Don’t assume that minimizing dust in bucket elevators is occurring. Hidden ignition sources are located upstream, within, and downstream of the bucket elevator, exposing potential near-miss explosion events. Preventive maintenance on a bucket elevator is just one step.
Minimizing Dust
Minimizing dust in bucket elevators as much as possible is always a safety best practice. If a bucket elevator is properly ventilated, airborne dust should not be building up or accumulating on walls and boots. Camcorp can help you minimize near-miss events by mitigating combustible dust hazards. We leverage the experts at Schust, also a member of the Scheuch Group, and their 3-step process proven to mitigate combustible dust hazards.
3 Steps to Mitigating Combustible Dust Hazards
1. Inspection
Expert technicians will visually inspect the current physical condition of dust collectors, other ventilation system components, and building areas susceptible to combustible dust. All existing dust collectors will have their air volume, static and velocity pressure, and filter pressure drop documented. A process flow diagram will include all sources of dust. We can even collect dust samples and have them tested for combustible characteristics.
2. Conduct a DHA
The DHA will first identify which parts of the process and stages of operation represent fire, flash fire, and explosion hazards. Then, move to the process equipment and enclosures and identify safe operating ranges to eliminate those risks. As risks are identified, mechanical isolation, venting, or chemical suppression may help plant owners decide which technologies are the most cost-effective way to keep the facility safe. All mitigating steps are documented, and a plan is presented.
3. Implement Corrective Actions
Camcorp, along with its sister company, Schust, are long-standing partners for grain processing facilities and can assist owners in completing a DHA plan with combustible dust projects of all sizes, from minor hood adjustments to new complete dust collection systems with venting and chemical suppression. In-house engineering, fabrication, and installation capabilities mean plant owners have one partner in meeting NFPA requirements from start to finish.
Contact Us for a Ventilation and Dust Collector Consultation
Whether you need a custom-designed baghouse to meet the air quality control needs of your plant, or a cartridge collector, Camcorp can provide the equipment you need. Contact us to Request a Quote on your next baghouse configuration or cartridge collector’s needs.
