Explosion vents are a protective means of last resort. How must the constructional protective technique explosion venting for silos in the industry be applied?

Abstract

This presentation deals with the reduction of explosion effects in storage vessels like hoppers and silos for solid bulk materials by means of the protective technique explosion venting. Before explosion venting is discussed in more detail a brief summary of the different other available techniques for prevention and mitigation of dust explosion effects in hoppers and silo is presented. Since explosion protection is being dealt with differently by the various industries using silos, examples of questionable practises in Germany and France are discussed and the question as to whether the new ATEX directives will cause the industry to apply a more uniform approach in the future posed. Since explosion protection and fire protection for silos are related the fire protection related implications of explosion venting and the use of the available explosion vents are discussed.