Case study

Safe handling of combustible food dust

Key achievements


Compliance with ATEX directives

Reduced energy consumption

Additional savings due to air recirculation

Customer:

Global production company

Location:

Netherlands

Sector:

Food and beverage

Solution


For the replacement of an existing extraction system, Camfil offered it´s modular dry dust collector Gold Series X-Flo, equipped with ATEX-approved explosion protection equipment. The solution contains the following:

  • Performing a hazard analysis and dust testing
  • As the dust collector is installed inside the facility a flameless venting system was required, so that in case of a an explosion the pressure can be released into a safe area.
  • Crossflow technology combined with the unique baffle configuration creates a uniform air pattern and separates heavier particles from the airflow that extends the life of your filters.
  • The energy-efficient filter cleaning is based on differential pressure, in order to avoid unnecessary cleaning and stress on the filter elements.
  • Gold Cone X-Flo filter cartridges provide more downward facing media thanks to the inner filter cone, releasing more dust directly into the hopper. Spunbonded polyester Dura-Pleat media with antistatic properties was selected because of handling explosive and very fine dusts.
  • Additional Integrated Safety Monitoring Filter (HEPA H13, 99.97%) which allows recirculation of cleaned process air but also acts as a flame barrier.
  • A level probe is installed inside the hopper to detect and alert the customer in case of high dust accumulation. The customer then can take the action needed in order to prevent filters from damage.

Process overview  


The core business of our customer is the production of ingredients for the bakery industry. The processes involved with production are generating dust from mixing, filling and packaging of yeast.

As it turned out, the customer was not fully aware of the risks when handling combustible and explosive dusts and the existing extraction system was not in accordance with the current ATEX guidelines. This placed both the people and the process within the facility at risk.

As providing a clean and safe work environment is key to the customer, he made use of Camfil's expertise and decided to rely on the industry-proven Gold Series X-Flo dust collection system to protect the product, people and process.

 Challenges  


  The customer is handling organic dust which is both,  combustible and explosive and the existing extraction system was not compliant with current ATEX regulations.

  To extend the filter life and to reduce the dust collector´s energy consumption, the selection of the right filter media is key but also a good system design as well as a                           VSD-controlled fan.

  Additionally, the customer was looking for a solutions which allows air recirculation and further reduces energy costs.

 

Product


Product:
Gold Series X-Flo
Model:
GSX08
Airflow:
10,000 m³/h
Filter Offering:
Gold Cone cartridge filters
Accessories:
Flameless vent, ISMF filter, level probe
Filter media:
Dura-Pleat spunbonded polyester, applied with a conductive aluminised surface
Installation Date:
2023
Learn more about the gold series solutions

Results


Air recirculation - As Camfil´s dust collector is equipped with a second stage HEPA filter, the customer is allowed to recirculate the cleaned process air back into the workplace. This in turn reduces cost for additional heating and saves the customer 15 KEUR per annual.

Reduced energy consumption – The installed dust collector uses an energy efficient fan combined with a variable speed drive which helps to maintain a constant air volume and therefore reduces energy consumption of the fan.

ATEX compliance - The installed dust collector together with the determined explosion protection systems is ATEX-approved and allows a safe handling of the customer´s explosive dust in accordance with local regulations.