Combustible Dust in the Plastics Industry

Since John Wesley Hyatt invented the first plastic material in 1868, the plastics industry has transformed our society. Now a household product, plastics surround us in every setting.

Plastics molding, plastics extruding, plastics forming and plastics finishing all create the myriad products that shape our world. Not only do plastics make up large components of the leading automotive, electronics and packaging industries, they also play at least a small role in virtually all manufacturing. In short, plastics have become integral to industry.

With this significant contribution to production comes a significant challenge: combustible dust. As manufacturers create plastic components, the processes of trimming and shaping the materials inevitably releases dust, and high volumes of plastic production equals high volumes of dust. As this dust accumulates, it poses a fire and explosion hazard.

Plastic dust can be particularly dangerous, because it can generate volatile gas. Dust Safety Science explains the process: “The dust heats up, melts, then evaporates, creating a flammable gas that reacts.”

To prevent combustible dust fires and explosions, plastics facility owners must carefully manage this risk. Some turn to dust collection systems, but these can’t capture all the plastic particles or fully mitigate the risk. Case in point: In October 2019, a manufacturer in Manchester, CT experienced a dust explosion in the dust collecting unit that the company uses for managing its plastic dust.

What the plastics processing facilities need is a proactive solution that effectively protects their employees and equipment from combustible dust events.

The SonicAire Solution

SonicAire proprietary technology combines two methods to control dust flow.

SonicAire fans use high-velocity airflow to clean overhead areas. The strength of this airflow effectively prevents the accumulation of combustible dust particles on overhead structures in the facility.

Typical airflow includes upward thermal currents which naturally lift and carry particles to overhead areas of facilities, where dust quickly accumulates and can become a fire hazard. SonicAire industrial dust control fans prevent these upward thermal currents from holding dust in the air.