This study is to investigate experimentally the flame structure and propagation mechanism in dust explosions and to provide the fundamental knowledge. Upward propagating laminar dust flames in a vertical duct of 1.8 m height and 0.15 m square cross-section are observed and flame front is visualized using by a high-speed video camera. Also, the thicknesses of preheated and reaction zone have been determined by a schlieren, electrostatic probe and thermocouple. The thickness of preheated zone in lycopodium dust flame is observed to be 4~13 mm, about several orders of magnitude higher than that of premixed gaseous flames. From the experimental results by a PIV(Particle Image Velocimetry) system, a certain residence time of the unburned particle in preheated zone is needed to generate combustible gas from the particle. The residence time will depend on preheated zone thickness, particle velocity and flame propagation velocity.