Preventing disasters
Published by Alfie Lloyd-Perks,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
Every week, there are various stories online and in print media about explosions and fire incidents in pellet, sawdust and coal storage facilities, as well as in their corresponding grinding systems.
Whenever a dusty atmosphere is exposed to sufficient oxygen and an ignition source, the preconditions for an explosion are present.
In order to limit the consequences of an explosion to a manageable, controllable degree, reliable constructional explosion protection methods by means of explosion venting is required.
State of the art constructional explosion protection, such as in grinding systems and alternative fuel (AF) processing and storage facilities, is regulated by international rules and directives. However, as the grinding system is a singular part of a very large equipment scope, less attention is paid to this issue during the overall decision-making process. Improper design in terms of constructional explosion protection systems can lead to serious consequences, such as fatal injuries or injured workers during a big explosion. In recent years, a number of severe explosions in grinding systems, as well as in the AF processing industry, have emphasised the necessity of properly-working constructional explosion protection. Therefore, corresponding rules and directives should be implemented in the technical specification right from the beginning.
European ATEX Directives
The European ATEX Directives are helpful but their correct implementation is not that easy. ATEX compliance must be enabled by installed technology, but largely must be organised by the operator of the systems.
The European ATEX Directives are divided into the following categories:
- Directive 1999/92 EG: Relevant for operators covering the aspects of risk assessment, zoning, technical and organisational measures etc. This is pursuing the main target to protect the health of workers acting in potentially hazardous areas.
- Directive 2014/34/EC: Relevant for manufacturers of explosion protection devices covering the requirements of autonomous protection systems, components, safety and control equipment. The significance of this directive is emphasised by the common requirements for equipment and protective systems. The part which is related to constructional explosion protection is as follows: “Should an explosion occur possibly endangering persons directly or indirectly (or for that matter domestic animals or property), such explosion is to be halted immediately and/or the range of explosion flames and explosion pressures to be limited to a sufficient level of safety.”
Only ATEX approved explosion venting devices assure a proper function as well as a correct determined venting area.
EN European/US American Standards
These standards are of great significance for grinding systems and storage facilities, etc., in terms of explosion resistant equipment (EN 14460), dust explosion venting protective systems (EN 14491), and explosion isolation systems (EN 15089). Corresponding American Standards issued by National Fire Protection Association mainly refer to NFPA 68 as well as NFPA 69.
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