One topic that doesn’t get addressed enough is dust and debris mitigation within sawmills, pallet plants, and pellet mills. Dust mitigation is especially important for several reasons.
- Dust hazards present respiratory issues, compromises breathing conditions within the plant for workers and visitors. Over time, contact with exposed dust particles can result in reduced lung function, poor performance, and employee safety. Visiting many different plants, one aspect is always constant, there is always plenty of dust particulate present.
- Accumulated dust gets everywhere, including hard-to-reach places. This creates many issues. First, equipment powered by belts and chains need to move unimpeded to reduce downtime and temper friction wear. Motor units need ventilation to prevent overheating. Dust clogs these unfiltered access points.
- Dust creates a tripping and slip hazard as stairs, gantries, and walkways become harder to navigate. Injuries not only hamper production, but can cause OSHA and Workers Comp claims.
- It is a fire hazard. Dust and debris will ignite if conditions are right. Dry, dusty conditions are catalyst for flame ups. Once started, they are hard to reach, and cause severe damage. Safety issues can also affect insurance premiums.
Let BE&E take the risk out of dust hazards
Biomass Engineering has been designing and engineering solutions into every product that bars our name. We engage in responsive design, that offers the latest innovations. Our modular design provides adaptability in component modification.
- Our systems are enclosed. They limit the amount of particulate that escapes. This containment ensures that your material gets where you need it to go instead of accumulating over equipment.
- Our chains are located outside the material path and operate freely from the enclosed biomass.
- Our modular units incorporate access panels for inspection and routine maintenance. They reseal for dust free operation upon completion.
- Our SMART containers utilize SMART floor design to ensure even deployment of material with pneumatic components mounted outside the contained area.
- Our loading and receiving bins are organized, and designed for clean, simple operation. They do not require air permits to operate and eliminate the need for loud, inefficient fans. They can be integrated into chipping lines or utilized as a self-contained system.
NFPA Fire Compliance
BE&E takes fires safety seriously. As such, our designs reflect the latest in dust mitigation and explosion prevention. We produce conveyors that meet NFPA requirements. Make no mistake, we are leading the way in taking the proper steps for fire safety compliance.
NFPA codes require manufacturers to identify risks, create a plan to address them and implement the plan.It is required for all pneumatic, dust-control, mechanical conveyors, and processing equipment. Hatches and removeable covers must be dust tight. All mechanical conveying systems must be designed, installed, operated and maintained to avoid excessive heat build-up. Bearings and bushings must be dust tight. Bearings and bushings should be outside the equipment unless the design makes it impractical. Shaft seal;s must be provided where shafts penetrate equipment walls.
Explosion protection, where there is an active risk also has requirements. It must be able to withstand the pressure of an explosion. Enclosed conveyors must be protected by a deflaration mitigation system., and must be equipped with relief vents.Indoor vents must be equipped with flame-quenching devices.
Most mills are NOT compliant. In most cases, the same equipment is being installed as before the code went into effect.
Compliant Solutions from BE&E
SMART Conveyors™
- Enclosed
- Direct-mounted motor
- Low friction (low heat)
- Available with: Deluge, explosion suppression, explosion venting, spark detection, zero-speeds (standard), plug detectors (standard), and diversion gates.
Tested to withstand explosion pressures!
- Third party analysis on 18S, our most common model.
- Internal modeling on S- and M-Series conveyors
- Water pressure test using M-Series conveyor
Are you ready to take a serious look and limit your risk for fire related incidents? Contact us! Our years of specialized experience enable us to see problems you didn’t know existed and develop solutions no one else offers. Get in touch today!
