Conveyors, materials handling and other process equipment typically found within industrial and commercial facilities are mechanical equipment subject to potential failure resulting in fires and explosions. Such equipment generally contains relative motion components subject to interference and friction generation. The equipment also typically contains bearings which may be subject to failure due to improper installation, overload, improper lubrication, improper temperature and vibration monitoring, and normal wear and tear. The generation of friction via relative moving components and the failure of bearings can both result in fires and explosions.
The materials being handled in many cases are combustible and subject to the production of combustible dusts during processing and handling. The equipment and process must be compatible and designed for the material it is handling and the hazards that are produced. Such systems may necessitate the incorporation of dust collection and control systems, explosion and deflagration systems, bearing temperature and vibration monitoring, and other fire protection features such as automatic fire suppression systems.
Some standards for consideration in evaluating the design, construction and installation of facilities and equipment handling materials that may produce a combustible dust hazard include: NFPA 650 Standard for Pneumatic Conveying Systems for Handling Combustible Particulate Solids, NFPA 654 Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing and Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, NFPA 484 Standard for Combustible Metals, NFPA 652 Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust, NFPA 664 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities, NFPA 69 Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, NFPA 68 Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting, the International Building Code (IBC), and the International Fire Code (IFC).
The materials being handled or processed may also include flammable and combustible liquids, slurries or mists. Again, the equipment and process including safety and fire and explosion protection features must be compatible and designed for the material it is handling.
SAFE labs is equipped with the proper equipment, technology and qualified engineers and scientists to evaluate, document and investigate material conveyors, handling and process equipment.