I have spark carry-over from our processing ahead of the baghouse. How can I reduce the risk of fire in my baghouse?
Spark arrestors are usually the best way to ensure that you don’t get spark carry over into the Baghouse. However, this can always be enhanced by several other precautions. Keeping the Baghouse at a good distance from the spark source, working to remove sparks from the process (if possible), or installing a pre-filter such a cyclone or baffle plate that eliminates the majority of the larger particles.
In many processes it is often necessary for the air to pass through a wet scrubber to remove acid gases, before the removal of particulate matter in the Baghouse. Making sure to have this process take place first will effectively removes sparks from the system as well.
Ignition Control
Along with Dust Control, controlling all possible ignition sources also plays a major role in any comprehensive Dust Control Program. Along with Electrical Considerations, there are many other areas that merit attention with regard to ignition potential. Here are several key recommendations for controlling possible Dust Ignition sources.
* Proper Installation, Classification, Operation, and Maintenance of all Electrical Equipment and Wiring (Class II wiring methods and equipment such as “dust ignition-proof” and “dust-tight” should be employed)
* Employ adequate Static Electricity control methods such as Grounding Wires/Rods, etc.
* Limit Smoking, Open Flames, and Sparks in work area.
* Limit or isolate sources of mechanical sparks and friction
* Separate foreign materials that may ignite combustibles from process materials.
* Limit contact between heated surfaces and heating system from combustible dusts.
* Install spark arrestors/spark traps in all dust collector ductwork. See More…
http://www.baghouse.com/2011/01/19/the-potential-for-dust-explosions-in-dust-collection-systems/
Spark carry-over is a major concern. At a minimum pin holes will develop in the media which will transfer dust to the exhaust stack. More serious cases result in fires. There is sophisticated equipment that detects and attempts to extinguish sparks within the ductwork prior to the baghouse. A crude but inexpensive method of spark reduction is the hanging of rows of chain in the ducting so that the sparks will strike the chain net and break up. It is often a matter that the baghouse is too close to the spark source, thereby not allowing enough time for the spark to die out prior to entering the baghouse.
