The high velocities and thorough mixing of the fluidized beds makes it difficult to start a fire within the bed.  The bed is effectively a “flame-arrestor”, dispersing the heat so well that fire cannot be sustained. The bottom bed of the dryer should be insulated so that a high temperature cannot occur in areas where velocities are lower, such as along the sloping floor of the dryer.

The danger of dust explosions, however, is higher in the fluidized bed than with other processes.  This can be managed through the standard ways, such as allowing no upward facing surfaces and having adequate blast doors.  This aspect will require more attention than in the other designs.

The rotary dryers typically recycle a large amount of off-gas, made up largely of nitrogen, CO2 and water.  This allows the oxygen content of the gas to be kept low enough that fires are less likely. However, the maintenance implications are significant.