Safe Handling of Bulk Materials in the Aluminium Powder Industry

摘要

There are significant safety and operability challenges inherent in bulk solids handling of products in the aluminium powder and paste industry. These arise due to the hazardous nature of the individual products that are combined in the same processes. Conventional proprietary explosion prevention systems have been found inadequate for use in this industry due to the explosion reaction rates and energy associated with the bulk solids used in the processes. Engineering developments undertaken by Comalco Smelting were focused on decreasing the risk of serious incidents such as explosions and fires and improving the operability and productivity of the plant. A layered approach to technical safety was adopted which centred on key issues such as explosion and fire prevention, protection and fatal accident rate reduction This paper elaborates on the engineering tools and philosophies used to achieve the required high levels of technical safety specified by Comalco Smelting.