I am trying to use drones to inspect some flour silos, to check for pests. And inside the silo, the air is full of particles (flour, wheat). Can that damage the drone in some way? Can it explode or something? (I will use the Mavick Pro)
Can particles in the air can damage the drone?
- Thread starter wloksta
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No, it won't explode, but I would venture to guess that it would surely get sucked in to the motors, depending on density. Personally I wouldn't even attempt it. just MHO.
The drone is Air Cooled so if the dust gets into the cooling fins or coats surfaces that are designed to displace heat you could have a building problem.
I'm not sure about the explosive nature of flour/wheat but dust can be explosive in the right conditions but only if a spark is introduced. Our sUAS are not certified to fly in an Explosive Environment but they also don't have a high potential for producing a spark unless there is some type of malfunction or an incident (aircraft impacts something and battery is damaged/knocked loose etc). I'd probably err on the side of caution and ask about volatility of that particular dust.
I'm not sure about the explosive nature of flour/wheat but dust can be explosive in the right conditions but only if a spark is introduced. Our sUAS are not certified to fly in an Explosive Environment but they also don't have a high potential for producing a spark unless there is some type of malfunction or an incident (aircraft impacts something and battery is damaged/knocked loose etc). I'd probably err on the side of caution and ask about volatility of that particular dust.
N017RW
Premium Pilot
The aircraft is not certified 'intrinsically safe' so any mishap resulting from a failure be it a crash into interior or other means could be a liability issue.
A spark could occur from a battery dislodging I suppose but this may be a long-shot to be considered.
EDIT: Concurrent post with Big Al
A spark could occur from a battery dislodging I suppose but this may be a long-shot to be considered.
EDIT: Concurrent post with Big Al
I could not remember "Intrinsically Safe" to save my life... that's the word I was looking for LOL.
Great minds think alike LOL
If it were in Eurozone it would need ATEX certification as well for use in such an environment, it is not just sparks from the electronics to worry about, and yes fine organic dust is very explosive if the concentrations are sufficient.
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Actually fine particulate organic matter suspended in air makes an excellent explosive mixture.
It requires a spark or heat source but I would be unwilling to bet against it happening.
I am quite aware of that. The sources the OP mentioned would be at the very low end of the spectrum however. Being certified in Class A,B,C and D explosive handling, I think I can speak with relative confidence on that aspect. Most any ( with very few exceptions) require some sort of ignition source. Yet, still it is risky prospect any way you look at it.
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I used to work at Morton Thiokol in High Energy propellant and explosives research. We used to get quite the earful on a regular basis about the dangers of particulates since they used cyclone grinders to produce ammonium perchlorate and sodium azide in micron sized particles.I am quite aware of that. The sources the OP mentioned would be at the very low end of the spectrum however. Being certified in Class A,B,C and D explosive handling, I think I can speak with relative confidence on that aspect. Most any ( with very few exceptions) require some sort of ignition source. Yet, still it is risky prospect any way you look at it.
10-4 and Roger that. Most of mine was simply Live ordinance, rockets, propellants, etc..etc... but in your case I completely agree.
A good friend of mine lost his arm when a 2.75" went off on the launcer while his arm was on the other side. It was from a freak tool spark and the launcher tube was not locked in.
Yes even in an oxygen deficient environment you can get explosions, yes I know Perchlorates have their own oxygen.
Have a look at Thermite, and the propellant used in space exploration, Hypergolic.
OK well off topic, but unprotected devices in a Hazardous environment is a definite No No. The Phantom will never be approved in a hazardous environment, ie with a potentialy explosive atmosphere.
I’m no expert but the props could possibly create static electricity to create a spark, Just a thought
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The only way possible to use a drone inside with particles in it it's using a more resisting, professional drone that is even water proof. The dji matrice 200. But this one cost thousands of dollars and it's massive compare to a Mavic Pro.
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