Hey guys, for all you larger shops make sure you check your dust collectors often. We had a dust explosion today on our largest we think due to an aluminum/iron mix and it getting a bit too full.

 

damn!

 

You are right, as the combo is the same basic make-up as Thermite. If you were close to a 50/50 mix by volume, add some hot sparks and voila...it's Discovery Channel!
Thanks for the heads-up. Hope there were no injuries from that incident.

 

Can you please post a pic or two of the carnage, or PM me?
I'd like to put this in my safety lecture, and pics will help buy-in.

 

Would you like any pics of specific parts?

Luckily no one was hurt, and the dust collector did contain the fire pretty well, it sent most of the crap out the top. Every internal part had to be replaced though. It's an ACT 2-4.

 

Nothing specific, just anything you have showing the damage.
Thanks.

 

Whats your email address?

 

unobtainium welding at gmail dot com

 

Sent, sorry I don't have any photos of the inside, we had to tear it apart and have it operational again before I had a chance to snap pics.

 

Great post. I work for a manufacturer of dust collectors, paint booths and other finishing equipment, Global Finishing Solutions. We are always reminding people to be cautious when operating this equipment. It must be operating, maintained and cleaned properly in order to avoid damage or worse, fire. Too often I am hearing of stories in the news of plants that have had a fire which started in or around their dust collector.

 

Arguably the information is very conflicting from different sources. It would be nice if there was more empirical data on the problem. I'm working with four different manufacturers, OSHA, the local fire department, and NFPA on our investigation.