Why Compliance Isn’t Optional
In the powder processing sector, safety isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a matter of life, business continuity, and professional responsibility. When working with dry powders in environments where combustible dust is present, the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction can be devastating.
Understanding the Risk
Dry powder combustion in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing often occur when combustible particles—such as APIs, excipients, or fine organic powders—become airborne and are exposed to an ignition source. This could be something as seemingly minor as static discharge, frictional heat, or even a poorly grounded piece of equipment.
The result? A rapidly spreading fire, flash fire, or in worst-case scenarios, a dust explosion.
Consider the tragic 2003 incident in North Carolina, where a pharmaceutical plant explosion claimed six lives and injured 38 others. The root cause was a dust explosion—something that was entirely preventable with the correct controls and risk assessments in place.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-off. Many materials—wood, flour, grain, sugar, metal dusts, dyes—are combustible in powder form, especially when reduced below 420 microns. In the right conditions, these materials can self-heat, combust, or explode. These aren’t theoretical risks. They’re real, and they can happen in any processing plant.
What is ATEX & Why It Matters
- ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) is a European directive that sets the minimum safety requirements for workplaces where explosive atmospheres could occur. It ensures that equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive environments are rigorously tested and certified.
- For those managing or engineering powder handling systems, compliance with ATEX isn’t optional—it’s essential. Not only does it protect lives, but it safeguards business operations from catastrophic downtime, liability, and reputational damage.
- For those managing or engineering powder handling systems, compliance with ATEX isn’t optional—it’s essential. Not only does it protect lives, but it safeguards business operations from catastrophic downtime, liability, and reputational damage.
- This is where your role as a project or process engineer becomes pivotal. From specifying compliant blending systems to ensuring correct containment and discharge connections, our decisions have a direct impact on safety and operational efficiency.
What You Can Do Today
The first, most practical step is to assess your current powder processing setup and ask: - Do my connection systems prevent blend particulates leaking into the in the manufacturing environment?
- Do I have equipment installed that mitigates electrostatic discharge and other ignition risks?
- Do you understand your dust combustible properties?
These include, but are not limited to, the Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT), Layer Ignition Temperature (LIT) and Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) - We work closely with project and process teams to help specify safe, enclosed powder transfer and blending systems, fully compliant with ATEX standards. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to guide you.
Final Thought
Final Thought
The conversation around ATEX isn’t just about legislation—it’s about responsibility. As engineers, we’re the ones who build the future of manufacturing. Let’s make sure it’s a safe one.
For expert ATEX support, reach out to the Terriva team who will safely guide you through overcoming this challenge.