Page 20 - Dust Explosions in the Process Industries

t-oreword

Experience has shown all too clearly that ignition and explosion can occur wherever com-
bustible dusts are handled or permitted to accumulate as a by-product of related activi-
ties. Despite reasonable precautions, accidents can and do happen; recognition of this
universal hazard and the potential means for its control is widespread, as evidenced by
the many individuals and groups worldwideperforming research and developing codes
and regulations.
The primary means of controlling and minimizing this recognized hazard are study,
regulation, and education;to accomplish this, specific knowledge must be generated and
disseminatedfor the benefit of all interested people. Rolf Eckhoff has, in my estimation,
prepared an outstanding book. It presents a detailed and comprehensive critique of all
the significant phases relating to the hazard and control of a dust explosion and offers
anLup-to-date evaluation of prevalent activities, testing methods, design measures, and
safe operating techniques.
The author is in an outstanding position to write this text, having spent a lifetime in
relsearch on dust and gas explosions. He assimilates information from worldwide con-
tacts while retaining his independence of thought and the ability to see clearly through
prloblems.His clear and concise language and thorough approach will benefit his fellow
workers and all who read his book. His presentation of the mathematics,tables, and fig-
ures is clear and striking. The inclusion of a comprehensivebibliography indicates not
only his own thoroughness but also the widespread nature of research into dust explo-
sions throughout the world.
To my knowledge this book is the most complete compilation to date of the state of
the art on industrial dust explosions.

John Nag3 Finleyville, PA
(Formerly of the U.S. Bureau of Mines)