APPLICATION BULLETIN

WOOD AND PAPER PROCESSING

INTRODUCTION
Paper and wood processing companies routinely mill, condition, and convey cellulose dust that is of an
explosive nature. In one particular application large rolls of paper are ground, or milled into small particles,
which are then pneumatically conveyed to a dust collector for further processing. The cellulose fibres are
then conditioned, packaged and sold as a food additive called cellulose gum, often used in food and hygiene
production processes (toothpaste, candy, etc.). The combination of such combustible dust and air with a
high likelihood of ignition sources leads to a realistic explosion hazard.

Other companies that manufacture reconstituted wood such as fibreboard, plywood, pressboard, etc. also
face similar problems. Often these processes use pneumatic dust collection equipment to capture the
sawdust or sanding dust from areas such as milling and recycling, pressing or the finishing area where
sanding or shaping is done.

The purpose of this application guide is to provide an understanding of the possible hazards and protection
solutions based on Fike Explosion Protection systems. This document is intended to be used as a guideline
and may not be applicable for all situations. If you have any questions, please contact the Fike Explosion
Protection Group or our sales representative in your area.

www.Fike.com Form No. 8.0604.00.3, July, 2017

1 of 3

This document is only intended to be a guideline and is not applicable to

all situations. Information subject to full disclaimer at
http://www.fike.com/disclaimer
 THE HAZARD: EQUIPMENT DESTRUCTION
The cutting operation, pneumatic collection, and conveying process combine the presence of suspended
powders in an environment prone to electrostatic discharges or mechanically generated sparks, leading to
the continuous risk of an explosion in the dust collector and conveying system. The sudden pressure
increase resulting from such explosions will in most cases exceed the result from the propagation of the
combustion into connected process equipment, possibly leading to extensive damages and downtime.
Recent experiences and testing has demonstrated that the deflagration will produce flames that propagate
even upstream (against the product flow).

Controlling ignitions sources, such as routine maintenance of bearings, can help reduce the chance of
ignition. However, human error or equipment failure can still give rise to an explosion incident.

THE SOLUTION: EXPLOSION VENTING, SUPPRESSION COMBINED WITH EXPLOSION ISOLATION

Explosion venting can be used on dust collectors essentially installed outside, allowing for the explosion
pressure and flames to be directed to a safe area. The use of an adequate vent relief area will assist to
reduce the explosion pressure to be below an acceptable limit. Alternatively explosion suppression (a
responsive technique that interrupts the progress of the incipient explosion through the timely injection of
an extinguishing agent) can be used to protect such equipment, offering the following advantages:

 Contains the explosion, preventing release of pressure, fire and toxic materials;
 Greatly reduces the deflagration pressure to safe levels;
 Extinguishes the combustion before noticeable fire is produced;
 Interfaces with process equipment (rotary valves, blowers, etc.) to enhance protection;
 Offers approved systems and sanitary designed components.

To avoid the devastating propagation of the explosion flames and pressure to connected equipment or to
capture a spark originating from the grinding or milling equipment upstream of the collector, and explosion
isolation valve or chemical barrier can be installed.

Fike Explosion Protection Systems offer the fastest, most reliable profit protection in the world:

Fastest

 Fike’s patented High Rate Discharge suppressant containers incorporate a 90 degree elbow as part
of the container volume. This allows the delivery of the suppression agent to begin at the vessel
wall.
 Fike’s patented ‘Zero Restriction’ dispersion nozzles distribute extinguishing agent through large
orifices. Dispersion nozzles having small openings typically reduce the agent discharge velocity
resulting in increase response time.
www.Fike.com Form No. 8.0604.00.3, July, 2017
2 of 3

This document is only intended to be a guideline and is not applicable to

all situations. Information subject to full disclaimer at
http://www.fike.com/disclaimer
  Fike’s fast acting bursting disc valve system activated by the Gas Cartridge Actuator device provides
full opening to the extinguishing agent and offers unequalled closing times for the Fike Explosion
Isolation Valves.

A faster explosion suppression system results in lower total suppressed pressures (Pred); faster explosion
isolation systems will offer better protection against propagation of explosions.

Most Reliable

 Fike explosion protection systems have been validation-tested on large-scale test installations.
 Fike designs and produces explosion protection systems using an ISO9001 approved Quality System.
 Fike’s Explosion Protection System electronics are state-of-the-art microprocessor-based, meeting
or exceeding the applicable CE-requirements.
 Fike’s explosion pressure detectors are designed to resist the maximum anticipated explosion
pressures.

And more …

 Fike Explosion Isolation Valves are designed to operate bi-directional and can therefore be used to
stop sparks and/or embers coming from the cutting or milling equipment, and at the same time will
avoid propagation of explosions originating from the downstream dust collectors.
 Fike suppression containers are designed to enable the removal of the initiators without the need
for depressurising the containers.
 Fike suppressant containers are designed so that the pressure gauge and pressurisation valve are
not in contact with the suppressant agent.
 Fike container nozzle covers are designed to be non-fragmenting.
 Fike offers factory training and certification of customer maintenance personnel to provide periodic
service.

Profit Protection

Fike offers Explosion Protection Systems protecting the profits of its customers, as well as lives and property.
Some explosions in wood and paper processing industries have resulted in the total destruction of the
facility, loss of life and loss of the ability to produce profits.

www.Fike.com Form No. 8.0604.00.3, July, 2017

3 of 3

This document is only intended to be a guideline and is not applicable to

all situations. Information subject to full disclaimer at
http://www.fike.com/disclaimer