Manufacturing

Ductwork / Dust Collector

Ducting in manufacturing is commonplace. It is used to remove heat, noxious fumes, dust, and other contaminants. It is also a central component in HVAC systems. Ducts travel all over the facility. They are like a miniature super-highway that lets air move with the least resistance to its final destination. This style of construction is what makes them so efficient. It is in this super-highway style of construction where the fire risk lies. Unless it is stopped by some device, a fire in a duct has a clear path to spread throughout the building. It can also easily spread from the burning duct to nearby combustibles. Ductwork in industrial settings can spread smoke and flames, posing significant fire risks.

Fire Risk

• Accumulation of dust and debris can ignite and spread fire through the ducts.
• High temperatures and flammable materials can lead to rapid fire spread.
• Dust collection systems are the archetypal application for spark detection protection. Explosive dust-air mixtures often form inside dust extraction systems. Such mixtures can be ignited by sparks, embers, hot objects or static electricity. Usually these ignition sources are caused by a damaged blade, a wedged foreign object, resin collected on the fan blades or poor machine grounding.

Recommended products: Atexon (Spark Detection System)

Generator Room / GenSet

Emergency power supply is a key driver behind the adoption of stationary diesel generators. They become vital in many locations demanding uninterrupted power, such as manufacturing  and other industrial facilities, plus the likes of data centres, laboratories, shopping centres, hospitals, universities, and prisons.

The Fire Risk

• Diesel fuel and engine heat, especially around the exhaust manifold and muffler, can easily initiate combustion.
• Additional factors like moving parts, lubricants, hoses, wiring, and instrumentation further contribute to the fire risk.
• Placing these elements within an enclosure increases the potential for a significant fire hazard.

Other applications at risk of fire in manufacturing and many commercial & industrial premises include Electrical Cabinet, Electrical Room, IT Room, Server Room, Control Room, Battery Room, Machinery Room, Motor Room, Turbine Room, Transformer Room, Switchgear Room.

Recommended products: Stat-X, Gas