Is there an intrinsically safe combustible dust monitor for wood pellets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for an intrinsically safe device to monitor combustible dust, specifically wood dust from pellets, in a coal bunker environment. The focus is on identifying suitable monitoring technologies that can handle high concentrations of dust while ensuring safety against potential explosions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration in finding a combustible dust monitor that is intrinsically safe and suitable for monitoring concentrations of 50g/m^3 in a coal bunker.
  • Another participant suggests a link to a potential product but notes that it does not specifically deal with dust monitors.
  • A different participant proposes the use of a Davis lamp, traditionally used for combustible gases, suggesting it might also work for fine dust due to its design.
  • Some participants discuss the possibility of using a scanning laser beam and optical monitoring as a method to measure dust density, emphasizing its intrinsic safety.
  • One participant shares a link to a specific monitor but later realizes it does not meet the required specifications for dust concentration.
  • There is a correction regarding the measurement units for dust concentration, clarifying that the original inquiry was about 50g per cubic meter, not per cubic liter.
  • Another participant expresses interest in contacting a manufacturer regarding a suggested monitor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific solution, and multiple competing views and suggestions remain regarding the best approach to monitor combustible dust safely.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the availability of products that meet the specific safety and monitoring requirements, as well as potential misunderstandings about measurement units.

Avis
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I have been tasked with what seems an almost impossible feat. It sounds simple but for some reason it is not.

I am looking for a device that can monitor combustible dust, in this case wood dust from pellets. It must be able to handle concentrations of 50g/m^3. The area to be monitored is a coal bunker, roughly 80’ tall and 20’x50’.

And most important it must be intrinsically safe! This has been my biggest problem. I have found a handful of suitable monitors yet they are not intrinsically safe. Who designs a combustible dust monitor that could end up being the source of an explosion?!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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These guys might have something that would suit your needs:

http://www.omega.com/temperature/Z/pdf/z128-130.pdf
 
Travis_King said:
These guys might have something that would suit your needs:

http://www.omega.com/temperature/Z/pdf/z128-130.pdf

unfortunately they don't deal with dust monitors.
 
Would the old Davis lamp perhaps work for you?
It was admittedly used for combustible gas, rather than dust, but I would think that fine dust would be pretty equally diffused in a factory setting and would pass pretty reliably through the screen mesh of a Davis lamp.
 
If the coal dust is the only particulate matter in the air in that enclosure, maybe think about using a scanning laser beam and optical monitoring to figure out the density of dust in the air... Very intrinsically safe.
 
berkeman said:
If the coal dust is the only particulate matter in the air in that enclosure, maybe think about using a scanning laser beam and optical monitoring to figure out the density of dust in the air... Very intrinsically safe.

Yes it would work, But I can't find a product that exists.
 
Something like this? http://www.ducon.com/MIP%203188AZL.php
 
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etudiant said:
Something like this? http://www.ducon.com/MIP%203188AZL.php

That monitor was looking ideal for the application, until I noticed in the specifications: "Maximum dust = 2g per cubic liter. The OP is asking to monitor up to 50g per cubic liter.
 
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Bobbywhy said:
That monitor was looking ideal for the application, until I noticed in the specifications: "Maximum dust = 2g per cubic liter. The OP is asking to monitor up to 50g per cubic liter.

No, per cubic meter! That's 0.05 g/L.
 
  • #10
OOPS! Sorry. Thanks for catching my mistake.
 
  • #11
etudiant said:
Something like this? http://www.ducon.com/MIP%203188AZL.php

Very Intresting. I will contact the manufacturer! Thanks!
 
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