Explosion-Proof Fans

Explosion-Proof Are a Must for Certain Industries

While explosion-proof fans (or hazardous location air exhaust/ventilation fans) are more expensive than regular axial fans, they’re the safest way to cool in a volatile environment. They are required in any location in which flammable gases, vapors, or fine dust is concentrated enough to cause fire or combustion. Explosion-proof ventilation fans can be found in the following industries (among others):

• Paint spray booths
• Textiles
• Woodworking
• Petroleum refining
• Fiber processing
• Dry cleaning
• Solvent extraction
• Plastics manufacturing
• Gas plants
• Fuel servicing
• Grain elevators
• Spice grinding

If you’re in an industry where explosion-proof fans are required for safety purposes, it is important to get the right information from industry experts, government agencies, or a reliable retailer of explosion-proof fans. A trusted industrial fan vendor will supply information, but will also recommend help from other agencies.

To find out more about explosion-proof fans and requirements for use, go to www.industrialfansdirect.com or consult the National Electric Code® or the National Fire Protection Association.

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Paint Booth Safety

Paint booths (or spray booths) can reduce risk of fire or explosion. They also keep workers and the environment safe from fumes that degrade the ozone layer and make people sick; however, paint booths can only offer safety controls if used properly. It is important to take the proper safety precautions before beginning a project or working with paints.

• Before considering paint booth work, you must obtain a permit from local authorities or the EPA. Check on regulations concerning the use of high-velocity, low-pressure spray guns.
• If you’re at work using a paint booth, be sure you have the consent of your supervisor before beginning.
• Find out about safety precautions and what to do in case of an accident or emergency.
• Wear a face respirator or battery-powered air supply respirator if needed.
• A source of fresh air is necessary to exhaust fumes. Make sure the area has the proper paint booth exhaust system.
• Do not begin work in a paint booth unless it has an explosion-proof fan. This type of ventilation fan is built for environments where explosive or flammable vapors, fibers, and/or gases are present. They are also used in chemical plants and agricultural processing facilities.
• Anything connected to the spray booth should be explosion-proof, including lighting, the electric panel, and electric wiring.
• DO NOT use extension cords in or around the spray booth.
• Check booth filters regularly, according to manufacturer instructions.
• Always check with local authorities (EPA, fire department, etc.) on environmental safety before using combustible materials and equipment.

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How Explosion-Proof Fans Prevent Disaster

An explosion-proof fan is a type of industrial ventilation fan that helps to prevent fires and explosions in commercial and industrial applications where certain types of dust, gases, vapors, or particles are present. Since industrial fans have metal blades and housing, there are many ways a spark can ignite in around metal, dust, and fumes. Here is one scenario: A metal object could hit a fan blade, causing a spark. The spark is then ignited by fumes.

A fan company cannot promise that fans will be completely explosion-proof, but this type of fan is made to minimize accidents caused when metal, sparks, and fibers (or fumes) interact. In fact, a better name for them would be spark- and explosion-resistant. Nevertheless, an explosion-proof fan has an electrical motor that is contained in a specially-designed housing to prevent combustion.

Explosion-proof fans are classified into three categories: Types A, B, and C.

• Type A blower fans are constructed so that all materials that contact the air stream are spark-resistant, nonferrous metals (aluminum or brass).
• Type B fans have a nonferrous wheel and rubbing ring at the motor shaft entrance to the fan housing.
• Type C have nonferrous plates inside the fan housing.

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Inline Explosion-Proof Fans

Inline duct fans are installed in remote locations to boost airflow and provide ventilation. They’re accessed by air ducts and allow noise reduction for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They can be operated manually, or they can be installed with automatic controls. Inline fans come in single and multi-port models to provide ventilation for home, office, and industry.

Inline explosion proof exhaust fans are required for industrial applications where dust, fumes, flammable fibers, and other ignitable materials are used. They are used when ventilation is necessary in small spaces or when space is at a premium, and many local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulators require them. Explosion-proof fans are manufactured within specific parameters to help prevent fires and explosions from objects coming in contact with fan blades and housing.

Inline duct fans and tube axial fans (which are both explosion-proof) can be used to exhaust or supply air, depending on need. Tube axial fans vent garages, paint booths, and any other area in which static pressure is involved. Duct fans can be used in foodservice, locker rooms, welding, and equipment cooling.

Though the term explosion-proof is used industry-wide, these fans are not capable of preventing every type of explosion in industrial environments. They are considered explosion-resistant in terms of function and safety.

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How to Choose a Fan Dealer

If you have a ventilation design in mind, or you just want to buy a simple table fan, it’s important to know where to buy. There is an abundance of fan manufacturers and fan suppliers out there. If you have a brand name in mind, sticking with what you know works is often wise. But if you aren’t familiar with the full range of fan uses, designs, and specifications, you’ll need to find a fan company that sells a variety of brands and models that meet your needs.

Even if you’re an industry professional, it can be impossible to know everything there is to know about fans. Fans are made with specific uses in mind, from household pedestal fans to explosion-proof industrial ventilation fans. A knowledgeable supplier of fans will have the resources to match product to need, especially when your need is compliance-dependent.

A good supplier will also have your best interests in mind. Look for a company that’s willing to provide information on safety, profit margins, and government regulations on operation. Find one that has a full catalog and webpage for your convenience. Keep your profits or boost the budget by finding deals and sales on vendor websites.

If you shop online, check the vendor website for secure access. A safe site will provide a physical address and a few different ways to contact customer service personnel. You should have multiple payment choices, and you should be supplied information about warranties and additional costs up front.

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The Importance of Ventilation and Explosion-Proof Fans

According to the EPA’s Engineering and Research Laboratory, using ventilation exhaust in industrial settings is especially important when considering the impact of manufacturing and synthetic chemicals on the environment. Especially important is the risk to human health that presents itself to industrial workers on a daily basis.

Commercial fans help reduce the impact of pollutants for people who work around welding, blasting, grinding, polishing, solvents, dip tanks, oil mists, dusts, or tiny fibers. Exhaust fans draw gasses away from the main source, reduce noise from output, and lower the concentration of emissions from the entire process. A well-designed ventilation system will keep workers safe and healthy, and can even be designed to keep workers cool or warm, depending on the season.

The right kind of ventilation system makes all the difference when it comes to safety and worker satisfaction. If a system is poorly designed or installed, workers can be exposed to health hazards, and plant operators can be held responsible for failing to meet federal, state, and local health and safety regulations. Making an investment in a good design and the right equipment can keep workers healthy and productive and help operators stay in compliance.

One way to keep workers safe is by installing explosion-proof blowers in certain manufacturing and refining settings. They provide ventilation and keep workers safe with protective housing that helps prevent sparks and explosions that can occur in volatile environments. In industries that work with grain, chemicals, paints, ammunition, fuel, explosives, dust, fine particles, and fibers, explosion-proof fans are required by law.

Learn more about industrial safety by contacting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Look for reliable equipment for safety, heating, cooling, and venting at www.industrialfansdirect.com.

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