CEMENT SILO EXPLOSION 4

[sigma1]

Can cement silos explode and why? What can be done to prevent it?
Thank you.

 

[jheidt2543]

I would contact the Portland Cement Association (PCA), they would certainly have information on this and perhaps some research papers to read.

 

[JedClampett]

Apparently not. See this website:

http://www.chemeng.ed.ac.uk/~emju49/SP2001/webpage/deh/deh2.html

 

[dbuzz]

I've certainly heard of the potential for dust explosions in coal andf grain silos but not in cement silos. Also, I've never observed exposion venting on any of the several cement silos that I've seen.

 

[unclesyd]

Cement dust is/was used to suppress fires and coal dust explosions in coal mines.

Like stated above I've never seen any measures taken around cement storage silos that would suggest an explosive potential. The one thing missing is there is no organic material available.

 

[jheidt2543]

I don't know for sure why or if cement dust does or doesn't explode, but the PCA still seems the best place to look.

Here are some other references:

Taken from a Googel search at

http://cementamericas.com/mag/cement_removing_material_buildup/

Whips and chains
The silo cleaning equipment uses its rotating “whips” to cut the material off the walls. A key to success is matching the flails to the material. Flails of a rubber-covered nylon rope, for example, have proved to work well in coal. These flails can be equipped with “knuckles” to improve the cleaning effect and extend whip life. The knuckles are most often constructed of urethane to provide impact without damage or sparks.
Steel chain is commonly used for portland cement or any compacted material where there is no risk of explosion. Nonsparking brass chain is effective for compacted materials where the risk of fire or explosion is present.



A book reference that looks good, although I haven’t reviewed it:

Dust Explosions in the Process Industries-US-
ISBN:0750676027 (Hard cover book)
3RD Edition
Eckhoff, Rolf K. /Publisher:Butterworth-Heinemann Published 2003/05

 

[jheidt2543]

Taken from a Googel search at

http://cementamericas.com/mag/cement_removing_material_buildup/

Whips and chains
The silo cleaning equipment uses its rotating “whips” to cut the material off the walls. A key to success is matching the flails to the material. Flails of a rubber-covered nylon rope, for example, have proved to work well in coal. These flails can be equipped with “knuckles” to improve the cleaning effect and extend whip life. The knuckles are most often constructed of urethane to provide impact without damage or sparks.
Steel chain is commonly used for portland cement or any compacted material where there is no risk of explosion. Nonsparking brass chain is effective for compacted materials where the risk of fire or explosion is present.

A book reference that looks good, although I haven’t reviewed it:
Dust Explosions in the Process Industries-US-
ISBN:0750676027 (Hard cover book)
3RD Edition
Eckhoff, Rolf K. /Publisher:Butterworth-Heinemann Published 2003/05