Dust explosion protection in Europe

ELEVEX explosion release system for bucket elevators

Producer: RSBP

The most economical method of explosion protection is to direct the blast wave through special openings in the elevator body into the environment. This prevents the pressure inside the structure from reaching dangerous levels at which it is destroyed.

This is the explosion protection method used in the passive ELEVEX systems. They consist of explosion-proof doors and VMP panels. During normal process conditions, these close the openings in the elevator housing, while in the event of an explosion they open and release the shockwave and flame to the outside.

HRD barriers – active protection devices – are installed on the inlet and outlet piping.

  • Description
  • Technical features
  • Documentation
  • Installation & Maintenance
Description

The peculiarity of the passive protection of ELEVEX elevators based on explosion release is that it can only be used in open areas or with the installation of explosion venting ducts. Shockwaves and flames can damage equipment in the vicinity and endanger lives. Explosion-proof doors and membranes are therefore not used in the vicinity of personnel working areas.

However, it is the most economical way of providing explosion protection because its elements are inexpensive as compared to other devices, easy to maintain and easy to replace once triggered.

The ELEVEX explosion detection system consists of three components:

  • explosion sensors;
  • explosion containment devices on the inlet and outlet piping;
  • explosion panels on the elevator housing.

VMP explosive membranes are available in round or rectangular stainless steel. They are additionally equipped with flange seals to ensure dust-tightness of the device; cable or magnetic indicators for opening/closing; thermal insulation to prevent condensation.

Advantages

  1. Five types for different operating conditions, with a temperature range of up to 240 °C. Available in models resistant to overpressure or pressure surges.
  2. The large range of sizes enables a suitable rupture disc to be selected for most types of process equipment.
  3. The membrans are made of steel and are resistant to mechanical damage.
  4. Easy to assemble – installation consists of only two steps, according to ready-made drawing kits and assembly instructions.
  5. Easy to maintain – we will provide a detailed instruction manual describing the frequency of all operations. The customer’s employees are only required to visually inspect the cleanliness and integrity of the blast panel.
  6. Simply replace after an accident. Can be installed without altering the design of the existing process equipment.
  7. Maintenance is only required once a year, which reduces the cost of operation.
Technical features

VMP membranes round

Size Explosion pressure release area (m2) Ø D1 internal diameter of the convex part (mm) Ø D2 hole centre circle diameter (mm) Ø D3 flange external diameter (mm)
DN 250 0,05 270 320 350
DN 300 0,06 320 350 380
DN 350 0,07 345 387 425
DN 400 0,1 400 443 480
DN 450 0,13 450 486 530
DN 510 0,16 510 550 590
DN 600 0,24 600 646 680
DN 630 0,27 630 680 710
DN 750 0,41 770 817 850
DN 800 0,47 820 860 900
DN 880 0,53 880 920 960
DN 900 0,57 900 955 1000
DN 1000 0,72 1 000 1060 1100
DN 1100 0,87 1 100 1160 1200

VMP membranes rectangular type F

Size, мм Explosion pressure release area (m2) A – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm) B – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)
229 x 229 0,05 309 309
229 x 305 0,06 309 385
260 x 260 0,07 337 337
170 x 470 0,08 250 550
220 x 540 0,12 308 628
270 x 458 0,12 350 538
305 x 457 0,14 390 542
300 x 500 0,15 382 589
410 x 410 0,17 490 490
241 x 762 0,18 331 852
630 x 310 0,19 705 385
580 x 410 0,24 500 670
490 x 590 0,28 573 673
610 x 470 0,29 550 690
600 x 600 0,35 656 656
450 x 800 0,36 550 900
610 x 610 0,37 690 690
500 x 750 0,38 580 830
457 x 890 0,39 537 970
586 x 920 0,53 671 1005
588 x 908 0,53 680 1000
800 x 800 0,62 853 853
685 x 1100 0,75 765 1178
870 x 910 0,79 960 1000
920 x 920 0,83 1005 1005
915 x 1118 1,02 1000 1203
1020 x 1020 1,03 1106 1106
1118 x 1118 1,25 1202 1202
1130 x 1130 1,28 1220 1220
1000 x 2000 2 1090 2090

VMP membranes rectangular Type D

Size Type Explosion pressure release area (m2) A – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm) B – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)
229 x 229 0,05 309 309
260 x 260 0,06 340 340
150 x 600 0,08 220 670
220 x 540 0,11 300 620
305 x 457 0,12 375 527
610 x 290 0,16 685 365
630 x 310 0,18 705 385
490 x 590 0,27 565 665
2x 610 x 290 0,32 385 1385
450 x 800 0,34 530 880
2x 630 x 310 0,35 385 1385
586 x 920 0,51 661 995
920 x 920 0,81 995 995
915 x 1118 0,98 990 1193
1020 x 1020 1 1095 1095

