Dust fires and explosions can occur wherever particles of combustible materials mix with air. This includes not only wood, coal, flour and similar known highly combustible materials, but also metals. The VDI 2263 series of guidelines is used to assess hazards and for measures to prevent dust fires and dust explosions and their dangerous effects. The new VDI 2263 Sheet 1 deals with the basic principles and safety-related parameters of bulk materials.
The most reliable way to determine the fire and explosion properties of a dust is to examine a sample and describe the hazardous properties using safety parameters. The scope of the tests to be carried out is based - in close cooperation between the tester and the user - on the protection objective or the applicable protective measures against the occurrence of fires and explosions or against the effects of explosions.
The fire and explosion behavior of dusts can be comprehensively examined, whereby information on the type of dust (chemical composition), the possible toxicity and the explosive hazard as defined by the Explosives Act should be available. When testing, it should be noted that the reaction products can also be toxic. The guideline is aimed at managers and specialists from industry and commerce who want to gain an overview of test methods and technical regulations.
VDI 2263 Sheet 1 serves to assess the risk of dust fires and dust explosions and describes preventive measures. The preferred procedure is to test the dust with regard to its flammability and explosion properties. The procedure for such a test is defined in this guideline, as are the examination of the samples and the description of the properties in the form of safety-related parameters. The tests within the scope of VDI 2263 Sheet 1 are usually carried out under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature, but deviations from this are possible and are also dealt with in the guideline.
The guideline VDI 2263 Sheet 1 "Dust fires and dust explosions - Hazards - Assessment - Protective measures - Safety characteristics of bulk solids" is published by the VDI Society for Energy and Environment (GEU). The guideline was published as a white print in February 2022 and can be ordered from Beuth Verlag (Tel.: +49 30 2601-2260) at a price of EUR 151.80. VDI members receive a 10 percent discount on all VDI guidelines. Online orders can be placed at www.beuth.de or www.vdi.de/2263-1. VDI guidelines can be viewed free of charge at many public display points.
