PiF-D/SD Series – Design for explosive and combustible dust collection –

Combustible dust is one of the most serious hazards in many manufacturing plants. When combustible dust is suspended in the air at the proper concentration and comes into contact with an ignition source in the presence of oxygen, a dust explosion can occur. Dust explosions may occur in various areas of a manufacturing facility, but one of the most common locations is the dust collector, since dust collectors confine airborne dust within an enclosed space.

An explosion in an unprotected dust collector can rupture the collector housing and release fire, pressure waves, and dangerous projectiles into the workplace, potentially causing severe injury to personnel and significant equipment damage. Therefore, when collecting combustible dust, dust collectors should be equipped with appropriate dust explosion prevention and protection features.

Anti-electrostatic molded filter

Pulse jet

Inflammable powder/dust that might explode

Max. airflow

Premium efficiency motor/Dust explosion-proof motor

Fulfilling Safety Measures

Dust Collectors for Explosive and Flammable Dust

These dust collectors are designed to provide a high level of safety when collecting potentially hazardous and combustible particles. To reduce the risk of fire and dust explosions, the systems are equipped with multiple protective features, including:

• Explosion Pressure Relief Vent
  Safely releases explosion pressure into the atmosphere to minimize damage to the equipment.
• Extinguishing Port
  Allows the discharge of a fire-extinguishing agent into the unit in the unlikely event of a fire.
• Check Valve
  Prevents the reverse flow of explosion pressure or flames through the duct system, helping protect workers and connected equipment.

These safety measures help ensure safer operation when handling explosive and flammable dust in industrial environments.

Material: Polyester
Surface treatment: Stainless evaporation
Corresponding models: PiF-D/SD
Application: electrification characteristic dust(particle diameter about 10μm)
Others:  Aluminum sheet and Earth

Finefil Antistatic filter and other type of filter are available

Dust and Powders That May Cause Explosions

The following combustible dusts and powders may create an explosion hazard when dispersed in air and exposed to an ignition source:

• Magnesium
• Aluminum
• Aluminum alloys
• Iron powder (non-oxidized)
• Epoxy resin powder
• Cornstarch
• Titanium
• Toner powder
• Coal dust
• Other combustible or flammable powders

Proper dust collection systems and explosion protection measures are essential when handling these materials in industrial environments.

Three conditions leading to dust explosions

1. Oxygen
2. Dust in a concentration higher than the explosion lower limit threshold
3. Minimum ignition energy

Dust explosions occur when the 3 conditions of “oxygen,” “Dust concentration higher than explosion threshold,” and “minimum ignition energy” are all present. If even just 1 of these conditions can be eliminated, then dust explosions can be prevented. So the crucial point in preventing explosions is eliminating sources of sparks. Also, we need safety measures to protect your staff and facility from dust explosions, just in case.

Dust Explosion Prevention and Protection

Electric motors contain moving parts that can generate sparks during operation. A dust explosion-proof motor is designed to prevent the ingress of external substances and to eliminate potential sources of ignition, such as sparks.

The PiF-30SD and PiF-45SD models are equipped with this type of motor, while the PiF-D series uses a fully enclosed fan-type motor. Both configurations are designed to enhance safety when operating in environments with combustible or flammable dust.

The aluminum fan casing, impeller, and adaptor are mounted on the PiF-SD series, while the PiF-D series uses an aluminum fan casing. These aluminum components are designed to minimize the risk of spark generation from the fan during operation, improving safety when handling combustible or flammable dust.

Static electricity can generate sparks that may act as an ignition source for dust explosions. An Anti-electrostatic Molded Cartridge filter uses a metal thread woven into polyester material to provide effective static dissipation. This design offers strong and long-lasting antistatic performance, reducing the possibility of spark generation caused by static electricity and improving safety in combustible dust environments.

Countermeasures against dust explosions caused by static electricity are essential. Conductive paint (antistatic coating) is effective in reducing static buildup and preventing noise when applied to metal and plastic surfaces.

By improving surface conductivity, conductive paint helps dissipate static charges and reduces the risk of spark generation inside the dust collector, thereby lowering the likelihood of a dust explosion.

A sealed electric control box is designed with a fully enclosed structure to prevent it from becoming an ignition source for a dust explosion. By isolating electrical components from the surrounding environment, it helps prevent the ingress of dust and reduces the risk of sparks or overheating that could trigger combustion.

Earth Bonding is used to reduce the risk of electric sparks by connecting bonding conductors between specific parts of equipment. This helps equalize electrical potential and reduce any voltage difference that may build up, lowering the risk of static discharge and improving overall safety.

In the event of a fire inside the dust collector, the fire extinguishing port is designed to allow the introduction of a fire extinguishing agent into the dust collector system. This helps suppress and control the fire quickly, reducing damage to equipment and improving overall safety.

Explosion Isolation Check Valve is designed to protect both workers and equipment. Explosion isolation works by stopping explosion energy from propagating through the duct toward upstream equipment or suction points.

The check valve functions by closing rapidly during a pressure surge, preventing blast pressure and flame fronts from traveling back through the duct system. This helps contain the explosion within a limited area and reduces the risk of further damage or injury.

Explosion Pressure Diffusion Port is designed as the “weak” section of the dust collector body. It opens when a predetermined internal pressure is reached during an explosion event, allowing excess pressure and flame to be safely released through the port.

This mechanism helps prevent the dust collector from rupturing or fully exploding during a deflagration, thereby minimizing equipment damage and reducing safety risks to personnel and the surrounding area.

Unit: mm