Explosion-Proof DustRemoval Equipment

Explosion-proof dustremoval equipment protects facilities that handle chemicals or combustible materials. This equipment includes explosion-proof vacuum systems used in industrial settings such as pharmaceutical or chemical plants, manufacturing, and oil refineries.

A specialized dust collector is typically installed in inlet or outlet ducting. This system reacts within milliseconds of detecting an explosion to close valves and spray a chemical agent into the ducting to suppress the explosion.

Vents

Venting is one of the most common methods of protecting process equipment from combustible dust explosions. This allows the fireball and associated pressure to be safely ejected to a safe area (Holbrow, 2000). It explosion-proof dustremoval equipment is important that the impact of the ejected fireball is considered when selecting a suitable vent type and size. The explosion vent design should also be compatible with the ducting system to which it is connected.

Explosion vents are available in both rectangular and round designs to suit a wide range of applications. They are designed to be mounted within a safety frame and can be rated for both atmospheric and vacuum service conditions. The round vents have a one or four petal relief opening with a domed construction that is designed to resist vacuum conditions.

In addition to venting, explosion isolation must be a consideration in any explosion protection strategy. This reduces the risk of flame propagation along ducting to connected process equipment.

Latches

Latches are often the first point of failure in your explosion-proof dust collection equipment. They require alignment of multiple components and screw installation under spring pressure. This can result in tired hands, lost components and multiple attempts to get the latch assembled. Our patented slotted hook latch allows for latch assembly WITHOUT the need for spring tension. This greatly reduces the amount of time needed for assembly, provides easier use and aids in OSHA compliance.

The latch bolt is seated in a notch bearing 24 in the forward end of the member 23 and in the rearward face of a keeper seated at the shoulder 19 when the door is closed. The latch bolt is also seated in a notch bearing 28 in the forward end of the handle for operation by the handle.

The latch actuator has end portions 21 and 28 of channel section each including integral webs 29 and 30, the mid-portion of the webs being cut away to provide a cross channel 32 for facilitating movement of the actuator relative to the base plate. When the latch is in the operating position, the pins 11 engage slots 10 in the first drive gear wheel. As the manually operated lever handle is grasped and moved to the disengaging position, its forward arm 29 engages the outer arm 30 of the latch bolt and the latter swivels outwardly from engagement with the keeper.

Immersion Separators

Some explosion-proof vacuums feature an immersion separator, which is used to render combustible metal explosion-proof dustremoval equipment dusts inert inside the machine. This helps keep work environments safe while providing a powerful tool for cleaning hazardous materials and maintaining good housekeeping standards. This technology is typically found on specialized combustible metal dust vacuums, such as the Ruwac USA NA35 Series.

These combustible dust vacuums are CSA-certified for use in Class I, Division 1, Group D and Class II, Groups E*, F & G locations. They also have PullClean filter cleaning technology and downstream HEPA filtration. Variants are available to handle both wet and dry materials, too. These vacuums are perfect for applications such as welding, cutting, grinding and sanding, metal polishing, thermal spraying and powder coating.

The metal drums on these units serve as containment containers that ensure explosive or combustible dust is confined while it’s being recovered by the vacuum. The explosion-proof vacuums are usually made of materials that can withstand an internal pressure explosion, such as stainless steel or reinforced fiberglass. They also have anti-sparking components to minimize the risk of fire due to static electricity.

Explosion-proof vacuums are powered by compressed air and do not use electrical motors that can generate static electricity or sparks. They are equipped with multiple sets of filters to reduce the amount of dust that reaches the motor, and their components and accessories have been joined together and grounded to safely discharge any built-up static and prevent sparks and explosion threats.

Filters

Almost all manufacturing and processing operations generate dust, and many of these particles are combustible or explosive. Using the right kind of explosion-proof dust removal equipment eliminates these hazards and keeps workers safe, while also improving production quality and reducing maintenance needs.

Combustible dust fires are a major cause of industrial accidents that can severely injure workers and damage equipment. These fires are usually caused by ignition sources like sparks from cutting and grinding equipment or embers from welding activities. It is essential to find the best explosion protection systems and locate them around critical operations like these.

For example, the Monroe Dual Throat Venturi Scrubber uses water to reduce a combustible dust’s explosion potential and transfer it into the water stream. The water contact, baffling, and mist elimination stages in the scrubber process help remove the particle from the air. The water-scrubber system then pumps the clean, breathable air back into the workplace. This type of explosion-proof dust extraction system is an excellent option for a wide range of industrial applications, such as metal fabrication, welding and cutting, woodworking, chemical pharmaceuticals, and more.

In addition to the aforementioned methods, industrial explosion-proof vacuums can be used for other types of hazard mitigation, such as flammable liquids and spills, or removing sanding and grinding debris. They are also ideal for a wide range of cleaning tasks in food production, labs, and pharmaceuticals, or other clean areas. The Tiger-Vac CD-600EX Stainless portable explosion-proof vacuum meets OSHA and 3rd party NFPA standards for Division 1 Hazardous Locations, and can handle large volumes of combustible dust with an effective capture velocity of over 1200 cfm. It features a spark-trap, manual filter pulse cleaning, articulating arm, and locking casters for easy movement.