Explosion-Proof Dust Removal Equipment
Ensure your facility adheres to OSHA’s stringent guidelines for combustible dust procedures by investing in explosion-proof vacuums. These devices extract hazardous byproducts without endangering your employees or the equipment.
Designed to close within milliseconds of detecting an explosion, this system installs in the inlet and/or outlet ducting. It uses a mechanical barrier and chemical agent to isolate pressure and flame fronts.
High-Pressure Centrifugal Fan
Many commercial and industrial machines create harmful dust that must be removed from the air. This is required in order to comply with OSHA regulations and improve indoor air quality. But if the wrong type of dust is extracted from these systems, it can combust and cause expensive damage. This is why explosion-proof dust collection systems are required in many industrial workshops and factories. These units can be large dust-collecting units with special filtration processes or portable castors, depending on the needs of the facility.
Explosion-proof vacuums have to be able to meet a set of government standards to receive their explosion-proof designation. The housing, filters, hoses, and other elements are made of durable and strong materials that can withstand demanding and hazardous conditions. They are also built to be as durable as possible so that they can endure the shock and vibration that may occur during use. These elements are also joined together and grounded so that any static electricity will discharge safely and avoid an accidental explosion.
The components inside an explosion-proof vacuum are designed to operate using the Venturi effect, which works by utilizing the laws of physics to generate a vacuum from compressed air. These systems are built with a single, dual, or quad Venturi tubes, which creates a vacuum by forcing air to travel over the tube’s surface. They are equipped with a throttle control to increase or decrease airflow as needed.
Because they don’t have an electrical motor, which can generate sparks, explosion-proof vacuums are safer and more convenient to use. They are also designed with metal drums to contain any waste material that can cause an explosion if it is exposed to an ignition source. The metal drums can be disposed of and replaced easily when the collection capacity is full.
It’s important to remember that just because a device is labeled as explosion-proof doesn’t mean that it can be used in any situation. A proper onsite analysis of your facility is required to recommend the best system for your needs. The right equipment will ensure that your employees are working in a safe environment and that you comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Filter Cartridge
When dust particles get concentrated, they become explosive. Explosion-proof vacuums are equipped with filters that prevent combustible material from reaching a explosion-proof dustremoval equipment concentration where an explosion can occur. The filter system purifies gas vapors, separates them from dust and then exhausts clean air back into the environment. In this way, the equipment protects workers from combustible dust and other types of pollutants.
Explosion-proof industrial vacuums come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They also have multiple filter options based on the specific needs of each facility. For example, cyclone explosion-proof vacuums use a ring-shaped separator to create a vortex that sucks waste particles downward. This process eliminates the need for the vacuum to shake the dust out of the filtration chamber, which could potentially spark an explosion.
Cartridge filters are an economical option for explosion-proof vacuums because they can be cleaned and reused many times. This makes them ideal for applications where the combustible dust load is relatively low and the equipment is used frequently. However, they have low solids-loading limits and can only absorb a certain amount of particles before they must be changed. In addition, if the cartridges aren’t changed in time, the solids can build up and damage the filter, which can lead to a decrease in performance or a risk of fire.
Another important consideration when purchasing an explosion-proof vacuum is the ability to connect it with other combustible dust control equipment. This includes smoke detection and other pressure detection systems to alert workers to an incoming fire or dust explosion. Some industrial dust collectors are also designed to have built-in spark arrestors that prevent electrical discharges from the unit during cleaning or other maintenance activities.
Before purchasing an explosion-proof vacuum, plant managers should look for a manufacturer that can perform an onsite analysis of the company’s needs and recommend what type of vacuum and hose will be best for each application. It’s also important to find a company that is responsive and helpful even after the sale. The best companies are ready to answer questions, provide replacement parts and training and offer excellent post-sale support.
Immersion Separator
Nilfisk’s explosion/dust ignition proof vacuums can be fitted with an integrated immersion separator for NFPA 484 compliance, designed to safely collect and render inert Group E metal dusts—including aluminum, magnesium and commercial alloys—in an inert liquid bath. This eliminates the risk of explosion and provides an effective tool for good housekeeping practice as required by OSHA.
Designed for work environments using explosive, impact sensitive or unstable materials that may contain an ignition source, Ruwac’s NA250 immersion separation system cuts risk while keeping the workspace clean and safe. Designed to be integrated with existing central vacuums capable of providing 300 CFM or more, it works by immediately collecting any explosive or glowing? media particulates that enter the vacuum and then mixing them in a turbulent liquid bath, then rapidly forcing moving air and liquid to submerge and neutralize the collected materials. This process stops the already contained materials from finding any possible ignition sources that could be introduced into the vacuum, preventing an explosion and guaranteeing a safe working environment.
The VHC 200 EXP industrial vacuum features an integrated immersion separator made of low-sparking AISI 304 stainless steel, and is available in both electric or pneumatic versions. This CSA-certified vacuum is ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as surface preparation, coating removal and body repair on aluminum and steel.
Temperature Control
Dust control systems have become a crucial component to numerous industrial and manufacturing processes. This is due to the fact that governmental regulatory agencies publish regulations and standards regarding the permitted quality of air released from production facilities. Some of the primary organizations and administrations that focus on air quality include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).
In addition to providing clean air, dust removal equipment also helps reduce fire and explosion hazards and material losses caused by wind. It is particularly important for industries producing combustible dust, which may be subject to explosions and fires when exposed to an ignition source. This includes industries such as agriculture, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production and metal working operations.
The selection of an appropriate dust collector for a specific gas stream is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the entire gas flow. This is explosion-proof dustremoval equipment especially true for gas streams with multiple complicating factors, such as temperature, pressure, composition and vapor density. For example, a dust collection system using polyphenylene sulphide media might be a good choice for a hot SOx-laden flue gas stream from a coal fired kiln, but it would not work well with a combustible steam stream.
A common way to mitigate the potential of an explosion in a dust collection pipeline is to install a pressure relief panel. The size, configuration, static activation pressure and material properties of the pressure relief panel all influence the propagation of the explosion in the pipeline.
A pyrotechnic safety switch can be installed to ensure the proper operation of the pressure relief system. When it is activated, the breaker in the power supply to the pressure relief system will trip and shut off the nozzle valve and the fan, which prevents the flow of flammable or explosive gases from the dust collector into the dust removal pipeline. In this way, the safety of the operators and any other personnel in the workshop is assured. This is a necessary safeguard for all types of flammable and explosive powdered materials, including aluminum powders, which have a tendency to explode in high concentrations.
