Grain Silos and Explosion Hazards

Dust cloud explosions are a complex phenomenon that might occur when solid dust particles are suspended in air. In the presence of an ignition source, the solid particles can burn rapidly generating expanding gasses. Critically, when confined conditions are present, an explosion might occur, causing significant destruction to surrounding facilities and people. This article will discuss the development of rudimentary explosion characteristics of dust cloud explosion that can be used to perform potential blast consequence assessment should an explosion occur. These explosion characteristics are presented in terms of equivalent TNT mass that are related to the composition and nature of suspended particles. High-fidelity, physics-based, finite element analysis is done to verify and demonstrate practicality of this technical approach. This approach would allow protective design engineers to use their current blast tools to perform the consequence assessment.