SAFETY IN THE PLANT
closing of the valve, leaving no space for flames to spread to other areas or equipment. In addition, they also act as a shock absorber. Seat and seal absorb the energy of the impact of the axially positioned sealing body when, under the acceleration effects of an explosion, this body hits the seat and seal. Installation of seals on the newer models no longer require the use of special tools and seals no longer require gluing but can be mechanically inserted. Tis allows for an easier maintenance and reduces downtime considerably whenever seals are up for inspection and replacement.
INSTALLATION BEFORE OR AFTER BENDS New generation Ventex valves guidelines allow the installation immediately before or after duct or pipe bends. Double bends or combinations of bends in different directions are also permitted. Tis greatly facilitates the integration of the valve into the process. Te installation distances for use in an organic dust environment are
ABOVE LEFT: Ventex Type 7 made of stainless steel ABOVE RIGHT: Ventex Type 7
extended from 2 to 15m depending on the nominal diameter of the valve.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE As an authorised service partner and dealer since the very early conception of Ventex valves, Stuvex Safety Systems has a great deal of experience with the installation and maintenance with many of these valves in a wide variety of applications and industries. Typically the company installs or maintains a Ventex valve at least once a week. Besides providing advice regarding the installation of the valve, including turnkey
installations, Stuvex Safety Systems will also assist customers with annual inspection visits, as well as the five-yearly inspection and maintenance works during which all seals require replacement. Whereas for active systems (consisting of detectors, control units and actuators), users are very aware of the need to maintain the equipment, this is not always the case for passive equipment. Periodic inspections are necessary to ensure that the inner mechanics of the valve functions properly, that there are no foreign objects hindering the valve from functioning, that there is no excessive wear or abrasion to the valve, and that the earthing connection is still in place, to name just a few.
THE BUSINESS OF DUST EXPLOSIONS Stuvex Safety Systems has made explosions, and in particular dust explosions, its core business. Although at its inception it offered only electrical equipment for special Ex-applications, over the years its range and services expanded to include more equipment such as earthing and grounding systems, explosion vents, isolation valves and explosion suppression systems. It was also one of the first on the market to offer an ATEX-certified explosion suppression system. In addition, its sister company ISMA specialises in ATEX and DSEAR risk assessments.
The Ventex valves prevent shockwaves from propagating
40
www.engineerlive.com
Steve Bell is with StuvEx Safety Systems.
www.stuvex.com
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