Explosion-proof filter systems
Dust extraction & filter technology for use with explosive dusts
Experience from the last decades has shown that there is a high risk potential for explosions in filter systems with corresponding dust loading.
According to the evaluation of dust explosion incidents in the metalworking industry, the plant group “dust collectors/separators” is the clear leader with a share of approximately 44 percent. (Source: BGIA Report Documentation Dust Explosions, HVBG).
Because the occurrence of effective ignition sources cannot be completely ruled out anywhere, these systems must be protected by design measures. The design of our filter system complies with the ATEX directives 2014/34/EU (ATEX 94/9/ EG) and with the directives VDI 2263 and VDI 3673.
Our filter systems with pressure relief to the outside (outdoor installation) are designed according to the calculated maximum overpressure [bei einer Explosion] and release the pressure wave to the outside in the event of an explosion.
For indoor installation, we install our flameless explosion vent and offer the best possible protection at a manageable technical cost. This system is approved for pressure relief into the workspace.
Alternatively, filter systems can also be discharged to the outside when installed indoors. This is done by a so-called “bursting channel”.
Another product is pressure-resistant filter systems, which we manufacture TÜV-tested up to 13 bar pressure surge resistance. To decouple the raw gas side pipeline, we use approved check valves or quick-shot gate valves.
Explosion-proof filter systems can be designed as bag filters or cartridge filters.
Explosion-proof filter systems from VALCO are characterized by:
Robust construction
Highly effective cleaning of the filter elements for difficult dusts
Explosion decoupling
Complete systems tailored to your requirements
High energy saving potential
Explosion suppression
Long filter life
Check valves
Explosion proof
Bag filter ATEX – what does that actually mean?
Dust explosions are among the greatest hazards in industrial manufacturing. With an ATEX bag filter (in a filter system designed according to ATEX guidelines) you effectively safeguard your operation. Did you know that 80 percent (!) of all dusts generated in industry are combustible? Even a layer of dust of just one millimeter is sufficient in an enclosed space to trigger an explosion by being stirred up and ignited. Modern filter systems reliably ensure that the dusts are filtered out of the air. But if the filter systems are confronted with a high dust load, the potential danger may shift to the filter system.
VALCO therefore offers its bag filters in explosion-proof design according to the latest ATEX directives, called “Bag Filter ATEX” for short. The aim of the ATEX directives introduced by the European Union is to protect all persons (such as equipment users, machine operators and other employees) working in potentially explosive atmospheres. VALCO is also guided by this in the construction of explosion-proof filter systems. What’s more, our ATEX bag filters comply with the ATEX Directives 2014/34/EU (ATEX 94/9/ EG) as well as with the VDI 2263 and VDI 3673 directives.
With bag filters in ATEX design you ensure maximum safety in operation.
The method of explosion venting depends on the installation site of the plant. For indoor installation, we rely on flameless explosion venting. This offers the best possible protection with relatively little technical effort. Alternatively, a burst duct to the outside can be installed. Filter systems for outdoor installation are designed according to the calculated maximum overpressure and relieve the pressure wave into the open air in the event of an explosion. Our explosion-proof bag filters are used, for example, where carbon dust or aluminum dust is generated.
Service providers and companies with flexible workplaces often use mobile extraction systems from VALCO. Mobile plants can also be equipped with an ATEX filter.
What distinguishes the bag filter ATEX?
Like our conventional bag filters, our ATEX filters filter between 200 m³ and 300,000 m³ of air per hour (depending on the design). Thanks to the process-safe discharge of the dusts into the dust bucket or into a big bag, our systems work safely and efficiently, in combination with our highly effective cleaning system. All of our ATEX type bag filters are of fully welded construction to ensure many years of tightness and stability.
ATEX bag filters from VALCO have high operational reliability, effective filter cleaning, very long filter service life and low maintenance costs. Our bag filters come standard with a 50-liter dust collection bin with quick-release closure. Alternatively, however, all other discharge systems such as a one-way drum (200 liters) or a big bag are also possible.
Our explosion-proof bag filters reliably filter all dusts that are difficult to clean from the air. For the extraction and filtering of explosive smoke and dust under industrial conditions, explosion-proof filters according to ATEX from VALCO are the first choice.
For which applications are VALCO explosion-proof filter systems suitable?
Our explosion-proof systems are used whenever slightly explosive dusts have to be safely filtered out of the air. Our high-performance filter systems are particularly suitable for dedusting almost all production processes in the industrial sector.
The possible applications extend across a wide range of industries, such as the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the plastics industry or the automotive industry.
Our explosion-proof systems are also characterized – in addition to effective filter cleaning – by a high level of operational safety. VALCO products guarantee very long filter life and low maintenance costs.
Chemical industry
Plastics industry
Automotive industry
Pharmaceutical industry
Which filter systems can be built explosion-proof?
All of our bag filters and cartridge filters, including extraction elements such as extraction arms, can be supplied in explosion-proof form. When planning the filter system, we take into account your individual circumstances and wishes, so that the system is optimally optimized for its place of use.
Is indoor installation of an explosion-proof filter system possible?
Yes, indoor installation is possible. If an indoor installation is made, a flameless pressure relief is installed, this system provides the best possible protection and is approved for the working space. In doing so, we resort to the use of various systems in order to offer you an effective and cost-efficient solution.
As an alternative to our systems of flameless pressure relief, a so-called bursting channel can be used for an indoor installation, which discharges the explosion pressure to the outside.
When must a filter system be designed to be explosion-proof?
Since there is a high risk potential due to dust explosions, our ATEX filter systems are used when slightly explosive dusts have to be filtered or the occurrence of an ignition source cannot be excluded. You can learn more in the VDMA position paper: “ATEX Directive – Filtering Separators“.
Engineering of complete plants
Tailored to your specific requirements
We supply complete extraction and filtration systems with filters, blowers, with and without soundproof enclosures and soundproof booths. Heat recovery systems or fire protection equipment are also designed as part of an overall system or integrated into an existing system as expansion modules.
Particularly low maintenance & long service life
One of the quality features of our filter systems is the special consideration of the maintenance effort. All our explosion-proof filter units have a pre-separator integrated into the side of the filter housing. Coarse particles are dynamically separated via an S-baffle and thus pass directly into the discharge. This provides better protection for the filter elements, allowing for a longer service life. Automatic filter cleaning of the filter elements is differential pressure controlled using compressed air by our efficient, maintenance-free R-Jet cleaning system. Also in the planning phase, we pay special attention to a long service life in addition to the effectiveness of the extraction system.
Energy saving through our filter systems
Due to the high separation efficiencies, all our explosion-proof filter systems are basically also suitable for recirculating air operation.
In addition, we usually supply our equipment with frequency converter. This allows fully automatic or manual adaptation of the suction power to the changing production conditions.
Additional after-filters to achieve higher collection efficiencies (e.g. with HEPA HEPA filters of filter class H14 and higher) can be included in the design and supplied.
In addition, we also plan and supply heat recovery systems if required. We will be happy to illustrate the high energy-saving potential by calculating ventilation heat losses.
Our maintenance service
After installation, acceptance and commissioning of VALCO extraction and filtration systems, we are also happy to offer you further service and maintenance services.
Our experienced service staff will be happy to carry out the legally required annual inspection of the filter system and extraction equipment, even for third-party brands.
Contact
For questions and advice, please feel free to contact VALCO Customer Service. You can reach us by phone or write us an e-mail with the requirement profile for your dust collector. You can also contact a VALCO representative directly.
