Installation, Operation and Maintenance manual
9
Downflo
®
Evolution
4. Applications having a risk of sparks and fires
Where sparks are generated by the process, this must be considered as a
potential ignition source which increases the risk of a fire or explosion. The
filter can be supplied with an optional spark trap to help reduce the frequency
of spark ignition and should be regarded as part of a risk reducing strategy. The
spark trap is not an extinguishment system and should never be relied upon to
achieve spark eradication in processes where suppression requirements are
absolute. The spark trap does not guarantee complete elimination of sparks
and does not preclude the possibility of fire or explosion. Therefore, system
redundancy and complementary measures should be taken in conjunction
with the spark trap to further reduce the risk of fire and explosion from sparks
in applications where there is potential for catastrophic combustion.
On these types of applications the enduser should carry out regular good
housekeeping, such as:
a. Periodically check for dust fall out in ducting and remove.
b. Pulse down off line regularly to minimise retention of dust cake on filter
cartridges.
c. Empty dust bins frequently.
Other risk reducing strategies could include
a. Inject with an inert material.
b. Consider additional spark detection and fire suppression equipment.
