Dust Explosion Simulation Code (DESC)

DESC is a CFD-tool that can simulate the course of industrial dust explosions in complex geometries. In the approach adopted, dust explosion properties from standardized tests are used as input to the combustion model. The code was developed as part of a project supported by the European Commission. DESC is a valuable tool for engineers designing powder-handling plants, especially when optimising mitigating measures such as venting devices, suppression systems or explosion barriers.

Explosion simulations

  • Realistic representation of industrial process plants
  • Most kinds of explosive dusts used in industry
  • Input from standardized tests in 20-litre sphere
  • Flame propagation and pressure build-up
  • Effect of varying the ignition position
  • Prediction of external blast waves
  • Dust lifting by flow or shock waves
  • Identifying worst-case explosion scenarios
  • Pressure-piling in interconnected vessel systems
  • Optimising design of protective systems

Optimising design of explosion mitigation measures

  • Venting devices – location, area, opening pressure, external effects
  • Fast acting valves – location, activation and closing time
  • Suppression systems – location, activation, deployment and timing

Accident investigation

  • Reconstruction of accidents and near-miss events
  • Investigation of escalation scenarios


Contact persons:

Trygve Skjold
Phone no: +47 488 67 968
E-mail: trygve(at)gexcon.com		 Bergitte Reiersen
Phone no: +47 915 74 120
E-mail: bergitte(at)gexcon.com

Kees van Wingerden 
Phone no: +47 474 53 367
E-mail: kees(at)gexcon.com