Agricultural grain explosions are usually preventable, but 2019 still saw eight in the U.S.

Mar 05, 2020 at 07:28 AM CST
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — “There are many substances you might not think are explosive that, under the right conditions, actually are,” says Kingsly Ambrose, agricultural and biological engineering professor. Ambrose studies particle technology, grain processing and particulate flow. One of the particles especially vulnerable to combustion is grain dust, found in grain handling facilities. Explosions at such facilities can be significant, potentially resulting in fatalities, injuries and/or millions of dollars in damages and lost revenue.

Mar 05, 2020 at 07:28 AM CST

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — “There are many substances you might not think are explosive that, under the right conditions, actually are,” says Kingsly Ambrose, agricultural and biological engineering professor. Ambrose studies particle technology, grain processing and particulate flow. One of the particles especially vulnerable to combustion is grain dust, found in grain handling facilities. Explosions at such facilities can be significant, potentially resulting in fatalities, injuries and/or millions of dollars in damages and lost revenue.