Air Extraction and Dust Management in the Milling Industry 19 Sep 2025 | The flour dust produced during milling is highly flammable and explosive, requiring dedicated extraction systems.In the milling industry, the grinding of wheat and grains generates large quantities of fine dust (flour, bran, cereals) that can ignite in the presence of an ignition source (spark, flame, or electrostatic discharge). Flour is in fact a highly explosive organic dust[1], and past accidents in both Italian and foreign mills have resulted in fatalities (e.g., 8 deaths in Guardiagrele in 1989, 5 deaths in Fossano in 2007)[2]. In addition to the explosion hazard, inhalation of food dust can damage workers’ health. For these reasons, air extraction (ventilation and dust collection) is crucial: it keeps work areas clean, protects machinery, and ensures high hygiene standards[3][4]. Why Extract Dust in a Mill An effective extraction system provides numerous advantages in an industrial mill: Reduces explosion risk: by removing suspended and settled flour deposits, it greatly reduces the likelihood of forming an explosive atmosphere[3].Improves production efficiency: a dust-free environment means fewer machine breakdowns (rollers, sifters, conveyors) and less downtime for maintenance[3].Enhances product quality: by removing impurities and foreign particles, the flour is cleaner and more consistent, with no contamination from residual dust[3].Protects workers’ health: clean air lowers the risks of respiratory diseases. In Italy, INAIL records thousands of occupational respiratory diseases each year linked to chronic inhalation of fine dust[5]. Ensuring a proper extraction system is not only a legal requirement but also an investment in workers’ health. In summary, real-time dust extraction is beneficial in every respect[3][4]: regulations themselves stress its importance, declaring that centralized extraction systems maintain a “clean and risk-free environment,” improving productivity, safety, and product quality[4][3]. ATEX Regulations and Explosion Prevention National and European regulations impose strict safety measures for environments at risk of explosion. The European Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX “workplaces”), transposed in Italy by Legislative Decree 81/2008 (Title XI), requires employers to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres, avoid ignition sources, and mitigate the consequences of any explosion[6]. In practice, every mill must conduct an ATEX risk assessment, define hazardous zones, and adopt an “explosion protection document” with the safety measures in place[6][7]. Equipment (motors, fans, sensors, extractors) used in ATEX zones must be certified for explosive atmospheres[7]. Another regulatory framework is the European Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX “products”), transposed in Italy by Legislative Decree 85/2016, which requires that all machinery intended for explosive environments be designed and certified according to harmonized standards. In practice, extractors and filters for a mill must bear the ATEX marking and have the appropriate category (e.g., 1/3D or 2/3D) depending on the risk level (zones 20/21/22)[8][9]. Moreover, UNI and CEI technical standards (such as EN 16009 for explosion relief panels and CEI EN 60335-2-69 for vacuum cleaners) specify additional construction requirements (antistatic filters, grounding, flame-retention flanges, etc.). In short: the law requires continuous and safe dust extraction, the use of ATEX-certified components, and operator training on risks. Every extraction system must be designed and installed according to these rules to avoid heavy penalties and ensure overall safety[6][7]. Recommended Preventive Measures In addition to legal requirements, safety authorities recommend a series of complementary technical measures to prevent accidents. For example, the Fire Department (DORS) recommends: Continuous localized ventilation through hoods and suction ducts to prevent flour dust concentration in the air from reaching dangerous levels[10].Dust detection systems with alarms and automation to isolate the line or shut down motors in case of excessive accumulation[10].Automatic extinguishing or dilution valves: explosion-proof systems (e.g., isolation flaps or extinguishing nozzles) in ducts that stop or dilute any flame front[11].ATEX-certified electrical equipment: every motor, sensor, and electrical panel must bear ATEX marking and have the proper IP protection rating[11][9] to avoid sparks. These measures, combined with extraction, keep risk levels within acceptable limits. It is essential that, even after ignition, explosion protection systems (isolation valves, flameless venting devices) prevent the blast from propagating through the plant[12][8]. Technical Solutions and Case Studies A typical industrial mill extraction system consists of hoods or suction arms at workstations (discharge hoppers, sifters, grinders, packaging machines), a sealed duct network, and one or more centralized extraction units. Self-cleaning bag filters collect