Nine grain dust explosions occurred across the United States in 2024, resulting in two injuries and no fatalities, according to the annual summary released by Purdue University. The incidents, which took place in nine different states, align with the 10-year national average of 8.6 explosions per year.
Kingsly Ambrose, Purdue University professor of agricultural and biological engineering and author of the report, emphasized the potential impact of these events. "Considering the reduced number of injuries, the grain dust explosions are of low magnitude. But look at the damage it can cause to the facility in terms of downtime, repair costs and litigations," Ambrose stated.
The explosions occurred in various facilities, including four feed mills, three grain elevators, one ethanol plant, and one corn processing plant. Grain dust was identified as the most common fuel source, causing six of the nine incidents. Other ignition sources included smoldering grain, equipment malfunction, and welding or cutting work.
Ambrose stressed the importance of preventative measures, particularly before harvest season. "Keep your equipment in good, working condition, and do preventative maintenance before the start of harvest or handling season," he advised. The expert also highlighted the significance of proper grain storage and thorough housekeeping to minimize explosion risks.
