higher number of fatalities than with organic materials.

Kevin Cronin, Editor-in-Chief

September 16, 2021

1 Min Read
Chris_Cloney_DUSTEX.jpg
Image courtesy of DustEx Research

On Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 12 p.m. Eastern/9 a.m. Pacific, Dr. Chris Cloney, PEng, managing director and lead researcher at DustEx Research, will present “The Science of Metal Dust Explosions: How Big Is the Problem and Why Are They so Severe?” as part of Powder & Bulk Solids' DryPro webinar series.

Only 10-20% of dust explosion incidents reported internationally involved metal dusts. However, these incidents report a disproportionately higher number of fatalities than with organic materials. Why is this?

This presentation will explore the science behind metal dust explosions, including international loss history, equipment and materials involved, and what properties make metal dust explosions so severe.

Practical considerations will also be reviewed, including minimum ignition energy, challenges with dust collection and isolation, response to fires, and safe use of inerting systems.

Cloney is managing director and lead researcher at DustEx Research, a company with a worldwide focus on increasing awareness of combustible dust hazards and reducing personal and financial loss from fire and explosion incidents. Cloney is a recognized expert in the field of combustible dust research publishing over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and presenting at conferences in the US, Canada, China, Norway, the UK, Poland, and Germany.

Register here

About the Author

Kevin Cronin

Editor-in-Chief, Powder & Bulk Solids

Kevin Cronin has been editor-in-chief, Powder & Bulk Solids, for 35 years. For several years, he also edited food and chemical industry publications. He received a B.A. in communications—with a concentration in journalism—from the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, in 1988.

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