Dust collectors are a common piece of equipment in almost any type plant in our industry. Their proper maintenance and service is important to prevent dust/fine fires. The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has a recent story reinforcing the importance of proper dust collector operation.
A two alarm fire destroyed a small building at a die casting plant late in 2012. No one was injured in the fire, which did not spread to the main building at SciCast International Inc, said local fire chief.
A two alarm fire destroyed a small building at a die casting plant late in 2012. No one was injured in the fire, which did not spread to the main building at SciCast International Inc, said local fire chief.
The company reopened the next day.
Employees were evacuated during the fire.
The Fire Chief said the fire started in a dust collector in the small building, which is near the main plant. No damage estimate was available.
According to the fire chief, fire firefighters were dispatched to the plant at 1:45 p.m. When they arrived, they found flames shooting from the roof of the small building. Crews contained the fire to the building within 30 minutes. About 60 volunteers from several fire companies responded.
There is a lot of information on preventing aluminium dust/fine explosions and fires.
Here is aluminium dust igniting.
The Aluminum Association (USA) has some great literature aptly titled: "Guidelines for Handling Aluminum Fines", which can be purchased here.
The DieCast Industry has a great Powerpoint presentation on preventing dust explosions and fires. It can be downloaded here (it will download immediately if clicked).
The Aluminium Times Magazine's safety column dealt with aluminium dust and fines. That column can be found here.
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