Reducing The Risk Of Explosion In Animal Feed Mills
Animal feed mills are known for their operational demands. However, they also pose significant health and safety risks due to the accumulation of combustible dust. If dust accumulates it can create an environment conducive to explosions and threaten the safety of staff and equipment.
ISF specialises in engineering solutions that address these critical risks, while optimising efficiency in feed manufacturing and processing by carrying out repairs and upgrades.
Health and safety are always a priority at ISF, from designing a solution that works for the problem in hand, to manufacturing the equipment in its workshop, through to installation of the equipment so that it complies with all required health and safety standards.
ATEX certified Screw Conveyors
Screw conveyors are essential for transporting materials within plant systems. Ideal for handling dry to semi-fluid substances like wet products or sludge, their durability and adaptability make them reliable for conveying a broad range of materials efficiently from one process to the next, enabling streamlined plant operations.
Available in various configurations such as horizontal, inclined, or vertical setups, they operate via a rotating shaft and screw blade within a tube, and can be customised for each feed mill depending on the product type, volume, and distance the material needs to travel.
Without ATEX certification, screw conveyors can pose several hazards such as:
- b In the presence of combustible dust or flammable gases, insufficient safety measures can lead to catastrophic explosions.
- Equipment failure: Non-compliance may result in mechanical failures that compromise safety and operational efficiency.
- Legal implications: Operating uncertified equipment can lead to legal liabilities and increased insurance costs.
ATEX certified equipment provides the ability to manage potential ignition sources through the addition of bearing temperature sensors and ensuring that all electrical components have the correct ATEX ratings to reduce explosion risk.
ISF bespoke Screw Conveyors
ISF manufactures high-quality ATEX certified screw conveyors. This certification ensures that equipment and processes meet the highest standards, especially in hazardous locations and explosive atmospheres where safety can never be compromised.
With ISF screw conveyors, clients can rely on a robust, tailored solution complying with the most rigorous safety standards and with ATEX certification built in.
ISF screw conveyors have been shown by assessment to be in conformity with the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, when installed in accordance with the Operating and Maintenance Manual.
The conveyors have been risk assessed in line with PD IEC/TS 60079-46:2017, and as a result of the assessment have been certified (per 2014/34/EU) as: Group II Internally – Category 2D Db.
The screw conveyors may also be Ex certified externally to Category 3D (Dc), 2D(Db) and / or 3G (Gc) by incorporation of suitably Ex certified external components.
Each conveyor is custom designed to meet the unique demands of its application and fabricated using a variety of materials and thicknesses selected to provide durability and performance.
For more abrasive materials or high-wear areas, replaceable wear plates are incorporated to extend the life of the equipment and minimise maintenance downtime.
ISF delivers tailored engineering solutions that help our clients confidently navigate the challenges of managing explosive atmospheres in their operations. It aims to create safer work environments whilst reducing plant running costs and enhancing productivity making it the ideal partner for animal feed manufacturers looking to improve efficiency while prioritising safety.
To see further details on screw conveyors along with other types of conveyors ISF manufacture and install including chain and flight drag conveyors, or belt and bucket elevators, visit Conveyors | ISF Ltd
