Calcium Stearate Deflagrations-A series of unfortunate events

摘要

A series of deflagrations occurred in a plant unloading Calcium Stearate from bulk bags.Each one had a different root cause and illustrates the importance of management systems forignition control and the need to evaluate a system for many types of ignition sources. Thefirst event was caused by static discharge from an ungrounded tote. When upgrading thesystem Type C bags were specified for the product and a second deflagration occurred due tostatic discharge from and ungrounded bag. In the third deflagrations cause was most likely aconical pile discharge. The presence of fines and coarse material plus the use of a largercubic vessel probably enhanced the likelihood of the brush discharge.