What do paint spray booths, grain silos, and fuel refinery storage facilities have in common? They are all potentially hazardous areas that contain flammable or combustible materials. Safety and regulatory mandates require that certain types of explosion protection systems be installed in these locations to abate the risks associated with the material.
Blowers or fans used in volatile environment applications are often referred to as explosion proof fans. While technically not “explosion proof”, these fans do offer explosion protection in that they can be fabricated to be spark resistant with explosion proof motors.
Air Solutions partners with Cincinnati Fan to offer a complete selection of explosion proof fans and blowers. These models are engineered to comply with NFPA 91-Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids, 2010 Edition. Additional classification or explosion proof fans is done through the Air Movement and Conditioning Association (AMCA). These spark resistant construction classifications include:
- Type A – requires all materials of the fan or blower that are in contact with the air stream be comprised of spark resistant nonferrous material such as aluminum or brass
- Type B – requires a nonferrous wheel and a rubbing ring around the hole where the fan or motor shaft enters the fan or blower housing
- Type C – requires a nonferrous plate on both sides of the inside of the fan or blower housing
When selecting the construction type suited for a particular explosion proof application, the ambient location and conditions should be considered. The fan must be developed using the spark resistant construction and motor classification that will assure the best performance for the environment.
If you are in need of an explosion proof fan that will deliver safety, performance, and compliance for your process, the team at Air Solutions can help. We have extensive experience in developing solutions for volatile environment applications for our clients in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Contact us today!