Introduction

Abstract

In past years, the causes of dust explosions have been systematically researched by laboratory-testing the combustion, ignition, and explosion behavior of combustible dust. Step by step, the results and the experience gained have been transferred to industrial practice. Yet, dust explosions still occur, causing major damage and sometimes fatalities. The “Berufsgenossenschaftliche Institut für Arbeitssicherheit“ in Bonn [1] lists 357 dust explosions which occurred from 1976–1980 in the Federal Republic of Germany, but only 155 of these cases had been officially reported. In contrast, the “Verband der Sachversicherer“ (VDS) (organization of insurance carriers) states 300 cases per year with damage exceeding 50,000 DM each.