ATEX EQUIPMENT
T
he effects of the war in Ukraine and the associated energy crisis con- tinue to be felt across all industries in Europe. Companies that make and process foodstuffs and animal feed face major challenges. Main- taining food security has become a major issue in society. One of the
keys to a secure and reliable supply of food is en- suring a continuous production process. But the processing or storing of powdered food- stuffs presents a major risk of unplanned production stops. Dust explosions are a pernicious threat with devastating potential due to the massive rise in pressure they create.
Virtually all dry bulk products used in agricul- ture, such as flours made from grain, pulses and seeds, can form an explosive mixture in the right dust concentration. Other potentially explosive substances include starches, binders, sugars and sweeteners. Even non-powdered materials like feed pellets often create fine, flammable dusts through constant friction.
Critical mixtures of dust and air frequently arise around machines like conveyor systems, mills, dust filters or cyclones, especially if they are operated pneumatically. Excess powder can escape from a bucket elevator and concentrate in the air. The movement means that the dust particles remain airborne much longer than usual. Alongside flames and glowing embers, dust explosions can also be triggered by hot surfaces, static electricity or sparks generated mechanically or electrically. These are too many risk factors that cannot be completely eliminated. Certified explosion protection in design
SAFE HANDLING OF POWDERED FOODSTUFFS
Industrial processes involving dry foodstuffs or animal feed can quickly create an explosive atmosphere by stirring up dust. Dust explosions present a huge risk not only to human life, but also in terms of destroyed equipment and unplanned pro- duction downtimes. Bormann & Neupert by BS&B offers efficient safety systems that effectively nip dust explosions in the bud or minimise their effects.
is therefore essential for process managers looking to safeguard pro- duction.
SUPPRESSION THE KEY TO EXPLOSION PROTECTION Active, fast-acting sup- pression systems nip dust explosions in the bud. By keeping the explosions as small as possible, they allow production to restart
quickly. The modular IPD system from Bormann & Neupert by BS&B can stop the initial spark of any explosion in a fraction of a second, well before the explosive pressure can unleash its full destructive potential.
The system uses sensors that immediately detect any critical rise in pressure, such as in the head or base of a bucket elevator. It then suppresses the explosion by spraying an effective, food-safe extin- guishing agent directly at the source.
36 WINTER 2024 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE
PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF AN EXPLOSION The same technical operating principle is used to isolate explosions. Applying an extinguishing agent creates a barrier that prevents the flames from spreading to connected systems. Active mechanical systems are also effective. Redex active isolation valves or IVE pinch valves from BS&B reliably stop the spread of an explosion.
BS&B
bsbsystems.com
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