2021 grain dust explosions show decrease in incidents, result in one death

Story by Jillian Ellison

February 15, 2022

In the annual report recording nationwide grain dust bin explosions, seven incidents were reported in 2021, down from eight in 2020.

Kingsly Ambrose, Purdue University associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering and author of the report, said that despite the decrease in explosions from the previous year, one fatality and five injuries were reported. The 10-year average for explosions stands at 8.0, down from 8.1 in 2020.

The explosions occurred in one feed mill, one ethanol plant, one grain mill and four grain elevators. The probable ignition sources were identified as one case of a fire, two incidences of smoldering grain,

The dust explosions occurred in six different states, Ambrose said, with two occurring in Minnesota, one in Georgia, one in Idaho, one in Indiana, one in Iowa and one in Oregon. while four cases were from unknown sources. Fuel sources for the explosions were identified as grain dust in five cases, and the remaining two cases were unknown.

“Grain dust acts as a fuel for these explosions, and all it takes is a small spark for ignition to occur,” Ambrose said. “Controlling grain dust can significantly reduce the possibility and severity of explosions. Simple and effective housekeeping is the first line of defense.”

Ambrose said keeping good maintenance of equipment to ensure proper working order and properly training workers are measures to help eliminate grain dust explosions.

Download Report

Featured Stories

Boat on a harbor ready to sail, Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland

Ag Boilers Abroad: Exploring Agriculture and Culture in the Land of Fire and Ice

Planning your next trip abroad? Learn about key strategies and experiences through the adventures...

Purdue, FDA join Indiana produce growers in multiyear food safety study

Purdue University and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have embarked on a multiyear study of...

Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Josie Burbrink

Josie Burbrink is a senior in animal sciences who has been a member of the livestock and dairy...

A hickory tree on Trail 1 at Turkey Run State Park; Trail 4 at Turkey Run State Park; Trail 5 at Shade State Park

FNR Field Report: Donatella Mudica

Freshman wildlife major Donatella Mudica spent the last summer before coming to Purdue as a...

Entomology Undergrads Receive OVEA Awards

Purdue entomology undergrads Stephany Bautista and Sydney Territo took first and second place...

Two ANSC undergrads win Moonshot Pitch Challenge

Kelly Siddeeq and Shikha Adhikari were awarded $2,000 for their MiceWay pitch. The product pitch...