WOOD PELLET AND BIOMASS DUST FIRE AND EXPLOSION CONTROL
BIOMASS DUST FIRE AND EXPLOSION CONTROL from Biomass Handling BIOMASS DUST FIRE AND EXPLOSION CONTROL April 24, 2013 Introduction Fires have always been a problem in wood processing plants, particularly in those that handle dry material, including wood finishing plants, panelboard plants and wood pellet facilities; less so in sawmills. Historically, most sawmills in BC were accustomed to processing `green’ wood with moisture contents of 40 – 55%, wet basis. While not unknown, fires were not a common experience with such wet wood, and explosions were unheard of. So, the fires and explosions in northern BC in 2011 and 2012, which resulted in the total destruction of two large sawmills, multiple deaths and injuries, is great cause for concern. Everyone is asking, “What happened?” The relevant safety authorities are currently investigating both incidents and at this point in time, firm causes have yet to be identified. There has been speculatio...