Improper Moisture Control Contributes to Dust Explosions
Precision moisture control plays a significant role in the powders and bulk solids industries. If a line has improper moisture levels, it can lead to product waste, unnecessary downtime and even safety hazards. A major concern of improper moisture levels is a dust explosion, which can seriously damage a facility. The good news is you can reduce the chances of a dust explosion with simple actions. One crucial step to take is measuring moisture. By implementing a moisture measurement system, you can easily monitor the moisture levels in products and make quick adjustments for increased quality. MoistTech’s NIR3000 measures moisture in real-time for an efficient, safe production line.
Causes of Dust Explosions
Dust explosions are a serious concern for powders and bulk solids lines. A dust explosion occurs when overly dry conditions combine with a spark from manufacturing equipment. This can cause facility damage and worker injuries. Wood, flour, sugar, gun powder, grain elevators and chemical manufacturing are some examples of high-risk dust explosion situations. When a dust explosion happens, it can cause a lengthy list of damage and injuries. Worker safety is put at risk during a dust explosion and equipment can be damaged throughout the production line. In extreme cases, facilities can be damaged or, at worst, completely lost in a fire. In less serious instances, dust explosions contribute to product waste and extensive downtime. The more volatile a substance is, the greater the risk is for a major dust explosion. Moisture levels play a key role in preventing dust explosions. Overly dry powders and bulk solids ignite quicker and easier compared to substances with proper moisture levels. By properly monitoring the moisture levels of powders and bulk solids, you can keep your production line moving, your workers safe and your facility undamaged.
Moisture Measurement Prevents Dust Explosions
There are steps you can take to prevent dust explosions in your facility. Regularly perform maintenance on your equipment and machinery to ensure they are functioning as intended. Malfunctioning equipment has the potential to turn into an ignition source. Conduct regular training sessions with employees to ensure they know best practices for safely handling combustible substances. Conduct risk assessments throughout the facility to identify areas of potential ignition. One of the biggest factors in dust explosions is improper moisture content. By using a moisture management sensor, you can have a data snapshot of the product moisture levels. MoistTech’s IR3000 moisture measurement sensor uses near infrared technology to detect moisture levels in real time. It is important to have the optimal moisture level with powders and bulk solids. Too little moisture makes the product susceptible to dust explosions and creates out-of-spec products. On the other hand, too much moisture leads to product clumping and inconsistencies. Having too much and too little moisture puts a strain on cost, energy and wasted product.
Benefits of Powders and Bulk Solids Moisture Measurement
The IR3000 is a simple and easy way to help prevent dust explosions. By measuring moisture in real time, a moisture imbalance can be detected and corrected early in the process. With continuous on-line moisture measurement, manufacturing plants can save money in water usage for dust suppression and clean up. Plants can reduce the amount of wear and tear on equipment due to dust and ash buildup. Blockages on the conveyor that can result in the boiler needing to be shut down can also be prevented with proper moisture monitoring. Controlling ash residue is a critical concern for plant operators. Following combustion, the remaining ash residue is sprayed with water to reduce dust and odors before being transported to landfills and moonfuls.
IR3000 Makes for Ease of Use
The IR3000 is easy to implement on any line. Plug-and-play technology means it can be installed nearly anywhere on the production line. The sensor is guaranteed not to drift or need calibrating. The non-contact design of the IR3000 means you will not have any product waste and there is no need for downtime to collect samples. By using a moisture sensor, you can accurately monitor moisture levels for increased product quality, reduced materials waste and improved workplace safety.
Learn More About the IR3000
Boost the quality of your powders and bulk solids production line with the IR3000 moisture measurement sensor. Contact MoistTech today to learn more about how the IR3000 can add value to your line.