Explosion Isolation

Explosion isolation is surely implemented to safeguard the surrounding personnel as well as machinery. An explosion can continue to truly gain momentum, creating secondary explosions and fires. Although explosion venting or suppression is present, a dust explosion can still travel backwards. It will travel from the process vessel across the inlet ductwork and into the connected equipment in other process areas.

Generally, explosion isolation involves "blocking" an explosion through the process ductwork. The aim here is to stop it from traveling any further. There are three forms of explosion isolation. First is the explosion suppression, find the other two below.

You can also use Explosion isolation on a dust collector, process vessel or any other equipment. In this case, it will be used along the connecting ductwork and adhering to the installation distance from the vessel.

Dust Collector Isolation

In truth, the most common scenarios for a dust explosion to occur is in fact, within a dust collector. In effect, a dust collector surely plays host to a large amount of dust. For instance, if this combustible dust disperses in the air and ignites, the result is catastrophic. Explosion venting will then avoid that risk.

However, in some cases, the dangerous pressure waves and flames can travel backwards through connecting ductwork. This requires the use of an explosion isolation valve, also referred to as a non-return valve, flap valve or barrier valve. In the event of an explosion, first the pressure waves forces the flap to shut blocking further distribution of the explosion pressure and/or flames through the connecting process ductwork, ensuring then, dust collector isolation against explosions. If you require more in detail information on how to protect your dust collector, please contact Euratex immediately.

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The BFV explosion barrier valve is a mechanical device. It has been designed to prevent the propagation of flame and pressure between pieces of equipment within a process area. For example, when an explosion occurs within a contained vessel (such as a dust filter unit), it will gain momentum and travel through connected ductwork. Thus, spreading rapidly through to other areas of the process. Therefore, it will certainly cause a much larger explosion, damage to neighbouring machinery/equipment and will truly put lives at risk. Implementing an explosion barrier valve, such as the BFV, will swiftly isolate the explosion. And also, minimise costly damage and risk.

The VENTEX valve is available from size DN100 up to DN600. And suits low, medium or high pressures with minimal pressure drop in the pipe. It is advisable for a low dust load and all common media. For example, metallic dusts, hybrid mixtures, gases as well as organic dusts. Also, the VENTEX valve is suitable for low, medium or high process temperatures. And a maximum flow velocity of 25 m/s. It is available as single acting (EI-E) or double acting (ESI-D) operation modes. Or alternatively as a check valve (ESI-C) – this is what truly makes the VENTEX a great solution to suit individual case needs. Moreover, you can install it in a vertical or horizontal position, which makes for a flexible installation design too.

This article was written by Vincent Glover of chrispdesign.com