Reducing Combustible Dust Explosion Risks With a Dust Hazard Analysis | Aerodyne
We recently posted an article on our LinkedIn commenting on the dangers of combustible dust, and we want to keep the conversation going about dust hazard analysis (DHA).
Identifying any dust hazards starts with a DHA, which should be conducted in all areas or systems that create dust. A DHA is an extensive report that lays out the requirements for a dust collection system to be protected from explosions. Essentially, will the dust in an environment explode, how bad might it be, and how do we remove factors that contribute to the likelihood of an explosion? Dust testing is also a critical piece of this, because combustible dust is handled differently than non-combustible dust.
How Aerodyne Cyclones Simplify Explosion Protection Requirements
At Aerodyne, we design cyclones for explosive applications that take NFPA specifications into account and make compliance with DHAs easier. For example, Aerodyne offers multiple cyclones smaller than 8ft3, and when an explosion vent is required, the vent will be located outside the separation chamber, minimizing dust buildup and erosion.
The following are required for combustible/explosive applications, where the goal is to implement equipment and practices that reduce the likelihood of an explosion:
- Explosion vents or chemical suppression*
- Rotary valve, NFPA 68 to prevent explosion from traveling
- No return valve (NRV) to prevent explosion from traveling back up ductwork and into the work area
* Aerodyne has six (6) sizes that are smaller than 8ft3. Depending on the application, these may or may not require explosion venting or chemical suppression.
When it’s apparent that an application deals with explosive dust, our engineers typically lean on the Horizontal GPC (shown in the attached infographic). An explosive vent can be attached to the cyclone to help contain loose dust that presents combustion risks. The Horizontal GPC offers a compact size (may not need to vent if under 8ft3), helps protect vents from dust (horizontal design), and its locality in the system can help keep the majority of dust from getting to the baghouse, preventing buildup in the ductwork.
Aerodyne’s cyclones ensure that the explosion vent can be installed outside the separation chamber and above the hopper, where the vents are significantly less likely to become overrun by dust or wear out prematurely, causing issues. Additionally, because our cyclones are more compact than traditional cyclones, they require smaller vents.
Additional benefits of the GPC for non-combustible applications:
- Increase filter life
- Allow reused of material collected
- Lower compressed air usage for filter cleaning
If you have concerns about combustible dust in your operation, we strongly encourage you to evaluate your dust collection system with a DHA. Although DHAs are not something we offer directly, we offer evaluations that can serve as a DHA precursor that can point you in the right direction. Combustible dust is a scary reality, but it is manageable, and explosions are preventable.
Have a question or interested in a free consultation by one of our reps? Call us at 440-543-7400 to start the conversation.
