Explosion Protection & Prevention of Dust Explosions

For a dust explosion to occur, three conditions must be met simultaneously:

1. Combustible Dust: The material must be inherently combustible and dispersed in the air with sufficient fineness. Typical combustible materials include organic dusts like sugar, grain, or tobacco.
2. Oxygen: There must be an adequate supply of oxygen, usually the oxygen present in the air is sufficient.
3. Ignition Source: There must be an ignition source capable of igniting the dust cloud. Ignition sources include open flames, hot surfaces, sparks, electrostatic discharges, or mechanical friction.

Additionally, the dust concentration must meet specific criteria, exceeding a lower explosion limit (LEL) and staying below an upper explosion limit (UEL). These are material-specific values.

When all these conditions are present, a dust explosion—an extremely dangerous event—can occur. A dust explosion spreads within seconds and has the potential to cause significant harm to both people and machinery.

Explosion protection measures must comply with strict legal requirements and standards to ensure safety in workplaces. The ATEX Directive (ATmosphères EXplosibles) is an EU-wide regulation that governs the safe operation of equipment and protective systems in explosive atmospheres. It consists of two parts:

• ATEX 114 (Directive 2014/34/EU): This part regulates the requirements for products used in explosive atmospheres. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet specific safety standards in order to obtain CE marking. This particularly concerns electrical and mechanical equipment, as well as protective systems.

• ATEX 153 (Directive 1999/92/EC): This part focuses on occupational safety in explosive atmospheres. Employers are required to take measures to protect their employees from explosion hazards. This includes assessing explosion risks, classifying hazardous zones, and implementing appropriate safety measures.

The aim of the ATEX Directive is to minimize risks in explosive environments and ensure the safety of people and property through effective explosion protection.

• Operational safety: Ensuring the continuity of production operations by preventing unexpected production interruptions and long-term shutdowns due to explosions and fires. Maintaining delivery capability.
   
• Legal compliance: Adherence to national and international safety standards and legal regulations for explosion protection. Avoidance of legal consequences and fines due to non-compliance.
   
• Employee safety: Creating a safe working environment by minimizing fire and explosion risks. Preventing injuries and fatalities caused by shockwaves, burns, and flying debris. Protecting the company's reputation.
   
• Cost-effectiveness: One-time investments in equipment and machinery protection to prevent future unexpected financial burdens from repairs, replacements, and special investments. Increasing operational efficiency and ensuring long-term economic success.