A recent WSJ investigative report about a Georgia sugar explosion indicates that the fatal blast may have been preceded by a smaller, localized explosion near the site of the main explosion. Investigators suspect that lethal levels of dust from dormant dust resting on places not routinely cleaned (ceiling structures, pipes, too high for routine cleaning and usually ignored) created conditions for the far more devastating explosion.  They speculate that an unusual and gradual rise in room dust concentration increased to ignition levels after the first explosion when a second ignition source set off the more powerful explosion.

If this is correct, there may have been sufficient time after the first explosion and before the second to sound an alarm.  Our Triboelectric Dust Surge Monitor, which can be programmed to report an unusual, massive dust surge, may have triggered an alarm in time to evacuate the workers.

Auburn’sTRIBO.series dust monitors can be used to detect unexpected rises in ambient dust levels within the workplace.  Using compressed air to create a venturi effect, room air is drawn through the sensor, generating a triboelectric signal.  The signal level can activate a relay contact or be represented as a continuous 4-20 mA output for monitoring and recording.  

Example:  A cereal producer uses the Dust Surge Monitor to monitor ambient dust levels in a grain elevator headhouse.  OccK-Tekonally, leaks may develop causing room dust levels to increase.  The monitor can indicate a change in conditions allowing personnel to take corrective action.

Detect dust surges in these areas:

 ·         Silos, Silo Penthouses

 ·         Bulk Packaging

 ·         Loading/Unloading

 ·         Dry Mixing/Sifter Rooms

 ·         Filling/Product Transferring

·         Hazardous Dust Monitoring