Page 667 - Dust Explosions in the Process Industries

634 Dust Explosions in the Process Industries

9.3.7.9
Miscellaneous

Michelis (1996) investigated the influence of different underground roadway configu-
rations on the course of coal dust explosions in underground coal mines. Lorenz and
Radandt (1996) presented a method for calculating trajectories and flying distances of
fragments of solid materials emitted from exploding silos, other process equipment, and
buildings. Calculated results were compared with experimental data and data from actual
dust explosions. Loock et al. (1996) presented a systematic approach for assessing the
hazard impact that potential dust explosions in industrial plant handling various natural
organic dusts have on the near neighborhood.

9.3.8
RISK, SAFETY, AND HAZARDS ANALYSIS

A brief introduction to this topic is given in Section 1.5.1.3 in Chapter 1. Quantitative risk
analysis (QRA) receives increasing attention as a potential means of controlling explo-
sion risks in the process industries.This also applies to the dust explosionhazard. The sub-
ject is complex and in part controversial,not least because of lack of relevant quantitative
failurerate data. Nevertheless, attempts have been made at applying QRAto the dust explo-
sion problem, as demonstrated by Wagner (1994).Mittal(l994) discussed the risk of dust
explosionsin pneumaticpowder transportationsystems. Potential sources of ignition were
identified, with the main focus on electrostatic discharges. A systematic risk evaluation
and risk reduction approach was outlined. Liu and Wang (1994) proposed a quantitative,
computer-based “decision support system” for assessing the explosion hazard and taking
appropriateactionsto prevent and mitigate coal dust explosions in metal production plants.
Moore and Freehill (1994) outlined a philosophy for systematic analysis of the risks of
dust explosions in industrialplants. Specific technical solutions for preventing and miti-
gating explosionsfor some typical cases were proposed.Radandt (1996b) outlinedthe phi-
losophy of risk identification and risk reduction in relation to prevention and mitigation
of industrial explosion hazards, on which the European Union “Atex 118a” Directive is
based. This directive applies to gas and vapor explosions as well as to dust explosions. In
a subsequentpaper, Radandt (1999) emphasized the importance of having adequateprocess
knowledge when identifying process risks and suitable measures for risk reduction.

9.3.9
HUMAN AND ADMINISTRATIVE RISK AND HAZARD FACTORS:
RISK AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT

This book primarily covers the chemistry,physics, and technology of dust explosion pre-
vention and mitigation. However, human hazard factors also play a very important role
and have to be controlled, as discussed by Fernando (1993). A brief introduction to this
important, but complex topic is given in Section 1.4.12 in Chapter 1.
Brascamp (1996) pointed out that industrial disasters, such as dust explosions,are often
not simply a consequence of direct technical failure or operators not executing their
tasks correctly. Quite frequently, the basic, underlying reason turns out to be lack of