Explosion protection for the WOODWORKING & PAPER industry
Preventing Explosions in the Woodworing & Paper Industry
An explosive atmosphere can form in various places in wood processing plants. An explosion can occur directly during wood processing, where combustible dust is produced. Other risk areas may be wood material conveying systems, including belt, screw, and other conveyors. The greatest risk of combustible dust explosion is in dust extraction systems. An explosive atmosphere is constantly present in these systems and so is the risk of explosion.
During transport and handling of wood material, dust particles are dispersed. In combination with air, these particles create an explosive atmosphere. If the explosive mixture comes into contact with the ignition source, a devastating explosion can occur. The explosion is characterized by a quick rise in temperature and pressure, which can have destructive effects on both the production technology and the health and lives of the operating personnel.
RISKS OF EXPLOSION IN THE WOODWORKING AND PAPER INDUSTRY INDUSTRY
Fires and dust explosions in the woodworking industry can occur, for example, during grinding, crushing, filling containers with wood waste, dedusting, extraction, and transport of wood dust to filters and separators, grinding of varnished or otherwise treated wooden parts.
COMBINATION OF ELEMENTS LEADING TO IGNITION AND EXPLOSION
Ignition and subsequent explosion occur if the following conditions are met at the same time in the same space:
UNDERESTIMATING EXPLOSION PROTECTION CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE
There was a fatal explosion in the Canadian town Burns Lake in British Columbia at the Babine Forest Products sawmill. The explosion and subsequent fire destroyed the factory. The cause was a high concentration of wood dust and the lack of explosion protection.
EXPLOSIONS IN THE WOODWORKING AND PAPER INDUSTRY MUST BE PREVENTED
EXPLOSION PROTECTION METHODS
BENEFITS OF EXPLOSION PROTECTION
Safeguarding industrial processes: mitigating the risks of combustible dust explosions
During industrial production, fine particles are emitted into the air while handling bulk materials. As these particles circulate, they can easily reach explosive concentrations. When combustible dust encounters an ignition source, it triggers a hazardous explosion, posing significant risks to both production technology and the health and safety of workers. The likelihood of an explosion is particularly heightened in enclosed spaces.
We provide comprehensive protection against the catastrophic effects of explosions in technologies involved in processing these bulk materials.
