AtexBox

Explosion safety: decompression panels – when they work and when they don’t

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superAdminAtexBox
in , ,

🔧What are decompression panels?

  • These are steel plates mounted on equipment exposed to an explosion (e.g. dust collectors, tanks) that burst when pressure builds up, allowing the gas and flame to escape safely outside the equipment.
  • They comply with the requirements of the ATEX directive as one of the main explosion venting systems.

✅ Advantages

  • Easy and cheap to install – they have a simple design and can be sized to fit.
  • Effective device protection – prevents sudden bursting by controlled depressurisation.

⚠️ Disadvantages

  1. Single use – once triggered, the panel needs to be replaced.
  2. Hazardous gas/flame discharge – can pose a danger to people, machinery, structures in the vicinity.
  3. Risk of fire in the apparatus – a partial flame may remain and cause a fire.
  4. Can tip the equipment over – the recoil of incompetently fitted panels can cause equipment to shift or tip over.

🚫 Application restrictions

  • Safety zone required – gases and flame ejection can reach tens of metres, requiring a safety zone.
  • Mostly unsuitable for building interiors – installation in enclosed spaces requires special decompression ducts and is often not cost-effective.
  • Prohibited use with toxic substances – not suitable if the explosion could release harmful combustion products.

🛠️ Alternatives

  1. Flameless explosion relief – combines panel and extinguishing chamber, reduces flame and pressure, suitable for interiors but is heavy and requires replacement of components after an explosion.
  2. Relief valves – reusable, fast, panel-free, dust/gas or full flame throw versions .
  3. Explosion suppression systems (HRD) – detect the onset and immediately extinguish the explosion, the only solution that allows explosion with toxic substances .