APS – Mitigating Dust Explosions
Mitigating the risk of dust explosions in facilities requires careful consideration and implementation of simple yet effective techniques. Through the lens of Advanced Powder Solutions (APS), we highlight how proactive risk management can transform facilities into bastions of safety, fostering a culture of resilience and preparedness in the face of potential hazards.
While APS primarily deals with relatively safe products such as cosmetics, foods, nutraceuticals, pigments, and plastics, the powders involved present a potential hazard if not handled properly. Therefore, the focus here is on how APS addresses and manages this risk.
APS uses simple yet effective engineering controls and strict adherence to safety standards to reduce the risk of dust explosions. They invest in high-quality equipment and employee training to keep their workers safe and set a high standard for the industry.
Engineering controls play a crucial role in mitigating dust explosion risks. APS ensures the selection of process equipment with built-in safety features, such as Gemco Blenders and Dryers equipped with self-sealing loading and unloading devices to prevent powder spillage. If using a GEMCO-MATIC, a single operator can load and unload drums with a self-sealing device to prevent powder spillage. The GEMCO Pharm-Arm is a self-sealing bulk bag loading device that prevents accidental distribution of nuisance powders. Additionally, the use of partner equipment like VAC-U-MAX powder handling systems and sealed screw or bin conveyors further enhances safety by eliminating unsafe practices.
Quality Dust Collection Equipment is another vital aspect of dust explosion prevention. APS emphasizes the use of properly selected, high-quality dust collection systems from reputable manufacturers like Donaldson Torit. These systems, whether building-wide or portable, employ advanced features such as HEPA filtration and deflagration controls to minimize dust-related risks.
Controlling static electricity is paramount in mitigating dust explosion hazards. APS ensures proper grounding of all process equipment and conducts regular inspections to maintain equipment integrity. Additionally, active monitoring of airborne particle concentration, education on safe operating procedures, and the use of inerting gases further enhance safety measures within the facility. Regular safety inspections, often provided by insurance carriers, help identify potential issues and recommend effective solutions.
By implementing these strategies and prioritizing safety measures, APS demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigating dust explosion risks.
APS is a self-supporting contract manufacturing organization (CMO) specializing in blending, drying, and powder coating. It also serves as a testing ground for GEMCO.