the flour and, via screw conveyors or outlets, transfer the product into containers or Big-Bags, preventing dispersion. Extraction units are dimensioned based on air volume but, above all, must be ATEX-certified and designed according to standards (e.g., explosion-proof motors, steel internals, grounding systems). To illustrate practical applications, here are some cases: Centralized system for a 5-story mill (Poland): Depureco describes a system with two main columns (one on each side of the building), each with one suction point per floor (10 points total) plus 2 extra points, all connected to an ATEX-certified extractor that collects cereals and flour in its own container[13]. The system includes a compartmentalization valve that isolates a potential explosion and contains pressure within the duct[12]. A similar example is documented at Grandi Molini Italiani in Cordovado (PD): there “all pre-cleaning machines, chain conveyors, and bucket elevators” are connected to a central extraction system with bag filters and dedicated fans[14], showing how in large mills extraction is continuous at every stage of the process.ATEX extraction units: many suppliers offer mobile or fixed extractors designed for combustible dust. For example, the Depureco PUMA 15 unit (illustrated below) features an 11 kW ATEX side channel blower, self-cleaning antistatic filters, a stainless steel container, and even a “Flameless Vent” device to contain flames in case of internal explosion[8]. Such safety features (ATEX 1/3D marking, anti-spark metal parts, controlled discharge systems) are indispensable for any extractor used in a mill. Figure: ATEX industrial extractor for food dust in a mill. Components (motor, filter, outlet) are designed for explosive atmospheres, with antistatic filters and anti-flame devices[8][9]. In general, a well-designed system includes isolation flaps, localized dust drains, spark detection and extinguishing systems, and ATEX-compliant ducting. Thanks to these integrated solutions, the workplace remains clean and safe, drastically reducing both downtime and accident risks[4][14]. The Added Value of Veneta Impianti Srl Relying on an expert supplier such as Veneta Impianti Srl means having a customized extraction system fully compliant with regulations. Veneta’s engineers analyze the mill layout, the type of grains and dust, the air volume, and define ATEX zones, offering turnkey solutions (centralized systems, mobile extractors, filtration systems). A system designed by Veneta ensures: Total safety: ATEX-certified components and integrated explosion-proof systems (explosion isolation, relief valves) to protect both people and equipment.Production efficiency: reduced downtime and maintenance thanks to automated workplace cleaning.Regulatory compliance: full adherence to Legislative Decree 81/2008 and EU directives, with the required technical documentation and markings.Ongoing support: staff training and after-sales service ensure long-term system performance. Investing in a Veneta extraction system therefore means not only complying with legal obligations (e.g., ATEX fire and explosion prevention) but above all improving the productivity and sustainability of the milling plant. A clean environment enables more reliable processes and higher-quality products: as industry studies highlight, a clean mill allows for “higher overall production efficiency” and a purer final product[3][4]. Ultimately, the experience and expertise of Veneta Impianti represent a strategic added value for any milling company. Sources: Information on food dust hazards and ATEX measures from EU regulations and guidelines[6][7]; company case studies (Depureco and Grandi Molini plants)[13][14]; DORS guidelines for milling plants[10]; technical documentation from specialized companies[8][3]. [1] [3] [4] [8] [12] [13] Centralized ATEX systems for industrial mills – Depurecohttps://www.depureco.com/soluzioni-aspirazione/impianti-centralizzati-atex-per-mulini-industriali/[2] Microsoft Word – manuale tecnico 2015_dicembre.dochttps://www.emtem.com/uploads/1725541662_14-file_art_12_09.pdf[5] Dust Extraction: The Ultimate Choice That Puts Your Company First – Veneta Impiantihttps://veneta-impianti.com/aspirazione-polveri-lultima-scelta-che-mette-la-tua-azienda-al-primo-posto/[6] [7] Risk of explosive atmospheres | EUR-Lexhttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/IT/legal-content/summary/risk-of-explosive-atmospheres.html[9] Extraction of combustible and explosive dust – Depurecohttps://www.depureco.com/cosa-devi-aspirare/guida-aspirazione-polveri-combustibili-esplosive/[10] [11] Cereal activities: how to protect against explosion risk – InSichttps://www.insic.it/prevenzione-incendi/progettazione-antincendio/attivita-cerealicole-come-difendersi-dal-rischio-esplosione/[14] Microsoft Word – sintesi_Grandi Molini Italiani Sesto al Reghena.dochttps://www.regione.fvg.it/rafvg/export/sites/default/RAFVG/ambiente-territorio/valutazione-ambientale-autorizzazioni-contributi/FOGLIA3/DITTE/allegati/PN-AIA-75_sintesi_Grandi_Molini_Italiani_Sesto_al_Reghena.pdf
