5.4: Examples
- Page ID
- 66707
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Dust Fires
Dust fires are a uniquely hazardous situation caused by fuel that takes advantage of many of the combustion influences above. Very fine particles can combust with very little energy, and are able to propagate, just like gaseous combustion. This propagation and expansion caused by the near instant involvement of a cloud of dust can create and explosive reaction. The fine particles of dust can result in explosions even with typically non-combustible materials such as iron dust created in manufacturing processes. Dust explosions are a serious concern in places such as machine shops, woodshops, and granaries.
Metal Fires
Metal fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium or aluminum. Fires involving combustible metals can be exceptionally difficult for firefighters. Combustible metals burn at very high temperatures and can react violently with water or other extinguishing agents and require specific techniques and materials to extinguish. These metals are common in manufacturing and machining, but can also be found in fireworks, vehicles, fertilizers and even packaging and construction materials. Many of these metals become a bigger hazard when found in dust or ribbon form. A great example of this is steel wool. Steel, which is not considered combustible, will burn easily as steel wool. In fact, there are numerous incidents where dust from steel manufacturing became ignited and resulted in deadly explosions.
Example of a metal fire.
Video: "The Sci Guys: Science at Home - Burning Steel Wool" by The Sci Guys. YouTube Standard License.