The world leader in providing comprehensive Explosion Protection solutions for dust hazards. We have conducted thousands of full-scale explosion tests to better understand the science behind flame propagation and verify our protection solutions which include explosion vents, flameless explosion venting, explosion suppression systems, explosion isolation systems, and explosion detectors. Our Products and design calculation tools are third party (FM and ATEX) approved/certified. This means that every design is ATEX certified. From design to service, you can have confidence in the solution IEP Technologies provides.
EXPLOSION PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Explosion Protection Solution
There are three basic systems types employed for explosion protection:
1. Suppression
2. Isolation
3. Venting
The flow chart on right hand uses a dust collector as a typical application to show the process IEP Technologies engineers take to select the most appropriate system(s) to specifically fit your application.
We are always available to assist you in determining the most suitable explosion protection approach for each of your applications.
1. Explosion Suppression systems
In a matter of milliseconds, your IEP Technologies Explosion Suppression System is designed to detect the buildup of pressure during an explosion and discharge an explosion suppressant into the enclosed space before destructive pressures develop. The suppressant works by interfering with the explosion’s reaction, by removing heat from the deflagration’s flame front and thereby lowering its temperature below that needed to support combustion. The explosion suppressant also creates a barrier between the unburnt combustible particles to prevent the further transfer of heat.
2. Explosion Isolation Systems
Explosion isolation systems are designed to detect an explosion in a process vessel, and then create a barrier that reduces the risk of the flame/explosion propagation to other interconnected equipment. Such explosion propagation is likely to give rise to an enhanced (more intense) explosion in any connected vessel than would be expected from a simple ignition in that vessel. Explosion isolation is a proven method of reducing the risk of such enhanced explosions, and may be an essential requirement to attain a sufficient risk reduction from the overall explosion protection system.
Explosion isolation can be applied to vessels that are protected by containment, suppression or venting systems.
3. Explosion Venting Systems
Explosion venting entails the incorporation of a frangible panel or membrane into the top or side of process plant equipment so that the overpressure of an explosion is released into the atmosphere. Venting is a proven explosion protection strategy where it can be safely applied.
For many years the most common explosion protection strategy was venting. Used correctly, explosion venting remains a viable strategy. While venting is usually the most cost effective method of explosion protection, there are circumstances where venting is impractical and explosion suppression a preferable option.
Since the goal of explosion venting is to release the explosion overpressure before the process vessel is damaged, burnt and unburnt dusts and vapors are released through the vent opening. The ejected fireball, with a typical volume eight times or more larger than the vessel volume, must be released to a safe area. It is important to note that since explosion venting only relieves the deflagration pressures from the vented process vessel, post-explosion fires are to be expected. Appropriate fire control measures should be incorporated into the process plant safety design. In addition, explosion propagation through connected ductwork is likely to occur, so explosion isolation is required.
Explosion Suppression systems
An explosion suppression system consists of three components
1. suppressor(s)
2. detector
3. control unit
In the event an ignition occurs, the fireball expands from the ignition kernel with the pressure wave (created by the increase in temperature) traveling ahead of the flame front. Explosion pressure detectors are configured to respond to the characteristic pressure increase within milliseconds.
Explosion isolation systems
There are three basic types of explosion isolation systems
1. Chemical Isolation – Discharges an explosion suppressant into the duct work that will suppress the propagating flame front, reducing the likelihood of it reaching interconnected equipment or plant areas.
2. Active Mechanical Isolation – Triggers the release of a high-speed valve to form a mechanical barrier in the pipeline. Mechanical barriers provide protection against flame AND pressure propagation into connected equipment. A control panel and explosion detector are required as part of this system.
3. Passive Mechanical Isolation – An in-duct valve which closes as a reaction to the explosion pressure wave can be used for isolation of interconnected ducts of process vessels equipped with explosion protection. No additional controls or sensors are usually required.
Explosion Venting System
IEP Technologies provides the appropriate explosion vent for the application with a wide range of vents available. The venting protection options available include standard vents for applications where the fireball and associated pressure can be released into a safe area and flameless venting are possible solutions for those applications where flame ejection cannot be tolerated. Standard and Flameless Venting solutions are detailed below.
Spark Detection Systems
The Atexon Spark Detection and Extinguishing solution by IEP Technologies is a leading protection option developed in Finland. Atexon-brand spark detection and extinguishing systems have provided protection for over 2,000 industrial processes covering many different industrial sectors that routinely handle explosible dust or powders. Due to the danger of dust explosion, such applications require a very reliable, sensitive and fast detection and extinguishing system. The Atexon Spark Detection and Suppression system can be the ideal choice for many of these demanding applications.
Rapid response spark detection and extinguishing systems
Atexon® spark detection and extinguishing systems by IEP Technologies are designed to protect industrial processes by reducing the risk of ignition sources, such as burning embers, from reaching protected equipment. The system detects sparks and extinguishes them automatically without interrupting process operations. The small amount of water extinguishant used, approximately five liters, will greatly limit any interruption to filters or other production machines. Once the ignition source has been mitigated, the system automatically resets to normal operations and is ready to extinguish additional ignition sources.
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