Installation, Operation and Maintenance manual
7
Downflo
®
Evolution
The use of plastic bags in the receiver bin under the hopper is not recommended
because sometimes, due to very high electrostatic charges, hazardous
discharges may occur.
c. Hazards due to relocation of the dust collector
By relocating the dust collector from outside to inside you should be aware
that the explosion now is vented inside a room, which is not acceptable, due
to the very hazardous flame jets and fire balls.
Also, relocating outside may be hazardous when the explosion vent points
into a direction where people may get hurt or property may be damaged.
d. Hazards due to change in process or product
By changing the process, the amount of product, process temperatures and,
most importantly, product ranges may alter. If the products explode more
violently than initially foreseen the explosion may damage or destroy the dust
collector.
e. Hazards due to poor or lack of maintenance
The wrong filter cartridges are installed; non antistatic type may lead to ignition
in the dust collector.
The filter cartridge porthole or another part of the housing (access cover) is
not fixed correctly and may tear up during an explosion causing a flame jet or
fireball.
Retrofitting metal ducts by non-conductive plastic hoses, plastic or flexile ducts
may lead to hazardous electrostatic discharges.
Failing of bonding and grounding of metal parts and ducts (resistance between
metal parts preferably should be less than 100 Ohms).
Painting of the inside with high resistant coating that may result in hazardous
electrostatic discharges.
Welding, cutting etc. (all hot work activities) on an operating or not thoroughly
cleaned not operating dust collector will result in strong ignition sources and
explosions.
Painting of explosion vents may result in higher opening pressures: collapse
of the housing.
If abrasive products are used, in time this may result in thinner walls of ducting
and dust collector housing, thus reducing the strength of the equipment and
it’s explosion resistant properties.
f. Hazards due to wrong actions
Opening of the dust collector during operation: loss of containment.
Vent surrounding: if used as a storage area or frequented by personnel: a
vented explosion will cause damage to stored goods and hurt or kill personnel.
