Explosion Suppression

Fire Protection Systems
These systems have been installed in thousands of facilities across North America in numerous industries including food processing, rubber, agricultural, paper, and metalworking. Operations that involve grinding, cutting, and drying can often cause sparks, which are typically the ignition source for fires and explosions in dust collectors and air filtration equipment. These systems can be customized to meet the specific requirements of the application. Flexibility allows use of various types of detectors (spark, heat, smoke, flame, hot particle) and various suppression options (water mist, deluge, foam, inert gas, etc.) to address a wide range of industrial applications. Flamex Inc., Greensboro, NC 336-299-2933 www.sparkdetection.com

Agitator Hopper with Explosion Protection Features
Designed specifically for handling bulk materials known to generate combustible dust, this agitator hopper is constructed with explosion protection and control features, including an explosion venting system, calculated on a Kst value of 170 and Pmax of 9.5, to direct and release overpressure to prepared areas. Hopper construction includes reinforced walls and a reinforced cover, and is rated for 4.5 PSI internal pressure. The 100-cu-ft-capacity hopper provides thorough material conditioning using dual, counter-rotating agitator shafts, each with a proprietary blade design that directs material toward the center discharge. Hermetically sealed load cells, integrated to the system’s automation controls, signal the unit to supply prepared material to downstream processes on a loss-in-weight basis. National Bulk Equipment Inc., Holland, MI 616-399-2220 www.nbe-inc.com

Explosion Vent/Quencher
The Interceptor-LT is comprised of a rectangular explosion vent and a quencher. The explosion panel ruptures during the pressure rise of a deflagration allowing the flame to enter the quencher. The quencher consists of two cartridges assembled with various layers of stainless steel that absorb the flame and hot gases during a combustion event. It features a flame-arresting design that provides a safe operating environment for personnel. Refurbishment is easy as the unit can be field refurbished for fast reactivation and less process downtime. A single flanged connected allows for a simple and economical installation. CV Technology Inc., Jupiter, FL 561-694-9588 www.cvtechnology.com

Explosion Suppressant Containers
Fike’s Standard Rate Discharge (SRD) and High Rate Discharge (HRD) explosion suppressant containers provide optimum performance in suppressing all classes of dust, gas, and hybrid explosion hazards. Both systems are designed to detect and chemically suppress an explosion in its earliest stages, before an explosion can cause damage to the equipment or escalate into a catastrophic event. In the event of a hazardous situation, the system quickly introduces a suppressant agent into the vessel (within milliseconds) to mitigate the combustion hazard before pressure reaches dangerous levels. Advantages include: suppresses Class ST III dust explosion hazards; patented dispersion nozzles provide full coverage and increase agent discharge velocity; the control circuit design provides continued service even if two of the wires become severed. Fike Corp., Blue Springs, MO 816-655-4546 www.fike.com

Spark Detection/Extinguishing Systems
These spark detection and extinguishing systems provide safety for your production. As a preventative measure, they can reduce your risk of fires and dust explosions by extinguishing sparks and embers before they reach the dust collection filters, silos, or bins. Sensors detect the spark or ember infrared energy and the system automatically activate programmable countermeasures: extinguishment, deluge, abort gates, diversion gates, or automatic machinery shutdown. The extinguishment immediately releases a fine mist of water downstream, extinguishing sparks and embers without interrupting production and greatly reduces risk of personnel injury, equipment damage, and downtime. Improvements in plant safety and insurance risk are also important benefits. The systems are outlined in NFPA 69, 654, and 664 standards and Factory Mutual approved. GreCon Inc., Tigard, OR 503-641-7731 www.grecon-us.com