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Analysis of dust

Fire and explosion risks

Dust Explosion Test

Take control of the risks of combustible dust and powder.

A flammable gas or liquid has clear explosive properties that can be found in a safety data sheet. For dust and powder, it is not as straightforward. Many people are therefore surprised that there can be a significant risk of explosion from processing paper, wood, sanding dust and color powder, and also icing sugar, wheat flour, paracetamol or other dusty handling. Risk assessment for safe handling of dust or powder can be challenging. Dust testing is needed as an important part of ATEX work and is a mandatory part of the risk assessment according to Swedish legislation.
Dust test
Dust testing is very close to the work we do today within ATEX and is a mandatory part of the risk assessment according to Swedish legislation. ATEX deals, among other things, with risk assessment and classification of explosive atmospheres that can consist of gas, mist, steam or dust. A flammable gas or liquid has clear explosive properties and can be found in a safety data sheet. For dust and powder, it is unfortunately not as clear.
Leading laboratory
At our world-leading laboratory in England, the fire and explosion risks of dust & powder are analyzed as needed. DEKRA is able to help with several different tests necessary for risk assessment, such as the following:
  • Ignition temperature of a dust layer (LIT)
  • Explosivity test
  • Determining the energy that decomposition entails
  • Determination of the Limiting Oxygen Concentration (LOC)
  • The determination of temperature for safe storage of bulk materials
  • Determination of the minimum explosive dust concentration, (MEC) - 20 liters, spherical
  • Classification Test, Group A/B
  • Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE)
  • Minimum Ignition Temperature, MIT (Dust Cloud)
  • Test of normal diffusion
  • Test with hot air over a layer of material
  • Test to simulate conditions in droughts
  • Test of the thermal behavior of a material
  • Test of explosion pressure/force (20 liters, spherical)
DEKRA Industrial AB

Lagergatan 5

Göteborg 415 02

010-455 10 00 kontakt​.industrial​.se@​dekra​.com