Explosion Protection

Application Bulletin

Protecting Spray Dryers with

Explosion Suppression

Need for Protection How does Suppression Work?

The powders produced from liquid feedstocks are Basically, explosion suppression is accomplished in the
suspended in the spray dryer at elevated temperatures following steps.
presenting possible fire and explosion hazards. In the
production of food or pharmaceutical products, there
could also be residual solvents (hybrid mixtures), that Detection
increase explosion hazards.

Benefits Control
Protecting spray drying equipment from explosions will:
• Minimize costly replacement and/or repair of the spray
dryer. Agent Injection
• Prevent possible death or injury to personnel.
• Protect profits by reducing lengthy plant shutdown and
loss of product. Suppression

Why Suppression?
Preventative protection techniques (inerting, fuel concen-
For a fuller explanation, see Fike Total Concept Explo-
tration control) can reduce the possibility of an explosion.
sion Protection brochure (B9086).
But human error, equipment failure, and lack of mainte-
nance practices can all render these techniques ineffec-
tive. Why choose Fike?
Fike systems are the fastest. Due to our patented
Explosion suppression is a responsive technique that: suppressant container and nozzle design, suppression
• Contains the explosion, preventing the release of agent is rapidly injected allowing for the lowest Total
pressure, fire, and toxic materials. Suppressed Pressure (Pred).
• Greatly reduces the deflagration pressure to safe
levels. Fike systems are the most reliable. Our systems have
• Extinguishes the combustion before fire is produced. been extensively tested by third party organizations,
• Utilizes FM approved systems and sanitary designed such as Ciba in Switzerland. Fike systems have never
components. experienced a system failure in the field.
• Interfaces with process equipment (rotary valves,
blowers, etc.) to enhance protection.

Application Data Sheet 1006

Four steps to successful explosion protection

Detection

1) Detector senses
pressure wave & sends
signal to control panel.

Control

2) Control panel
receives signal
and issues
command to
suppressant
container.

Suppression Isolation
3) Suppressant 4) Often, an explosion
container releases suppression system is
suppression agent augmented by either chemi-
via dispersion nozzle. cal (illustrated above) or
Explosion is sup- mechanical isolation to
pressed. System prevent flame or pressure
response time is from traveling through
measured in millisec- connected ducts or piping
onds. into other process equip-
ment.

704 South 10th Street • P.O. Box 610 • Blue Springs, Missouri 64015
Phone (816) 229-3405 • Telefax (816) 229-0314 • http://www.fike.com
FORM AD1006 1001 Copyright © 2001 by Fike Corporation. All rights reserved ® PRINTED IN U.S.A.