VMP membranes rectangular type SU

Size Explosion pressure release area (m2) A – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm) B – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)
229 x 229 0,05 309 309
260 x 260 0,06 340 340
150 x 600 0,08 220 670
220 x 540 0,11 300 620
305 x 457 0,12 375 527
610 x 290 0,16 685 365
630 x 310 0,18 705 385
490 x 590 0,27 565 665
2x 610 x 290 0,32 385 1385
450 x 800 0,34 530 880
2x 630 x 310 0,35 385 1385
586 x 920 0,51 661 995
920 x 920 0,81 995 995
915 x 1118 0,98 990 1193
1020 x 1020 1 1095 1095

VMP can be equipped with:

  1. Open indicator. This is a membranе status indicator. If the VMP is opened the contact will be interrupted and the electrical circuit will be disconnected. The indicators can be magnetic or cable.
  2. Mounting kits for G1, G2 and G indicators. To be supplied on request.
  3. Intrinsic safety relay. Intrinsic safety relays are hazardous for life. The relay creates a boundary between the safe and hazardous area.
  4. Frames for VMP (type SU and D). Needed for mounting those membranes where there are no built-in frames. They are made of stainless steel.
  5. Flange seals. Normally made of EPDM material. This can be replaced with silicone (FDA) on request.
  6. Thermal insulation. Available on request.
VIDEO – VMP EXPLOSION PROTECTION DEVICE TEST – EXPLOSION RELEASE.

Documentation

ExDoor AxB-M datasheet
En
  • En
ExDoor user manual
En
  • En
Vent PRO S datasheet
En
  • En
VMP D user manual
En
  • En
VMP F user manual
En
  • En
VMP SU (rectangular) user manual
En
  • En
VMP SU (rounded) user manual
En
  • En
Installation

VMP (type SU and D) is supplied either with top frame, seal or separately. VMP (type F, Vent PRO S) is supplied with an integrated frame and seal.

Before installation of the safety rupture disk, check:

  • integrity of the original packaging;
  • the membrane itself and the seals are undamaged;
  • the connecting material is present, if it is included in the scope of delivery;
  • no damage to the indicator, if ordered;

The installation of explosive membranes requires a design. This design must include the number of process apertures in the equipment to be protected, the number of VMPs and their type and suitability for use under the prevailing conditions. The project is to be developed by a specialized company. For example, ATEX.CENTER.

The rupture discs are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the explosion protection project. The work consists of two basic steps. First, the mechanical installation is performed, followed by the installation and adjustment of the electrical part.

The installation of each membrane must be recorded in a special logbook or operating book with the date, initials and signature of the authorised person.

The scope of supply includes:

  • Consignment note;
  • EU Declaration of Conformity 2014/34/EU;
  • Inspection certificate;
  • Operating instructions.

On request, we will provide you with:

  • Indicator connection diagram
  • Technical description of the opening indicator
  • Technical description of the intrinsic safety relay
  • Panel installation diagram
  • Checklist
  • Operating logbook
Maintenance

The delivery includes the operating instructions, on the basis of which the operator draws up his own document. It defines the maintenance intervals.

The maintenance of the membrane consists of periodic checks for cleanliness and damage and corrosion. Basic rules:

  • All operations must only be carried out with the equipment switched off;
  • Inspect the VMP for cleanliness and damage every shift;
  • Perform dusting and screw connection checks at least every six months or more frequently depending on the operating conditions;
  • Instruct employees on safety measures when working near the explosive membrane immediately after its installation (hiring a new employee) and at least once a year thereafter – the VMP is classified as an injury-prone equipment;
  • Do not enter the frame space and safety area when the equipment is in operation.

The safety rupture disc may only be serviced by the manufacturer, RSBP, or its authorised representative. The service interval is at least once a year.

Advantages of working with ATEX.CENTER

The customer will have no problems with the supply of components and service. ATEX.CENTER is an official distributor of the leading European distributor of explosion protection equipment RSBP spol. s r.o. Our specialists periodically confirm their qualification in his commission of expertise.
The customer will have no problems with the supply of components and service. ATEX.CENTER is an official distributor of the leading European distributor of explosion protection equipment RSBP spol. s r.o. Our specialists periodically confirm their qualification in his commission of expertise.
The customer will not have any problems with the supply of components and service maintenance. ATEX.CENTER.
The customer will not have any problems with the supply of components and service maintenance. ATEX.CENTER.
We open representative offices where our customers work. The customer saves time on service maintenance.
We open representative offices where our customers work. The customer saves time on service maintenance.
We cooperate with European experts in the field of ATEX. The customer receives professional experience in explosion protection.
We cooperate with European experts in the field of ATEX. The customer receives professional experience in explosion protection.

See also

ELEVEX flameless explosion release system for bucket elevators
ELEVEX flameless explosion release system for bucket elevators
VMP SU diaphragm Round
VMP SU diaphragm Round
VMP SU diaphragm Round
VMP SU diaphragm Round
Flameless explosion venting device FLEX C PRO
Flameless explosion venting device FLEX C PRO
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