Q. Why use explosion venting?
A. The issue of venting violent overpressures is a critical one for owners of facilities where potentially explosive atmospheres, materials, and processes exist. Recent statistics indicate that the average damage due to explosions in industrial establishments is approximately $3.4 million, compared to $210,000 for an average fire. The possibility of an explosion occurring must be seen as a real concern considering only three common elements must be in place for an event to occur: ignition source, a fuel, and confinement. If something can burn, it can likely explode.
Types of industries where explosion venting is used and required:
- Pharmaceutical Production
- Chemical Production
- Petroleum Industry
- Paint, Varnish Manufacturers
- Energy/ Mining Industry
- Co-Generation Plants
- Recycling Centers
- Sewage Treatment (by-product recycling)
- Automotive (air bag, mfg. Plant lines)
- Grinding/Pulverizing processes (airborne dusts)
- Ink Manufacturers
- Paper Process (solvent use/storage)
- Laboratory Test Facilities
- Hospitals (gas and/or flammable storage areas)
- Brewery Facilities (grain storage/processing)
- Armories (arms storage rooms)
- Fossil Fuel Plants (coal dusts)
- Food Processing (airborne dust)
- University Labs (chemical lab store rooms)
- Grain Milling Facilities (airborne dusts)
- Nuclear Power Stations
- Printing Companies (solvent use/storage)
The latest Explovent News and Reports
- Why use explosion venting?
- How does Explosion Venting work?
- Where are they required?
- Where can explosions happen?
- What is considered to be a fuel?
- How do I size my vents?
- How do I calculate proper wall and vent area?
- What is the difference between FM and NFPA?
- Why is FM testing needed?
- Why is FM approval important?
- At what value should my vents be set to release?
- Why have Bottom vs. top hinged Explovent® panels?
- How easy are Explovent® explosion vents to open?
There’s an Explovent for every condition.
Translucent Aluminum Panel ERP-IC FM approved and labeled. Designed in accordance with NFPA 68 standards and all fire codes. Insulated and well sealed to provide a draft free environment.
Translucent Polycarbonate Panel ERP-PC Designed in accordance with NFPA 68 standards and all building and fire codes. Translucent panels reduce need for artificial lighting.
Explosion Relief Louver ERL Provides explosion or pressure venting with the ability to handle every day exhaust and intake ventilation requirements.
Insulated Aluminum Panel XRV-IC XRV-IC roof explosion vents are for buildings where the exterior wall area is insufficient, or where exterior walls are obstructed, preventing wall vents.