5. Security

In addition to product degradation, the four major risks associated with the operation are :

• ignition of combustible products (bulk, deposits or dust);

• explosion of dust clouds;

• explosion of organic vapours ;

• the transfer of pollution to the environment.

Drying is a potentially dangerous operation [32] : 59 accidents were recorded in France between 1986 and 1994, with the most exposed sectors being the chemical, food and wood industries. The most frequent accidents involve the decomposition of organic matter and dust explosions. The primary reaction often generates secondary reactions, which in turn exacerbate the risk....