SAFETY IN THE PLANT
SUPRESS AND STOP EXPLOSIONS
D
ust explosions in industrial facilities can be devastating due to the extreme rise in pressure. An innovative system for suppressing and isolating dust explosions is now being used to detect critical rises in pressure to the millibar and react at lightning speed. T e highly eff ective extinguishing agent smothers any fl ame in an accumulating explosion in a fraction of a second, long before the explosive pressure is unleashed. When used for isolation, the IPD system stops the explosion spreading to connected parts of the facility. T is provides eff ective protection to people, machinery and the environment.
MODULAR DESIGN MEANS EASY ON-SITE RESETTING To make sure the IPD system is ready for use again quickly after being triggered, the designers at BS&B developed a new, modular design. T is allows for immediate resetting on site, reducing production downtime to a minimum. Unlike some other solutions on the market, the owner or operator can reset the system independently after triggering. T e extinguishing unit consists of
an unpressurised, easily replaceable extinguishing agent cartridge and a pressurised container that is fi lled with nitrogen during installation or reset. T e lack of a pyrotechnic trigger means that none of the individual components or the completed system are classifi ed as hazardous goods. T is makes both handling and spare parts logistics and management much easier. It also shortens delivery times and reduces cost of ownership, as there is no need to comply with the obligatory safety
46
www.engineerlive.com
regulations for transport that apply to conventional systems. Furthermore, the extinguishing unit
requires no extra discharge nozzle for the agent. Instead, the integrated rupture disc becomes an aerodynamic outlet when activated. T e design avoids the use of plumbing that can become blocked. Alongside the extinguishing unit, the explosion suppression and isolation system features a control unit with touchpad and the innovative Triplex sensor. T is ensures constant, real-time monitoring of the process pressure, allowing for fast and reliable activation. T ree highly sensitive pressure sensors are arranged in a way that maximises sensitivity while avoiding
activation from vibrations. In the event of a power cut, the internal battery continues operation for at least eight hours. T is provides enough reaction time to establish a secure energy supply.
Smart technology is enabling dust explosions to be detected and supressed earlier and faster
PROTECTION FOR DUSTY ENVIRONMENTS T e IPD explosion suppression and isolation systems are used in all production environments where fl ammable dust is created or powdered substances are stored, handled and processed.
Examples include the chemical or pharmaceutical industries, as well
as the production of foods, feed and engineered woods. By responding to the incipient stage of a dust explosion, the IPD system reduces the pressure developed by the combustion event to a safe low level, as low as 0.2 bar. T is is the combined result of having a low nitrogen gas pressure to disperse the extinguishing agent and the use of sodium bicarbonate as a fast heat-absorbing agent.
NEW VERSION OF A PROVEN SOLUTION T e new IPD system was developed by safety specialist BS&B. It took a product that has been deployed successfully throughout Asia and the Americas for over 20 years and updated it for use according to EN standards. T is updated version for Europe has been engineered with ATEX certifi cation. BS&B off ers a global network of qualifi ed maintenance technicians, who can help with user training, service and looking after the low-maintenance components.
IPD systems are used in environments where fl ammable dust is created
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
