Better venting protects against dust explosion
MANY industrial processes consistently generate considerable quantities of fine dust, which starts as ‘just’ combustible but can become highly explosive when enriched with oxygen. An ignition source in the plant can then set off an explosion with enormous damage to machinery and workers.
Although ATEX directive 94/9/EG obliges companies to carry out primary explosion protection, compliance only statistically reduces the chances of a disaster while leaving the dust explosion risk itself still in place.
ATEX, therefore, strongly requests additional constructive explosion protection in plants operating with fine dusts. The addition of explosion venting with relief panels approved by the directive is one such solution, so that if a dust explosion does occur, its pressure is reduced to a harmless level within in the plant.
These relief panels must be able to resist operating pulsations and temperature changes, corrosive environments and early material fatigue, which can endanger safety and cause costly plant shutdowns.
‘Ex-Go-Vent’ explosion relief panels from REMBE of Germany, which are now available in the UK from Orthos (Engineering) Ltd, eliminate all such operational problems. Approved to FSA 04 ATEX 1538X, their special patented design guarantees durability and offers an exceptionally long working life under all production conditions.
Combining the user benefits of full plant availability and simplified installation with considerable cost savings, these flat, single-layer panels give 100% venting efficiency and are available in 25 different standard dimensions for a wide range of applications.
Quick and easy mounting is ensured by a patented concept of combined gasket and breaking point configuration, which eliminates the need to control the clamping torque of the fixing bolts.
