FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Spark Detection devices sense hot particles, sparks and flames that could become the ignition source for a fire or explosion. They can include automated shut-down systems to interrupt the feed of combustible material along the process equipment. All processes may be monitored by an operative via a control panel to assess any further risks. Spark detection is particularly useful to manage fire and explosion risks in process equipment, such as dust collectors, bins and silos.
Chemical Suppression systems designed to detect the pressure wave at the very start of an explosion and deliver dry, inert chemical extinguishing agents into a developing internal deflagration. These suppression and isolation systems can be activated either by pressure, optical or vent sensors. Any deflagration travelling through interconnected equipment is quickly and efficiently extinguished, preventing any spreading explosion damage.
PROTECTION MEASURES Dusts have different explosive properties and because of this they are often handled and stored in different ways and locations. The protective measures in each location should be tailored to meet the associated risk, and dust testing will help to inform those protective measures.
Protection measures range from investment in protection equipment to improvements in housekeeping to eliminate the build-up of deposits of combustible dust which may accumulate on beams in the factory.
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Flameless vents the preferred passive method to relieve explosive pressure in a process or storage vessel containing combustible materials. It is not always practical or safe to vent the pressure and flame to a particular area, therefore these vents intercept, quench and retain all burning materials, preventing them from expelling into the atmosphere. They are particularly useful for dust collectors, bins and bucket elevators.
Isolation designed to prevent any kind of deflagration or explosion from spreading to other parts of process equipment. There are two methods of isolation used:
• The Passive method does not require detectors, or control and indicating equipment. It may use arrestor mesh, rotary valves, lock valves, rotary screws, flap valves or diversion valves.
• The Active method is activated by detectors and a control and indicating equipment, which are parts of the system, such as pinch valves, chemical isolation or fast acting valves.
Even though chemical suppression is used to reduce the initial building pressure in an enclosure, some hot gasses will attempt to exit to areas of lower pressure. This causes a flow through the inlets and outlets of the enclosure, hence the need for isolation.
There is no substitute for carrying out risk assessments, conducting a factory survey and dust testing to achieve optimal dust explosion protection. At BS&B we would always recommend this course of action to our clients, and remind them of the importance of getting an explosion protection consultant on board to help. It would be futile to install protective equipment if it’s not the equipment you actually need.
By understanding the nature of dust and its performance through laboratory testing, you ensure that you apply the appropriate explosion protection solutions for your factory. When it comes to the safety of equipment and personnel in dust explosion risk zones, thorough identification of organic dusts makes good economic and safety sense.
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