Explosion-Proof Dust Removal Equipment
Dust explosions are a serious risk in many industrial settings. Keeping work areas clean and taking other preventive measures can help reduce these risks, but it’s important to have the right type of equipment for dust removal.
Explosion-proof dust collectors are designed to safely collect combustible dust. They can also be used to clean pharmaceutical, chemical, and other classified environments.
Single-Phase Electric Vacuums
Many commercial workshop machines and manufacturing processes generate harmful airborne dust particles that can combust when mixed with oxygen. This is why industrial machines are built with dust extraction systems to prevent dangerous particles from being released into the environment. But some combustible dust particles are too large to be extracted by traditional systems. To safely collect such dangerous particles, it is necessary to install an explosion-proof industrial vacuum cleaner that is Legally Certified and designed to work in Hazardous Locations.
Explosion proof vacuum cleaners are capable of containing hazardous dust particles by using special filters that provide sufficient surface area to reduce their explosive potential. These filters are then placed into a collection container that is mounted on the vacuum cleaner. Depending on the type of dust collected, a single-phase vacuum cleaner can be equipped with additional features that help reduce the likelihood of an explosion. For example, a dust collector that is equipped with an integrated manual filter cleaning system may be able to prevent the occurrence of an explosion by manually shaking the internal filter to disperse any dust that has settled.
In addition, a vacuum cleaner can be equipped with explosion vent panels or other devices that limit the amount of pressure generated by an explosion. This can protect the vacuum from being damaged or destroyed, and it can also ensure that any other equipment in the vicinity of the explosion-proof vacuum is not at risk of damage or loss of function after the deflagration occurs.
Cartridge Vacuums
Dust can be a serious problem in industrial settings, whether it’s flour and sugar dust from food processing or chemical dust from manufacturing. This is particularly true if these products contain chemicals or have explosive properties. Explosion-proof vacuum systems collect and eliminate these dangerous materials safely. They can also be used in locations with combustible metal powders such as aluminum and magnesium.
These units are typically powered by portable air compressors and work using a Venturi system. This process uses an explosion to generate the necessary explosion-proof dustremoval equipment suction, eliminating any concerns about electricity or moving parts. This configuration is quiet and lightweight, making it ideal for use in hazardous environments. It also comes equipped with static-suppressing components that minimize the risk of dust arcing between particles as it is removed from equipment.
Most explosion-proof vacuum cleaners are designed for use in Class I, Division 1 hazardous locations and can handle Group D metal dusts. They feature one or more HEPA filters and can be equipped with a filter status indicator and manual or automatic filter cleaning mechanism. Some models have a spark trap and locking casters.
It’s important to understand what sets an explosion-proof vacuum apart from an ordinary industrial vacuum cleaner. While both can be used for industrial purposes, only an explosion-proof vacuum is certified to be safe for hazardous areas. Explosion-proof vacuum cleaners are made from a heavy-duty housing that is constructed of materials that can withstand pressure and temperatures. Their motors are sealed to prevent sparks, and they’re designed so that any gases or vapors that emerge from the apparatus through flame paths will be cooler than their minimum ignition temperature. They’re also constructed with grounded components and accessories to prevent a buildup of static electricity that could trigger an explosion.
Flameless Vents
OE’s Xplo-Gard flameless vent provides protection from dust explosions in indoor process equipment that handles significant quantities of dry combustible material, including covered conveyors, storage bins, dryer systems and equipment like hammermills, cyclones and baghouses. Without protection, a contained combustible dust deflagration can exceed the strength of equipment or structures and unleash projectiles, fireball and explosive pressure in the vicinity. This type of venting can be challenging to manage as areas around the vented fireball must remain clear of debris accumulation and housekeeping practices that could agitate or suspend the flame absorbing mesh, compromising its function and efficiency.
The layered stainless steel mesh of a flameless vent absorbs the thermal energy and circuitous path of the fireball to quench the flames and cool the burning dust particles below their ignition temperature. The vent body releases the explosion overpressure through a predetermined burst point to prevent fire, dust and gases from escaping into the facility, preventing secondary explosion hazards from spreading within the facility.
Flameless vents are available in a variety of sizes, configurations, ratings and materials to accommodate different applications and equipment types. They are typically installed in the walls and roof of a vessel or in pipework to reduce damage caused by blast pressures from an open deflagration, compared to the more expansive and costly ducting installation required for exterior venting. Typical designs include tube-style flame arrestors that pair with explosion vent panels in cylindrical vessels, and box-style flameless vents for use with bucket elevators, silos and conveyors.
Explosion Suppression Devices
When an ember or spark reaches combustible dust, it triggers a deflagration. A dust explosion can cause serious damage to equipment and facilities, financial loss, and injuries or deaths.
Explosion suppression systems protect your equipment from dust explosions and prevent fire by detecting an initial phase of the explosion in just milliseconds. They use HRD cylinders with damping powder, which detect the explosion and immediately suppress it. This eliminates technological damages, prevents post-explosion fire and limits the pressure surge in connected ducting.
When the detection system detects an incipient explosion, it sends a signal to the control panel. The control panel, acting as the brain of the system, initiates the explosion suppression process by sending an actuation signal explosion-proof dustremoval equipment manufacturer to the eSUPPRESSOR valve mechanism. This triggers the high-speed discharge of nitrogen or a food-grade suppressant through patented container and nozzle design.
The system has a NEMA-compliant housing for the Sensor module, System Monitor, and Cannon modules to protect against dust and moisture intrusion. The Power Supply Module provides intrinsically safe power to the sensors and cannons. The System Monitor interprets signals from the Unitized Sensor and indicates system status through dedicated LEDs. It has relays for external signaling and process shutdown. Batteries within the Power Supply Module provide backup power for continuous operation without interruption in case of loss of input power.
