Dust resistivity and hydrogen-enriched atmospheres: A critical factor in hybrid explosion risk assessment

National Research and Development Institute for Mining Safety and Explosion Protection – INSEMEX, G-ral Vasile Milea Street, no. 32-34, Postal code: 332047, Petroșani, Hunedoara County, Romania

^* Corresponding author: dan.gabor@insemex.ro

Abstract

Explosive atmospheres involving dust/air mixtures pose a persistent threat across industries such as food processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Despite broad regulatory frameworks, key ignition parameters like dust resistivity are often underemphasized in risk analysis and explosion prevention. With the increasing complexity of industrial processes, hybrid explosive atmospheres—combinations of dust with flammable gases such as hydrogen—have become a growing concern. Hydrogen’s unique properties drastically reduce ignition thresholds, making electrostatic charge control essential. This study explores the crucial role of dust resistivity in hybrid explosion risk, aligned with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and supporting international standards.