What causes a grain silo explosion?

Answer 1

Too much grain dust.

A spark in grain dust will create a 'flash'. There by an explosion.

In coal mines, miners referred to 'fire damp' . This is a mixture of very fine coal dust particles, methane and oxygen. A spark across it would cause a big explosion.

Miners tested for 'fire damp' using canaries (birds). Canaries are very sensative to atmospheric changes. In a coal mine if 'fire damp' is prersent the canary would possibly faint and fall off its perch, until restored to clean oxygen(air).

Have you ever seen the 'custard tin' explosion. The very fine particles of custard powder, could be ignited and blow the lid off the tin.

Answer 2

A grain silo explosion can be caused by a buildup of combustible dust inside the silo, which can ignite when exposed to a spark or flame. Factors such as poor ventilation, high humidity, and friction can contribute to the accumulation of dust and increase the risk of an explosion. Ignition sources like electrical equipment, hot surfaces, or welding activities near the silo can also trigger an explosion.

Answer 3

Lighting A Ciggerate Inside! haha

WRONG! silos have mass formintation that is extreamly flamible add some heat on the sheetmetal roof cooking in the sun with a leak and BOOM.

Answer 4

because the tiny sizes of the dust particles expose a tremendous amount of surface area to the oxygen in the air.