Technical explosion protection methods (active and passive explosion protection)
There are four main methods of technical explosion protection to reduce the destructive effects of an explosion and prevent secondary explosions. These include:
- explosion-proof encapsulation,
- exemption,
- suppression,
- cutting off
Explosion-proof enclosure is passive explosion protection and implies that the process equipment is designed to maintain the integrity of its enclosure during an explosion (resistance to maximum explosion overpressure).
Explosion relief is passive explosion protection and implies a device for releasing excess pressure and explosion products into the environment - an explosion discharger (explosion panels, flame arresters). When explosion dischargers are used, the overpressure does not reach values which endanger the integrity of the process equipment.
Explosion suppression is a method of active explosion protection which involves a set of technical devices for early detection of an explosion (pressure and optical sensors) and suppression at the initial stage by introducing an explosive suppressant (HRD tanks) into the equipment.
Explosion propagation control by means of cut-off. This method involves the use of a barrier to prevent the propagation of a flame front and overpressure into adjacent pieces of process equipment. Explosion suppression can be active (use of a detection system and HRD of cylinders, pneumatically or electrically actuated valves) or passive (valves actuated by overpressure and air flow).
You can find out more about explosion protection methods and technical details of explosion protection equipment in the Product Catalogue.