Dust explosion protection in Europe

ELEVEX flameless explosion release system for bucket elevators

Producer: RSBP

Open flame when discharging an explosion into the environment can harm people and destroy nearby process equipment. Therefore, special flame arresters are used in enclosed areas or at personnel workplaces. Excess pressure is relieved to safe levels by the passage of the shock wave through a special mesh surface.

  • Description
  • Technical features
  • Documentation
  • Installation and maintenance
Description

The passive protection system for ELEVEX elevators for explosion-free release consists of three components:

  • explosion detection sensors;
  • active HRD barriers in the inlet and outlet lines for localising the fault;
  • flame arresters on the elevator housing.

Due to its special features, the system can be used where an elevator is installed in a closed room.

The flame arresters contain metal or ceramic-metal elements which prevent the propagation of open flames. At the same time their discharge valves release the overpressure of the explosion.

The FLEX flameproof release unit consists of two basic elements:

  1. The explosion panel. It releases the shock wave of an explosion in the equipment to be protected into the surrounding area. The overpressure in tanks and other closed vessels falls to safe levels, and the structure is not destroyed. The “open/closed” position of the explosion panel is monitored by an alarm device.
  2. External casing with a scattering surface. It consists of special meshes that cool the blast wave and prevent open flames from spreading.
Advantages

  1. Explosion protection in enclosed areas. In the event of an equipment failure, there is only a slight increase in ambient temperature and pressure, which is safe for people and technical structures.
  2. Economic in operation. Flame arresters are designed to be reusable. After an explosion, it is sufficient to replace the cover, if used.
  3. Resistant to dust, mechanical damage and pressure fluctuations in the process.
  4. Three designs allow the selection of a suitable flame arrester for most types of equipment.
  5. Integration into the existing equipment and automatic control system.
Technical features

All flame arresters are supplied as standard from the factory with VMP flame arresters of the sizes shown in the tables.

FLEX F

TypeA (mm)B (mm)C (mm)D (mm)Weight (kg)Size of VMP
FLEX F1 PRO22567526546524150 x 600
FLEX F2 PRO30562533553028220 x 540
FLEX F3 PRO39071042062035630 x 310

FLEX R

TypeA (mm)B (mm)C (mm)D (mm)Weight (kg)Size of VMP
FLEX R1 PRO39071063541040630 x 310
FLEX R2 PRO54089090058074450 x 800
FLEX R3 PRO66610001130735109586 x 920
FLEX R4 PRO996119816601070215915 x 1118

FLEX C

ТипA (mm)B (mm)C (mm)D (mm)E (mm)F (mm)G (mm)Weight (kg)Size of VMP*
FLEX C1 PRO315580485320350537530DN 300
FLEX C1 PRO S315879633320350537580DN 300
FLEX C2 PRO S4451075633450486552587DN 450
FLEX C3 PRO S50512867055105506585126DN 510
FLEX C4 PRO S625138510206306806705243DN 630
FLEX C5 PRO815221510208208606895291DN 800

Optional accessories for FLEX flame arresters:

  1. Intrinsically safe relay. An electrical device creates a boundary between the hazardous area and the safe area by controlling the opening/closing of the explosion-proof panel. Available on request.
  2. Flange seal. Used between the flange of the equipment to be protected and the explosion vent. Always included from the manufacturer RSBP spol. s.r.o. If the customer decides to use his own flange gasket, the supplier is not responsible for incorrect choice of material and design of the gasket.
  3. Protective casing. Prevents contaminants from entering the screens. The protective cover is used in heavily dusty areas or when installing flame arresters on outdoor units where water, snow, etc. can enter. In the event of an explosion, this accessory simply breaks away and does not prevent the flame arrestor from functioning. It is then simply replaced.
Documentation

FLEX PRO user manual
En
  • En
  • Ru
FLEX HANGING ON TECHNOLOGY datasheet
En
  • En
FLEX C datasheet
En
  • En
FLEX F datasheet
En
  • En
FLEX R datasheet
En
  • En
Installation

The FLEX flame arrester is used when installing the explosion detection panel inside the building where the equipment to be protected is located. Any damage to the device may cause it to malfunction, therefore it is important:

  1. Ensure that the device is stored in accordance with the enclosed instructions.
  2. Ensure that all components are intact before installation.
  3. Study the requirements of the enclosed instructions.

Outdoor installation is only permitted if the FLEX unit is protected from water, snow, ice and other particles entering the flame filter screen. In this case, a protective cover is used.

The distance between installed FLEX units and adjacent equipment or walls must be approved by the manufacturer. This distance is necessary to ensure the correct functioning of the FLEX. The minimum distance between the FLEX and the adjacent machinery or building wall must be 0.5 m.

The FLEX is delivered assembled. The explosion-proof panel is attached to the FLEX with sealant and bolts, which must be removed before installation.

Installation is carried out in stages according to the manufacturer’s instructions:

  • Removal of the transport bolts;
  • installation of a suitable flange seal – preference is given to components from the flame arresters manufacturer RSBP spol. s.r.o;
  • fastening or suspension of the FLEX C3, C4, C5 type or any other type or size that has been selected due to the dimensions of the equipment to be protected;
  • tightening the flange bolts according to the diagram in the instructions;
  • grounding the unit.

Ignoring the factory requirements during installation may cause the FLEX flame-spreader to malfunction.

The scope of delivery includes:

  • Operation manual (instruction manual);
  • Installation drawing of the detector;
  • Equipment maintenance and repair log.
Maintenance

The operator appoints a person responsible for the safe operation of the FLEX flame arresters from amongst qualified personnel who have no medical contraindications. Only this person is authorised to carry out the maintenance of the devices in accordance with the instructions.

Maintenance primarily consists of checking for mechanical damage and contamination, which reduces the performance of the flame arresters and leads to their failure to trigger an explosion. Rectangular FLEX R and F can be inspected through a special inspection opening. It must be sealed tightly with a shutter after inspection and cleaning of dirt.

The employee responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of the flame arrester must be trained at least once a year.

The operator determines the maintenance interval, taking into account the operating conditions of the unit. The greater the risk of soiling and damage, the more often maintenance must be carried out. The intervals recommended by the manufacturer:

  • First maintenance service 2 weeks after commissioning;
  • Second service interval 6 weeks;
  • Third maintenance at 8 weeks;
  • Afterwards, at least once a year, but once a month is recommended.

The maintenance intervals are specified in the operator’s manual, which is based on the manufacturer’s instructions. All maintenance activities are recorded in a special logbook. It is included in the delivery set.

FLEX flame arresters may only be serviced by the manufacturer or its authorized representative. Recommended intervals:

  1. First functional test – 3 weeks after commissioning.
  2. Second functional check – 6 weeks.
  3. Service – 6 months after commissioning.
  4. Service – 1 year.

In the event of failure-free operation, each subsequent service is performed 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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