In today’s episode of the Dust Safety Science podcast, Dr. Ali Rangwala and Dr. Stephen Kmiotek, professors at Worcester Polytechnical Institute (WPI), introduce the institution’s new Master of Science in Explosion Protection Engineering Program.
As industries worldwide face growing risks of explosions due to advancements in renewable energy, high-density battery storage, and other high-energy materials, the need for specialized training in explosion protection has become critical. Recognizing this demand, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) introduced a groundbreaking graduate program in Explosion Protection Engineering, led by experts such as Dr. Ali Rangwala and Dr. Stephen Kmitoek. This program aims to prepare engineers for the challenges of identifying, analyzing, and mitigating explosion hazards across various sectors.
Why Was the Master of Science in Explosion Protection Engineering Program Created?
Dr. Rangwala explained that WPI has a long history of advancing safety in engineering fields, particularly in fire protection. Its commitment to explosion protection began in the 1980s with courses led by Professor Bob Melosh, who brought his extensive experience from FM Global, a major insurance company. These early efforts laid the foundation for a program that addresses the growing demand for explosion protection in today’s industries.
As society transitions toward carbon-neutral energy sources, such as hydrogen and biofuels, and increasingly relies on high-density battery storage, the risk of explosions has grown. Developing expertise in explosion protection has become critical for industries working with these high-energy materials, as they face unique challenges in transportation, storage, and safety.
The interdisciplinary approach at WPI bridges knowledge from fields such as chemical, civil, mechanical, aerospace, and fire protection engineering. The program’s creation took nearly two years, during which courses were drafted to cover the key aspects of explosion protection. By bringing together expertise from multiple engineering disciplines, WPI hopes to provide a program that meets both current and future safety needs.
From an Industry Perspective, Why Is a Program Like This Important?
Dr. Kmitoek stated that explosions are an unfortunate but common occurrence that often lead to serious consequences. A recent example is the October 3rd explosion at Biolab in Georgia, where a chlorine gas release forced the evacuation of 17,000 people. Incidents like these remind us of the risks across various industries, from biopharma and battery storage to everyday environments that we might not associate with explosion hazards.
Engineers who understand explosion protection can better recognize hazards, assess risks, and design systems that minimize these dangers. Training engineers in explosion protection is vital because it prepares them to anticipate and mitigate potential safety issues. By understanding the principles of explosion dynamics, these engineers can protect both workers and the public.
The value of this program lies in equipping future engineers with the skills they need to manage the health and safety issues that come with high-risk environments. With the right education, engineers can make proactive decisions that prevent serious incidents. This program’s graduates will be ready to help their industries navigate these safety challenges effectively.
What Are Some Skills Students Will Gain From This Program, And What Roles Might They Fill?
To begin with, students will gain the awareness needed to assess risks and recognize potential hazards in various environments. Many explosion incidents happen because warning signs are overlooked or hazards are not fully understood. Awareness of these hazards is critical to preventing incidents, and this program builds that foundation from day one.
Students will also learn practical skills such as hazard analysis, risk modeling, and designing systems to control and mitigate explosion risks. They will develop the ability to create robust systems that can handle failure scenarios and continue to operate safely. These skills prepare students for a variety of roles, from chemical process safety to manufacturing.
Additionally, the program provides experience with industry-standard tools and techniques. Graduates will be prepared for any environment where explosion risks are present, whether that’s manufacturing facilities, chemical processing plants, or even emerging industries like renewable energy. This training sets students up for roles where they can make significant safety improvements.
What is the Program Rollout and Course Structure Like?
Dr. Rangwala stated that enrollment began in August 2024, with the first course expected to start in the summer or fall of 2025. This is a graduate-level program, so applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field like engineering or the physical sciences. Students can complete the program in two to five years, depending on their schedules, and courses are available both online and on campus, making it flexible for working professionals.
The program includes a series of core courses such as combustion, explosion dynamics, fluid dynamics, and risk analysis. Each course builds on foundational knowledge while focusing on specific explosion protection aspects, providing a well-rounded understanding of the subject.
Practical topics like failure analysis, forensic techniques, and computational fluid dynamics are also part of the curriculum. These subjects help students gain a comprehensive view of explosion protection, allowing them to understand both the theory and real-world applications. Additionally, for those looking for a shorter program, a graduate certificate track is available, which includes three targeted courses.
What Opportunities Will This Program Offer Students Interested In Combustible Dust Safety?
Combustible dust is a major risk in many industries, from food production to pharmaceuticals. The explosion protection course in our program covers dust hazard analysis, giving students insight into this common yet often underestimated danger. In collaboration with Ashok Dastidar at Fauske, WPI is developing a course that will get into testing methodologies for dust flammability. This course will help students interpret test results and understand their applications to safety standards and codes.
Dr. Vyto Babrauskas, a recognized authority in fire and explosion safety, is developing a case study-based course, including incidents related to combustible dust explosions. These case studies teach students the ins and outs of investigating explosion incidents and provide lessons on how to avoid them in the future. WPI is also working on a modeling course focused on dust explosion fundamentals, bridging practical testing with theoretical understanding.
This combination of application and theory provides students with a strong foundation in dust explosion safety, preparing them for the specific challenges in industries where combustible dust is present.
How Does This Program Prepare Students For Real-World Challenges?
Industry collaboration is a major component of the program. WPI has an advisory board of explosion protection leaders who ensure our curriculum is relevant and meets industry needs. Its MSC thesis competition is another hands-on opportunity, allowing students to work on pressing industry challenges in partnership with professionals.
The need for explosion protection is global, and new risks are arising with hydrogen energy, battery storage, and space exploration. Traditional industries are also dealing with explosion risks, from paint manufacturing to everyday products like coffee creamers. This program’s online availability makes it accessible to students worldwide, enabling a global community of experts to emerge in explosion protection.
Through this program, WPI aims to equip students with the skills needed to navigate real-world challenges, whether they’re working in established industries or tackling new risks in emerging fields. The interdisciplinary approach and close ties with industry give students the tools they need to make a positive impact on safety standards globally.
Conclusion
One of the greatest strengths of this program is its interdisciplinary nature. Explosion protection requires knowledge from multiple engineering disciplines, and the program reflects that. WPI is bringing in expertise from across the university, including fields like chemical engineering, civil engineering, and aerospace engineering. This approach helps students gain a holistic understanding of explosion protection and prepares them for diverse roles.
For more information, prospective students can visit the WPI website, where they’ll find a dedicated page for the Explosion Protection Engineering program. They can also reach out by emailing [email protected], which connects them to the team responsible for the program. This email is monitored by various faculty members who can respond to specific questions about enrollment, course details, and the curriculum. WPI encourages anyone interested in this field to reach out and explore how this program can fit into their career goals.
If you would like to discuss further, leave your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also reach Dr. Ali Rangwala and Dr. Stephen Kmitoek directly:
Website: https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/master-science-explosion-protection-engineering
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-rangwala-54a46a2/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kmiotek-4357334/
Email: [email protected]
If you have questions about the contents of this or any other podcast episode, you can go to our ‘Questions from the Community’ page and submit a text message or video recording. We will then bring someone on to answer these questions in a future episode.
Resources mentioned
The resources mentioned in this episode are listed below.
Dust Safety Science
Combustible Dust Incident Database
Dust Safety Science Podcast
Questions from the Community
Institutions
Worcester Polytechnical Institute
Courses
Explosion Protection Engineering Program
Articles
‘Pattern of negligence’: a chemical plant fire in Georgia forces tens of thousands to take shelter
