If you're working in an industrial environment that relies on the use of a dust collection system, it's important that you recognize your risk of fire. Combustible dust is volatile, and can spell disaster for your production line if not properly addressed. For that reason, you'll need to be aggressive about your fire prevention methods in the facility. Proactive prevention methods are key to keeping your dust collection system safe. Here's a look at a few common questions you might have about installing a fire prevention system in your dust collection unit.
Where is the Fire Prevention System Installed?
You'll want to install the fire prevention system on the primary trunk line of the air duct. This keeps it downstream of the branch pipes while staying upstream of the dust collection inlet. This placement is key to monitoring the entire dust stream throughout the cycle. If your dust collection system uses a positive pressure fan, you're going to need to place the fire prevention detector downstream of the discharge from the fan. That ensures that you're monitoring everything that comes through the fan, too.
How Much Water Pressure Does the System Need?
Fire prevention systems need to have sufficient water pressure to produce a consistent spray pattern within the air ducts. In order to produce that, you'll need to connect it to a water supply that is regulated for consistent pressure and volume. There's no set pressure rating or flow requirement, but when you install the system, the fire prevention specialists can tell you if the flow will be sufficient or if you need to add a pressure regulator to the system.
Will the Water Spray Ruin Things on the Production Line?
One of the greatest features of fire suppression systems inside the dust collection unit is that the system will regulate the water to use only the minimum amount necessary in order to extinguish the fire. The valve will only be open long enough to put the fire out, then it closes immediately so that you don't have excess water flow in the system. You may not even end up with any interruption in your production at all if the fire is minor and extinguished quickly.
Combustible dust is a serious safety concern in any work environment, so it's always best to be proactive about your fire prevention methods. The more you understand about how to manage the fire risk, the safer your facility is going to be.
Share14 November 2015
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