Explosion protection technologies specialist Fike UK is advising process plant engineers that explosion doors should be selected with caution – and should only be used for higher pressure applications.
The Kent-based company suggests that explosion venting is the most effective form of protection, offering overpressure protection in explosive atmospheres.
"Over the years, we have researched the attributes and qualities of explosion doors and vents and have found the benefits of vents significantly outweigh those of doors," comments Keith Avila, general manager at Fike UK.
Explosion vents, he explains, provide an intended route for expanding gases to discharge into and, as such, should prevent damage to industrial equipment and injuries to people.
Standard explosion vents open at a defined activation pressure and the vent area remains open, preventing vacuum pressure on cooling.
Explosion doors also open at a defined activation point, but generally re-close after operation.
Some modern explosion vents have the ability to reclose, but not 100% seal, so cutting off most oxygen but preventing the formation of a vacuum.
"Explosion pressure relief is best achieved through the use of devices with no moving parts, as they offer the highest venting efficiency and cannot be tampered with," states Avila.
"Vents are well known to provide superior process compatibility."
