Competant ATEX Services

With nearly 40 years of providing Explosion Hazard Services to the process industry, we have a wide range of expertise within our Group of companies.
Since ATEX and DSEAR regulations have become mandatory, many equipment manufacturers and end users have approached us for a turnkey service. They are particularly annoyed about the large quantity of "New Experts" who have suddenly sprung up, offering ATEX/DSEAR services. Many of these have only a 2 day ATEX course and some minimal industrial experience to offer, as competency in Explosive Atmosphere Compliance.
This can be very costly for the end user, as they end up with large, indigestible reports with many general statements copied from the relevant legislation and an over Zoned plant. This will make more work for them, paying out more money in time and equipment to satisfy the reports requirements, which may not be appropriate to their industry circumstances.

Should Explosion venting panels be a maintenance headache?

Venting panels are simply weak stainless steel membranes which if designed and installed properly should last for ever.  If you install a single skin flat panel on a gravity fed silo then it should last for ever but if you install the same panel on a high vacuum, reverse jet pulsing filter, then it may only last 2 months due to implosion and or fatigue.  For this application you need to specify the triple section ODV panel with 500mbar vacuum resistance.  This panel may be more expensive but will save in multiples of the original cost, in labour, down time and consequential loss.

What is a good size for an explosion venting panel or an explosion vent panel?

Due to manufacturing costs, always try to make your vent size rectangular explosion panel not a round explosion panel, it’s cheaper.  If your vent calculation requires 1.4m2 of actual vent area, you should not request a vent that size 1m x 1.4m2!  Costing about 1,500 euro as a special plus a spare.  It is too big, expensive and will fatigue earlier.  Look at the smaller more frequently used sizes, e.g. 305 x 610mm= 0.18m2 <280 Euro, 586 x 920mm = 0.54m2 <370.00 Euro or 920 x 920mm. 0.84m2 < 580.00 Euro.  If you buy more of the smaller sizes you can get a bigger quantity discount and you can carry minimum spares across your total facility.

Contact Declan Barry for more information in Exploision Hazards.

Explosion Venting Panels versus Explosion Doors ; Pros and Cons?

A vent panel or a venting panel once it fires has to be thrown out; a vent door can be self reclosing probably requiring only new seals.  The explosion venting door once it closes will retard the ingress of oxygen to fan the fire but be aware it may require integrated vacuum breakers.  If you’re using a CO2 extinguishing agent to inert the fire especially on a silo, there is no point in using a vent panel as the agent will just be drawn out like a chimney, making the CO2 useless.  Cost versus intended purpose; always do a thorough risk assessment and ask your supplier.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to respond.
Declan Barry.

Are explosion venting panels the cheapest way of achieving ATEX compliance?

If you are lucky enough to have placed your plant or process near a wall or safe venting area then a venting panel is the cheapest way to protect your plant.  For 300 to 500 euro plus a small short explosion duct you can protect your plant and comply with ATEX.  If you have located the equipment in the middle of a busy work place and you cannot use explosion prevention measures, then you may have to consider, Flameless venting, Explosion Suppression or Containment never forget the needs for Explosion isolation!