This explosion protection blog post enables you to check which factors to consider selecting and sizing an explosion panel, find guidance from NFPA, and understand key definitions.
Successful venting of an enclosure during deflagration is essential to the safety of all concerned. Providing an adequate vent area is one of the most important factors to be considered when sizing the vent area of an enclosure. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has provided standards and proper sizing equations for relief areas for enclosures.
For example, NFPA 68 states: Deflagration venting is one means of controlling damage. By releasing expanding gases through an opening engineered for that purpose, it is possible to maintain a reduced maximum pressure (Pred) that is below that which would cause unacceptable damage...The choice of the most effective and reliable means for explosion control should be based on an evaluation that includes the specific hazard and objectives for protection.
Many of the applications for explosion panels and the venting of enclosures occur in the processing of grain and the associated dust. Grain dust is a highly explosive media and a natural occurrence in the pneumatic handling and conveying of grain. The NFPA 61 Bulletin Standards for the Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Products Facilities provides guidelines for Starch, Grain Elevators, Feed Mills, and Agricultural Commodities.
The advantages of using explosion panels over other methods of venting are their economical cost and the fact they provide a leak-tight seal until activation. Factors to consider when selecting an explosion panel for your facility include the following:
OsecoElfab’s explosion panels are dependable and efficient. The composite construction provides strength for static and high vacuum applications. We use laser scoring technology to achieve precision, dependability and repeatability in establishing set rupture pressures. The finished product is a pressure sensitive rupture panel that is accurate, dependable and provides rapid response venting in the event of deflagration. Features and options of an OE explosion panel include:
OsecoElfab’s explosion protection engineers are experts in using the industry standards and equations to consider all necessary variables when sizing an explosion panel for your applications.
Contact us for a no obligation discussion of explosion protection for your facility or project.