Are Grain Dust Particles Explosive Due to Static Electricity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the explosiveness of grain dust particles, particularly focusing on the role of static electricity and the chemical composition of the dust. Participants explore the mechanisms behind dust explosions, including combustion kinetics and the conditions necessary for ignition.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether carbon atoms in grain dust contribute to its explosiveness.
  • Another participant asserts that the kinetics of combustion are crucial, noting that the large surface area of dust allows for rapid combustion, similar to coal dust.
  • Some participants suggest that almost any fine dust could potentially explode, with one mentioning asbestos dust, although this claim lacks supporting evidence.
  • Counterarguments indicate that not all dust can explode; it must be reactive with oxygen to generate heat.
  • There is a discussion about whether dust particles can combust solely from kinetic energy or if an igniter is necessary, with some expressing skepticism about the former.
  • One participant proposes that static electricity generated from dust and friction could serve as an ignition source.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the types of dust that can explode and the mechanisms of ignition. There is no consensus on whether dust can combust without an igniter or solely through kinetic energy.

Contextual Notes

Some claims are based on anecdotal evidence or lack supporting sources, particularly regarding the explosiveness of asbestos dust. The discussion includes varying levels of certainty about chemical reactions and the conditions required for dust explosions.

doc.madani
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I realize that this topic is more towards chemistry however i was wondering why grain dust particles are explosive. Is there any carbon atoms in the dust particles that fuel these explosions?
 
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doc.madani said:
I realize that this topic is more towards chemistry however i was wondering why grain dust particles are explosive. Is there any carbon atoms in the dust particles that fuel these explosions?
Are you asking if organic molecules contain carbon atoms? Yes, they do:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_compound
 
It is mostly kinetics of combustion - there is a huge surface on which combustion can take place, so it happens very fast. Same story with coal dust.

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methods
 
Same with almost any dust. I've read (although with no source attached) that you could make asbestos dust explode if it were fine enough. Certainly this is the case for fine metalic dusts
 
Not any dust - it has to be able to react with oxygen giving off heat. Otherwise it won't work (which makes me strongly doubt asbestos idea).

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methods
 
Sounds right. The article was pointing out that even elements or compounds which only react very reluctantly with oxygen (which leaves me with visions of teenager type elements sitting in a corner refusing to react) will do so explosively when in dust form.

A quick wiki search shows that there are at least 3 different types of asbestos - all chemically very different. My A-Level chemistry didn't prepare me well enough to deal with reactions of
Na2Fe2+3Fe3+2Si8O22(OH)2
(Blue Asbestos)!
 
do these dust particles require an igniter or can they simply combust through their own kinetic energy through friction?
 
Never heard about them exploding without ignition.

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methods
 
mjcguest said:
Na2Fe2+3Fe3+2Si8O22(OH)2
(Blue Asbestos)!

Well, Fe(II) can be oxidised to Fe(III), so perhaps there is a slight chance of reaction taking place. Which shifts my doubts from 'strong doubts' to 'just doubts' :wink:

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  • #10
doc.madani said:
do these dust particles require an igniter or can they simply combust through their own kinetic energy through friction?

Statistically very unlikely. Or simply: I don't think so.

What'd be more likely is the dust and friction causing a discharge of static electricity which could act as an ignition source.
 
  • #11
alxm said:
Statistically very unlikely. Or simply: I don't think so.

What'd be more likely is the dust and friction causing a discharge of static electricity which could act as an ignition source.

^^ yea that makes more sense. thankyou
 

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