Page 44 - OHS, April/May 2025

C O M B U S T I B L E D U S T
pression systems, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Myth: Vent and discharge duct sizing is straightforward and
doesn’t require specialized calculations.
Fact: Explosion venting is a critical safety measure for devices
and systems designed to release combustion gases and pressure
caused by a defl agration within an enclosure. Proper venting and
ducting minimizes structural and mechanical damage. As a result,
accurate calculations and expert installation are essential.
Th e current NFPA 68 – Standard on Explosion Protection by
Defl agration Venting outlines detailed methods for calculating the
correct size of explosion vents and discharge ducts. Th e current
NFPA 69 – Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems extends be-
yond explosion venting to address the whole dust collection system.
It includes inlet and outlet ducting, spark-extinguishing systems and
methods for preventing an explosion from traveling back into the
building or to process locations upstream of inlet duct work.
Myth: Dust collectors should always be installed outdoors.
Fact: While outdoor installation of dust collectors is generally
safer, it is not always mandatory. Th e NFPA recommends placing
outdoor dust collectors in locations where they can vent to a safe
area that doesn’t endanger the plant or personnel. Outdoor units
must be designed to vent away from buildings and populated areas.
For indoor installations handling combustible dust, it is essen-
tial to equip dust collectors with appropriate explosion protection
systems to ensure safety.
Flameless venting devices safely vent explosions indoors with-
out allowing fl ames to escape the collector. However, this solution
is not recommended for applications involving toxic dust, as it may
release dust into the air during venting. When choosing a fl ame-
less venting system, ensure the manufacturer provides third-party-
certifi ed testing results for your records.
Explosion isolation valves are another protection option, de-
signed to prevent fl ames and pressure from traveling through inlet
ducting into the process area. Additionally, integrated safety moni-
toring fi lters provide protection by isolating downstream equip-
ment from the progression of a fl ame front during an explosion.
Dust collectors that are installed indoors must have an appro-
priate explosion protection system.
Final Thought
By distinguishing myths from facts, facilities managers can better
understand the importance of proper dust collection, explosion
protection and compliance with NFPA standards to maintain a safe
work environment.
Brian Richardson is the Northwest Regional Sales Manager for
Camfi l Air Pollution Control, a manufacturer of dust and fume col-
lection equipment for challenging industrial applications. For more
information call 800-479-6801, email fi lterman@camfi lapc.com or
visit camfi lapc.com.
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