Dust explosions

The prevention of fire and explosions in dusty occupancies has been studied for over a century and consequently, the mechanisms of fire and explosions are well understood. The key codes and standards set out good practices to prevent and mitigate the impact of fires and explosions in various processes but relatively few professionals are experienced in conducting a complete analysis of the actual conditions in real manufacturing plants. John Bachynski B.Sc. P.Eng. will present an overview of factors leading to dust explosions and summarise state of the art approaches to explosion prevention and systems to mitigate the damage that can otherwise result.

John E. Bachynski, B.Sc. P.Eng., is President of EPM Consulting located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has 34 years’ experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering, specializing in plant air quality, dust collection, transport, storage and dust explosion prevention. Since graduating from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS) (B.Eng., Mechanical) in 1980 he has worked continuously in the testing, design, installation and commissioning of industrial dust collection and explosion prevention systems.

His project experience includes dust and fume collection systems, dilute and dense phase pneumatic conveying systems in the rubber, cement, coal, steel, grain, foundry, salt, machining, wood pellets, pulp, paper and wood handling facilities. He continues his growing client base in Canada, United States, Mexico and Europe specializing in upgrading plants to prevent dust explosions and also designing, commissioning and testing for new facilities.

Mr. Bachynski has published articles on dust related topics for Bulk and Powder magazine, and has been a technical presenter for the dust related topics for Powder and Bulk, Dalhousie University, College of Continuing Education, NFPA International Technology Conference and private industry. He was nominated for a Canadian design award 1982, and received the Nova Scotia Award for Energy Conservation, Large Industry Sector, 1988 for the installation of a 40 tonnes per day wood dust burning boiler.

Date: November 25, 2014
Time: Registration and Reception 5:30pm
Location: False Creek Yacht Club (1661 Granville Street)
Cost: Members - $30; Non-members $35. Please bring cash or a cheque payable to BC Society of Fire Protection Engineers to cover the cost of dinner.
Registration Deadline: November 21, 2014

Free parking is available in the Yacht Club parking lot.