Project Duration:
4 weeks
Client:
An energy company constructing a 30MW power station powered by waste wood chips.
Project Summary:
The client wanted an explosion risk assessment of the fuel hall where wood chip fuel is delivered and fed into the boiler. They needed this to comply with DSEAR and to decide whether ignition-protected ATEX equipment was needed.
Applicable Directive:
What We Did:
- Examined the properties of the wood chip fuel and compared them with properties and dust explosion data for similar wood chip products available from the GESTIS-DUST-EX online database.
- We were able to show that a fuel consisting of coarse chips does not present an explosion hazard.
- We advised the client on the housekeeping precautions necessary to stop any dust released during handling of the fuel settling and accumulating into a hazardous dust layer.
What the Customer did:
- The customer was able to define a housekeeping regime to control dust layers
- This allowed the fuel hall to be classified as safe from dust explosions and to avoid the need for ATEX rated equipment.
Final Outcome:
The DSEAR explosion risk assessment rigorously demonstrated that the risk of dust explosions was avoided in the area.
The client avoided the trouble and expense of purchasing and maintaining ignition-protected ATEX equipment.
