The production and handling of certain materials can create a harsh or dusty environment. Industrial dust, or process dust, is generated during the manufacturing or production process. This does not just include dust from cutting, drilling, grinding or sawing but can also include dust that breaks out from materials, chemicals or ingredients used in the production of things like sugar, flour and pharmaceutical products.
Some types of process dust can be flammable, which can trigger explosions in the workplace and fire if not handled properly. Dust, including combustible dust, not only poses a risk to the general health and safety of those working within the dusty environment, but it can also present a big problem for fire detection systems. This means that certain considerations must be made when protecting dusty environments from fire.
What are the Challenges?
Some detection types are unable to differentiate between dust and smoke. This means that there are only a few detectors that can operate effectively in a dusty environment.
VESDA-E aspirating smoke detection is typically well suited to this sort of application. However, even the performance of these detectors can be hindered by particularly dusty environments. This can lead to inadequate detection times, false alarms and expensive maintenance.
What is the Solution?
Fortunately, there are a number of options to help protect VESDA-E detectors in particularly harsh environments. In particular, VESDA In-Line Filters.
- Suitable for all Xtralis VESDA Aspirating Smoke Detectors
- Improves detector longevity in applications with high levels of airborne contamination
- Reduces maintenance intervals and total cost of ownership
- Does not require additional pipe fittings
- Compatible with metric (25mm OD) and imperial (1” OD) pipes
The VESDA In-Line Filter addresses the issues that environments with high levels of airborne contaminants present to VESDA detectors, vastly improving the longevity of the detector and reducing maintenance requirements.
The filter’s tapered inlet and outlet ports mean it can be fitted in-line with the sampling point without the requirement of any additional pipe fittings. This makes the VESDA In-Line Filter incredibly efficient, simple and cost-effective.
The compact design of the VESDA In-Line Filter ensures the maximum possible filter area in an enclosure narrow enough so that multiple units can be fitted adjacent to one another.
Filter elements can easily be replaced by simply removing the filter lid, without the need to remove the filter housing from its position in the pipework.
How it Works?
VESDA In-Line Filters are made up of two foam elements installed at an angle inside the filter housing. The upper filter is a coarse medium foam, with the lower being a finer medium foam.
As the sampled air passes through the filter housing smoke particles are also allowed to pass through while larger dust particles are trapped in the filter housing or in the foam elements.
VESDA In-Line Filters can be installed vertically or horizontally at an accessible location for ease of maintenance; this is usually close to the detector. There are arrows on the filter housing to help ensure that they are installed correctly; the filter should never be subjected to reverse flows. Each sampling pipe that draws air from the dirty environment should have its own in-line filter assembly.
The filter’s tapered inlet and outlet ports can accommodate pipes with outside diameters of 25mm (0.98”) to 26.5mm (1.04”).
In some situations, there may be a risk of condensation gathering in the pipework. This may be due to the temperature difference between the sampled air and the ambient temperature of the pipe, or by regular wash down activities that cause water vapour to enter the sampling pipe. If this is the case it is important to prevent any moisture entering the filter by installing a water trap or filter with moisture absorbent media upstream of, and in close proximity to, the in-line filter.
Filter Replacement Frequency
The frequency in which the filter element should be replaced depends on how much dust is present in the protected environment. It is recommended that filters used in light industrial sites, manufacturing plants and processing plants with fairly low levels of contamination should be replaced at least once every 12 months. For areas such as warehouses, loading bays and underground platforms with medium levels of contamination, the filter should be replaced at least once every 6 months. And in areas with high levels of contamination, such as coal fired power stations, fertiliser factories and waste treatment plants, they should be replaced at least once every three months.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre is a complete system supplier and has been a major Xtralis technical wholesaler since 2007. This means we can offer expert advice and supply all aspects of fire detection including aspirating smoke detection systems, conventional and addressable fire alarm control panels and linear heat detection.
- Pipework Design
- Eurofyre can also provide assistance with aspirating pipe network design to ensure optimum network performance and installation quality.
- Demonstration and Training
- We have a sophisticated training facility where we offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including VESDA-E aspirating smoke detection systems.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre prides itself on providing after-sales care and support that is second to none. We offer both on-site and telephone assistance to help you ensure that your system is fully operational and working at its best.
For more information about VESDA aspirating smoke detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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