2024.04.21
Safe handling of combustible food dust
This case study highlights the safe handling of combustible food dust with ATEX regulation compliance and increased savings.
Applications
Customer(s)
- Global production company
Products
Country
- Netherlands
Key achievements
Compliance with ATEX directives
Reduced energy consumption
Additional savings due to air recirculation
Solution
For the replacement of an existing extraction system, Camfil offered it´s modular dry dust collector Gold Series X-Flo, equipped with ATEX-approved explosion protection equipment. The solution contains the following:
- Performing a hazard analysis and dust testing
- As the dust collector is installed inside the facility a flameless venting system was required, so that in case of a an explosion the pressure can be released into a safe area.
- Crossflow technology combined with the unique baffle configuration creates a uniform air pattern and separates heavier particles from the airflow that extends the life of your filters.
- The energy-efficient filter cleaning is based on differential pressure, in order to avoid unnecessary cleaning and stress on the filter elements.
- Gold Cone X-Flo filter cartridges provide more downward facing media thanks to the inner filter cone, releasing more dust directly into the hopper. Spunbonded polyester Dura-Pleat media with antistatic properties was selected because of handling explosive and very fine dusts.
- Additional Integrated Safety Monitoring Filter (HEPA H13, 99.97%) which allows recirculation of cleaned process air but also acts as a flame barrier.
- A level probe is installed inside the hopper to detect and alert the customer in case of high dust accumulation. The customer then can take the action needed in order to prevent filters from damage.
Process overview
The core business of our customer is the production of ingredients for the bakery industry. The processes involved with production are generating dust from mixing, filling and packaging of yeast.
As it turned out, the customer was not fully aware of the risks when handling combustible and explosive dusts and the existing extraction system was not in accordance with the current ATEX guidelines. This placed both the people and the process within the facility at risk.
As providing a clean and safe work environment is key to the customer, he made use of Camfil's expertise and decided to rely on the industry-proven Gold Series X-Flo dust collection system to protect the product, people and process.
Challenges
The customer is handling organic dust which is both, combustible and explosive and the existing extraction system was not compliant with current ATEX regulations.
To extend the filter life and to reduce the dust collector´s energy consumption, the selection of the right filter media is key but also a good system design as well as VSD-controlled fan.
Additionally, the customer was looking for a solutions which allows air recirculation and further reduces energy costs.
Product
- Product:Gold Series X-Flo
- Model: GSX08
- Airflow: 10,000 m³/h
- Filter offering:Gold Cone cartridge filters
- Accessories: Flameless vent, ISMF filter, level probe
- Filter media:Dura-Pleat spunbonded polyester, applied with a conductive aluminised surface
- Installation date:2023
