Explosion Relief Venting

Venting of dust explosions has been practiced for more than 50 years and provides the best protection for facilities where dust explosions can occur. When specifying bursting discs, the immense impact of pressure waves and flame propagation in the outside area need to be considered. Explosion relief must therefore be directed to a safe area.

General

BRILEX - Explosion Vents are specially designed for relief of dust explosions. By early relief of an incipient explosion, BRILEX Explosion Vents protect people and industry worldwide.

Construction Characteristics

More than 50 years ago, triple section design bursting discs were developed and first used for  explosion venting. However these have shortcomings. They have a low relief capability because of their heavy construction with vacuum support. This results in a significant reduction of effective vent area compared to the equivalent BRILEX size of explosion vents. Worldwide standards require explosion vents to have a light construction with fast relief dynamics. The resulting venting efficiency needs to be documented after dynamically testing each design. Further, BRILEX Explosion Vents are designed for non- fragmentation. BRILEX Explosion Vents have been specially designed for these requirements and dynamically tested by independent institutions. The maximum pressure generated during a BRILEX vented explosion       (P red) in the plant will be significantly reduced by quicker opening of the single-section explosion vent. This provides security and reduced costs.

BRILEX-Bursting-Discs

BRILEX Explosion Vents combine safety and shorter opening times. The light-weight and simple construction guarantees a quick and safe opening of the disc. The higher service life enables their use under the hardest conditions. This can be as high as a "sixty-fold" benefit compared to traditional triple section designs that are now "out-of-date".

Designs and Applications

BRILEX provides the appropriate bursting disc depending on the application. The wide range of discs available is divided into three standard types that can be adapted for the customer's specific requirements.

BRILEX - GE

Filter installations with pneumatic cleaning systems and a very high vacuum operation require an explosion vent that withstands vacuum and positive pressure cycling for a long time. For such requirements the BRILEX - GE is the best choice. Its domed design enables negative pressure resistance without the need for an extra vacuum support. Standard GE features are pressure spike control and integrated flange gaskets.

BRILEX - KE

If the negative pressure is not greater than 60% of the rated rupture pressure, installation of a domed vent has no extra benefit. For this application the KE is an alternative to the domed GE. The BRILEX - KE provides long durability and aerodynamic advantages compared to the domed type, for example in cyclones. Pressure spike control, integrated flange gaskets, cross rib and folded edges are standard KE design features.

BRILEX - KER  

BRILEX provides explosion vents called KER, for simple applications in powder handling and storage. The KER is suitable for plant equipment with static over or under pressure conditions up to 50% of the rated rupture pressure. Edge reinforcement in its design allows the KER to be mounted without an outlet flange. Cross rib and folded edges are other standard KER design features.

Accessories

 Gaskets

All discs are supplied with "factory-installed" integrated flange gaskets. The standard material is EPDM and can be used from -40 °C to +120 °C. As an alternative the following standard materials are available:                       
White Silicone - 50 °C to +200 °C 
Klinger          - 100 °C to +400 °C
Other materials can be supplied on request.

Insulation

Insulation consists of a fire-proof mineral wool according to DIN 1259. The insulation is directly mounted to the "vent- side" of the explosion vent and is protected by a light-weight aluminium cover with a water-tight seal. It is secured to the disc to prevent it from flying away during venting. BRILEX insulation does not have any affect on the venting relief capability or efficiency. This has been proved by recognized institutes in many dynamic explosion tests. Optional insulation thickness can be supplied to meet the customer's specifications.

Mounting Frames

The necessary outlet flange for types GE / KE can also be supplied. The following material is available: Zinc plated carbon steel or stainless steel.

Burst Sensor

To monitor an installation a burst sensor type SE can be installed. The sensor signals the opening of the bursting disc so that equipment such as fans or rotary valves can be switched off. SE sensors are installed separately and just above the explosion vent. This enables SE sensors to be easily adapted to existing installations.They are also suitable for the food industry.

Quality Control,
Approvals and Documentation

Each batch of explosion vents is tested in the factory according to CEN TC 305/WG 3/SG 2. Burst tests are witnessed by BRILEX Quality Control (QC) personnel or on request by independently accredited third parties such as TÜV or others. The discs are then tagged by BRILEX QC personnel. Works test certificates (burst test certificates) will generally be provided for all products according to EN 10204 3.1 B.

Guidelines and Certificates

The basis for our controlled quality is the quality management  system according to DIN ISO9001:2000. All products are examined and certificated according to ATEX 100a. The requirements by VDI 3673 and CEN TC 305/ WG 3/ SG 2 have been met. All products are in agreement with CE and are labeled appropriately.

Vent Area Calculations

The vent area can be calculated according to VDI 3673 or NFPA 68 or other required international guidelines.