Installation, Operation and Maintenance manual
45
Downflo
®
Evolution
12. If it is unavoidable to work on the equipment while an explosive atmosphere is
present, care should be taken to avoid introducing ignition sources not present
during the expected operation. Non-sparking tools should be used.
13. Where equipment is installed in a Potentially Explosive Atmosphere, care should
be taken not to locate the collector where external ignition sources can be
introduced, for example stray electric currents, lightening, electromagnetic waves,
ionising radiation, ultrasonic waves.
14. Where the dust being processed can ignite due to exothermic reaction, including
self ignition, the collector MUST be fitted with a suitable explosion protection
method (venting for example). The risk of ignition can be minimised by avoiding
the accumulation of dust layers with regular cleaning.
15. Every care has been taken to avoid the risk of ignition. The measures taken to
avoid ignition should not be altered since this may result in unsafe operation.
Particular care should be taken during maintenance and component replacement
to ensure the same level of safety is maintained. When replacing fan impellors,
avoid any rubbing of components (to prevent mechanical sparks).
16. This dust collector may be fitted with explosion protection in the form of a vent
panel. Precautions, as set out in the Scope of Delivery, are used to minimise the
risk of ignition of any dust clouds contained within the dust collector. The possibility
of other ignition sources being introduced into the collector during periods where
any dust cloud may be present should be minimised. Particular care should be
taken to avoid introducing glowing particles via the collector inlet ducting.
17. The explosion vent panel, where fitted, has been designed to provide adequate
safety from an explosion initiated from within the collector, for the given dust
explosion characteristics and collector arrangement as set out in the Scope of
Delivery. You should ensure that explosions are not allowed to propagate into the
dust collector (using suitable isolation devices) since pressures may be generated
leading to unsafe equipment rupture.
18. Where applicable, equipment connected to the dust collector (for example, a
cyclone) should be protected, using suitable isolation devices, against the transfer
of flame and pressure if, in the event of an explosion initiating inside the dust
collector, the connected equipment is not capable of safely withstanding these
effects.
19. The explosion venting device, where fitted to the dust collector, is not suitable for
use with dusts that are classified as poisonous, corrosive, irritant, carcinogenic,
teratogenic or multigenic unless the dust released during the explosion venting
process can be contained to a safe level.
20. Where applicable, care is required when siting the dust collector to ensure that the
effects (flame, pressure, noise and fire) produced during and after the explosion
venting process do not put at risk personnel and nearby plant.
21. In order to ensure the required venting efficiency is maintained, the explosion
vent panel, if fitted to the collector, should not be obstructed in any way.
22. Any modification carried out on the ‘as supplied’ equipment may reduce reliability
and safety, and will nullify warranty; such actions fall outside the responsibility
of the original supplier.
23. On a day to day basis there is minimal interaction between the operator and the
collector, however dust containers may require regular emptying. If the dust being
handled is explosive, then care should be taken to ensure that dust spillage is
kept to a minimum to avoid the creation of potentially explosive atmospheres
and secondary hazards. Dust containers should securely replaced and resealed
prior to collector restart. This is a good time to check the dust container for
damage, which may lead to a dust leak or flame emission in the rare instance of
an internal explosion.
