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Explosion Proof Industrial Vacuums
An Ideal Vacuum Technology for Explosion-Proof Applications
FRV Series - Explosion Proof Vacuums
One of the most unique attributes of Ruwac's DS1, DS2 & AV series vacuums is that they all can easily be adapted for explosion proof applications, usually by simply substituting explosion-proof motors or power sources.
Our fiberglass-reinforced, carbon-impregnated, compression cast composite housings are inherently suited for explosion-proof applications because they are equivalent to stainless steel in terms of static dissipation, electrical insulation (10-6 Ohms resistance), and chemical neutrality.
With components such as bronze inlets, grounded filters & carbon impregnated casters, the possibility of a static charge or spark from material impact is safely ruled out.
Ruwac’s supplies immersion separators for use where materials are explosive or could combust in the dust pan. The immersion separator safely quenches the material, so any risk of an explosion inside the vacuum is ruled out.
Ruwac in Action
When the United States Government required industrial vacuums for the safe removal of both lead and unspent gun powder from their firing ranges, they chose Ruwac. Requirements included continuous duty to vacuum the residue from the floor of seven firing ranges. Ruwac’s DS1000, 110 volt continuous duty, explosion-proof vacuum with our oversized HEPA is now safely removing all of the dust from the floor of the firing ranges, creating a completely dust free environment.
When does a risk of fire and explosion arise?
An explosion hazard exists when three conditions exist simultaneously.
- Oxygen (O2)
- Flammable dust or gas
- An ignition source
An ignition source can consist of the following:
- Flame
- Electrical contact sparks
- Friction sparks
- Electrostatic discharge
- Hot surface temperatures
Generally, the risk of explosions can be greatly reduced by the regular cleaning of dust deposits. It is however difficult to control the atmosphere in hazardous areas. For that reason, it is extremely important to define the risk associated with the use of specific equipment in hazardous areas.
Standards for the construction of specific equipment used in hazardous locations must meet set guidelines. The European ATEX 94/9 and the U.S. NEC 500 and 505 clearly define these guidelines. These standards are quite similar with ATEX using "zones/category" and the U.S. using the "class/division" designation to identify risks associated with hazardous locations.
Classification Comparison
The table below provides a comparison between the NEC 500 and IEC Systems for specifying the degree of hazard present in classified locations.
| HAZARDOUS MATERIAL | NEC U.S. STANDARD | IEC/EURONORM STANDARD |
|---|---|---|
| Gas or Vapor | CLASS 1,DIVISION 1 CLASS 1,DIVISION 2 |
ZONE 0 ZONE 1 ZONE 2 |
| DUST | CLASS II,DIVISION 1 CLASS II,DIVISION 2 |
ZONE 20 ZONE 21 ZONE 22 |
| Fibers or Filings | CLASS III,DIVISION 1 CLASS III,DIVISION 2 |
NO EQUIVALENT NO EQUIVALENT |
The NEC 505 standard has adopted the Zone classifications.
Ruwac designs and manufactures EXP rated hazardous duty vacuums.
Standard features include:
- Air or electrically operated
- Portable or stationary
- Conductive housings, 10-6 Ohms
- Conductive casters
- Fully grounded filters
- Bronze or stainless steel impact deflectors
- Grounding cable reels
- Conductive hoses and accessories
Explosion Proof Immersion Separators
Some materials may require an immersion separator for safe containment. These materials may include, but are not limited to; aluminum, magnesium, titanium, sodium azide, glowing embers, etc…
Ruwac’s NA35 can be used with a motor deck or as a pre-separator with an existing vacuum. Ruwac’s NA250 can also be used with a motor deck, separate vacuum, or as a preseparator.
NA35
- Liquid capacity 10 gallons
- Internal de-misting pad
- Internal dispersion screen system
- Anti-static non-corrosive housing
- Anti-Static casters
- External site glass
Options
- Liquid and solid level detectors
- HEPA filters
- External grounding reel
- PLC controls
- Gas-Ex motors and controls
- Compressed air
- Motor decks
NA35 as a complete system, show below with a 3 HP DS1220 motor deck.
NA250 preseparator with a DS1400 explosion proof vacuum
- Liquid capacity 25 gallons
- Internal de-misting pad
- Internal dispersion screen system
- Stainless Steel construction
- Top and side access doors
- External site glass
NA250 preseparator explosion proof vacuum
Options 
- Liquid and solid level detectors
- HEPA filters
- External grounding reel
- PLC controls
- Gas-Ex motors and controls
- Hydrogen vents
- Chemical filling chambers
Ruwac in Action
When TRW required vacuums for the safe removal of the compound that is used to deploy air bags, they chose Ruwac. The applications for the many machines range from cleanup to process de-dusting. The maintenance free immersion separators allow for the safe removal disposal of the waste material. The series of gauges and sensors equipped on the unit insure that the vacuum is always running properly and can never become overwhelmed. The importance of a machine that will insure not only the safety of the environment but also that of the employees is priceless. Ruwac insures that only the proper machine is applied to the correct application.
Click to download our brouchure on the FRV Series of explosion proof vacuums
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