Static electricity in pneumatic transport systems: Three case histories
Process Safety Progress, 13 (3):
109--113 (1994)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/prs.680130302
Abstract
Three incidents, two explosions and one near miss, of electrostatic
ignition of dust suspensions in pneumatic transport systems are reported.
The incidents actually occurred in three separate systems; but, because
of legal implications, they are reported in terms of one generic
system. Incident A describes a near miss where there were some ungrounded
ducts in the system. Incident B describes an explosion during the
filling of an intermediate bulk container with a powdered material.
Incident C describes an explosion in a bag filter (bag house) after
some two years of operation. The discussions include some basic preventive
measures which should be taken in similar systems to prevent the
buildup of electrostatic potentials.