The use of ATEX axial fans for the air exchange required by regulations in rooms at risk of explosion is an excellent solution, let’s see why.
The use of ATEX certified axial wall fans for air exchange required by legislations in rooms at risk of explosion represents an excellent technical solution, we see below why, using as an example the air exchange in the areas where the batteries of forklifts are recharged within companies. We use this example because the operation of charging the forklift is a very common but also delicate procedure, especially if the batteries to be recharged are lead or nickel-cadmium. In these cases it is necessary to provide a dedicated space for charging, which meets precise safety requirements because during the charging phase heat, gas and sometimes sparks develop which cause a strong fire or explosion hazard.
The role of forced ventilation using axial wall fans is therefore very important because unless there are large openings such as windows for natural ventilation, it is absolutely necessary to reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the air that, as known to technicians in the sector if it exceeds 4% can occur an explosion. In fact, the risk of explosion in the rooms dedicated to the recharge of batteries is a direct consequence of the emission of hydrogen in the environment generated by the electrolysis of water. This technical phase of recharging takes place towards the end of the recharge when the electrolysis of the water present in the electrolyte can occur, that is, the water molecules break up releasing oxygen and, in fact, hydrogen.
One of the periods of greatest hydrogen release occurs when the battery is charged and continues to receive energy that it no longer needs and, instead of charging, produces electrolysis, typically when we leave the forklift under charge all night or over the weekend.
As already written, one of the basic requirements that a charging zone must have is ventilation, designed to allow the dispersion of hydrogen and prevent it from reaching risky concentrations in closed spaces. But how to achieve it ? There are many technical proposals that certainly must be customized according to how much equipment is present, the size of the rooms, and the specific needs of the customer.
But as opposed to specific aspiration systems or complicated systems of connection to forklifts, with flexible pipes or other fittings, the solution with the ATEX certified axial wall fans represents a choice with several advantages:
|
The technical Atex legislation has been developed by the European Union to ensure a compliant level of safety at work in all environments in which mechanical processes release gases, dust and/ or vapors that would cause explosions if they catch fire. The term ATEX, in fact, comes from the French language “atmosphères explosibles” (explosive environments). |
Consult our Technical Office to ask for advice or support in sizing the ventilation correctly.
Fill in the form below to request a quote by email, agree on special conditions, or technical clarifications