Powder containment applications such as the handling of pharmaceutical goods require ATEX exhaust fans to ensure safe and efficient ventilation. Dust clouds are a major contributor to explosions in applications that involve the handling of fine powders.
The Pharmaceutical industry utilise powder containment booths for processing powders on a large scale. During the processing of pharmaceutical goods, potentially combustible particles can accumulate in the atmosphere creating a dust cloud. This can be harmful to operators when inhaled and may pose the risk of explosion. Installing the correct fans is crucial for providing adequate ventilation and eliminating the risk of ignition hazards.
Powder containment booths are a common solution for the containment of dust in the pharmaceutical industry. ATEX fans are situated at the top of the containment booth in a separate compartment to the operating zone. The role of the fan is to vacuum the contaminated, dusty air away from the operating area and into the outer compartment of the booth. Here it must travel through a set of filters to be cleaned before it is released back to the outer atmosphere. In some instances, containment booths also have an integrated cooling system to maintain a comfortable working temperature.
We recently supplied a large UK containment booth manufacturer, several of our ATEX Prextur fans to integrate into containment booths that required ATEX protection. The manufacturer was struggling to source an ATEX fan that fitted correctly within the configuration of a standard containment booth. Non ATEX fans such as our GKHM range of plug fans are compact in design and fit perfectly within the architecture of a standard containment booth, whereas ATEX fans are larger, more robust fans that require more consideration in terms of installation. Our ATEX Prextur fan provides may benefits including an extended flange which it can be mounted on. This enabled the perfect configuration when installed into our customers containment booths. Where there is an ATEX requirement it is important to ensure the selected fan has the correct ATEX rating. For this particular project our Prextur 354 T2 3kW was the correct selection. With a max airflow of 7880 m³/h, a high efficiency rate up to 84% and flexible mounting ability, the Prextur backward curved centrifugal fan is quickly becoming a popular choice for this type of ATEX application.
The Prextur backward curved fan has several beneficial features including a reinforced impeller with high performance backward blades made of carbon laminated steel which are dynamically balanced to minimise noise and vibrations. It also boasts a self-cleaning turbine. Should maintenance or extra cleaning be required the Prextur has an easy access inspection door integrated.
Other typical applications for the Prextur range include paint booths, food industry dryers, food processing, boilers and ovens, incineration, odour control, pollution control and the manufacture and treatment of chemical products.
We continue to work closely with manufacturers to ensure you have all the correct information before selecting a suitable fan. When sourcing an ATEX fan you must specify the correct zone and may need to seek advice from a certified ATEX consultant to ensure you are compliant with legislation. Our range of ATEX fans are available for zone 22 dust ATEX atmospheres where there is potential for an explosion.
Our ATEX centrifugal fan collection is one of the largest of all the UK ATEX fan suppliers, by working with our international fan manufacturing partners Casals Ventilation in Spain, we can supply the best ATEX Certified fan for your application.
For more information or help with your industrial fan selection contact our Industrial team on 01782 349 430.
Web Link:
https://www.axair-fans.co.uk/atex-explosion-proof-fans/
Axair Fans UK Ltd
Lowfield Drive
Wolstanton
Newcastle-Under-Lyme
ST5 0UU
England
