ATEX: the vent panels

The EU "Venting Directive"

Also known with the official English name applied in the “venting” directive, vent panels are designed for explosion when the panel surface is subjected to pressure.

The device for pressure relief is designed in such a way that the equipment bearing the vent is not exposed to a pressure beyond its range of endurance to explosions.

This situation is called over-pressure of venting explosion. The over-pressure of venting explosion, the Pred,cheapmenswatches is higher than the pressure of reaction of the devices employed to relieve the explosion pressure which usually amounts to 0,1 bar. The Pred value can be determined by applying the prescribed regulations. As a rule, in order to use smaller panels, especially on bins of reduced size, the Pred is determined around 2,0 bar.

The panel venting itself must not induce dangers since it generates significant flames and pressure that can result in severe injuries.

If prevention is not possible, flameless venting can also be applied, that is, panels with flame filters can be provided.

However, this solution must be painstakingly designed to prevent the dust to obstruct the filter, and the panel from operating when it is required. If panels are activated, explosion partition must also be designed to relieve the generated pressure from the panel as well as from the ducts connected to the protected bin.

Let’s take for example a bucket elevator. In this case, the explosion will find relief through the discharging and loading ducts or the aspiration ducts, if available. The explosion will therefore expand to all the connected equipments such as bins and filters and could result in a massive secondary explosion ending in much more serious damages.