The Flottweg Sealing System
The Use of Decanter Centrifuges in Areas at Risk of Explosion
Mechanical separation technology is ubiquitous in a wide variety of industries (environmental technology, the chemical/petrochemical industry, and in the processing of raw materials). The safety of the entire process plays an important role. The focus lies on protecting the environment on the one hand, while also ensuring workplace safety for employees. For example, after an explosion there is considerable damage to people, machines, and the environment.
When it comes to many applications in which Flottweg decanter centrifuges are used, there is a danger that the products being processed, together with the environment in which they are processed, can form a mixture that is at risk of explosion. As a result, it is essential for Flottweg to provide machines, systems, and equipment that prevent the emergence of gas/product or penetration of ambient air (oxygen) from outside. The effort taken to avoid an explosion depends on two different factors: First is the probability that an explosive atmosphere could occur in the place the decanter centrifuge is installed. The other factor is the product being processed. The customer defines this probability of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere by classifying an Ex zone.
Decanter Centrifuges from Flottweg: Explosion Protected and Safe
Flottweg decanter centrifuges and systems are designed and built exactly for these requirements. This protects personnel from hazards (such as acid vapors or inflammable substances) and ensures the safety of the entire process. Flottweg centrifuges comply with safety regulations from around the world. Whether it’s the ATEX Directives, NEC or any other safety standards, we will ensure that safety is our top priority.
But What Does ATEX Actually Mean?
ATEX is an abbreviation for "Atmosphere Explosible", which is French for "explosive atmosphere". Flottweg decanters meet the requirements of the ATEX 95 Directive. But what does that mean, exactly? ATEX is a Directive (94/4/EC) issued by the European Union on 23 March 1994 for systems/machines used in areas at risk of explosion. This Directive took force on July 1, 2003 (94/9/EC), and is also known as ATEX 95 (an unofficial but frequently used name taken from Article 95).
High Quality, Efficiency, and Long Service Life: Explosion Protected Flottweg Decanter Centrifuges
As already mentioned earlier, Flottweg centrifuges meet the requirements of the necessary Directive. That allows Flottweg decanter centrifuges and systems to be used anywhere hazardous substance mixtures occur. Flottweg is attractive for use in Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22.
Flottweg Sealing Systems and Their Advantages
- The decanter centrifuges can be used for a wide variety of applications
- No hazards from release of undesired product emissions to the environment
- No formation of ignitable mixtures, since penetration of ambient air (oxygen) to the medium to be processed is prevented
- Improved sealing effect with additional seals on shaft feedthroughs and housings
- A high number of sealing elements insures low consumption of inert gas
- Standard components such as solenoid valves and sensors ensure high availability
