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

SizeExplosion 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 2500,05270320350
DN 3000,06320350380
DN 3500,07345387425
DN 4000,1400443480
DN 4500,13450486530
DN 5100,16510550590
DN 6000,24600646680
DN 6300,27630680710
DN 7500,41770817850
DN 8000,47820860900
DN 8800,53880920960
DN 9000,579009551000
DN 10000,721 00010601100
DN 11000,871 10011601200

VMP membranes rectangular type F

Size, ммExplosion pressure release area (m2)A – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)B – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)
229 x 2290,05309309
229 x 3050,06309385
260 x 2600,07337337
170 x 4700,08250550
220 x 5400,12308628
270 x 4580,12350538
305 x 4570,14390542
300 x 5000,15382589
410 x 4100,17490490
241 x 7620,18331852
630 x 3100,19705385
580 x 4100,24500670
490 x 5900,28573673
610 x 4700,29550690
600 x 6000,35656656
450 x 8000,36550900
610 x 6100,37690690
500 x 7500,38580830
457 x 8900,39537970
586 x 9200,536711005
588 x 9080,536801000
800 x 8000,62853853
685 x 11000,757651178
870 x 9100,799601000
920 x 9200,8310051005
915 x 11181,0210001203
1020 x 10201,0311061106
1118 x 11181,2512021202
1130 x 11301,2812201220
1000 x 2000210902090

VMP membranes rectangular Type D

SizeТип Explosion pressure release area (m2)A – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)B – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)
229 x 2290,05309309
260 x 2600,06340340
150 x 6000,08220670
220 x 5400,11300620
305 x 4570,12375527
610 x 2900,16685365
630 x 3100,18705385
490 x 5900,27565665
2x 610 x 2900,323851385
450 x 8000,34530880
2x 630 x 3100,353851385
586 x 9200,51661995
920 x 9200,81995995
915 x 11180,989901193
1020 x 1020110951095

VMP membranes rectangular type SU

SizeExplosion pressure release area (m2)A – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)B – External dimension of the explosive panel (mm)
229 x 2290,05309309
260 x 2600,06340340
150 x 6000,08220670
220 x 5400,11300620
305 x 4570,12375527
610 x 2900,16685365
630 x 3100,18705385
490 x 5900,27565665
2x 610 x 2900,323851385
450 x 8000,34530880
2x 630 x 3100,353851385
586 x 9200,51661995
920 x 9200,81995995
915 x 11180,989901193
1020 x 1020110951095

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.
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