Problem
A biomass fuel plant in France faced a critical challenge in
ensuring that all conveyor systems were fully compliant with the EU's ATEX safety regulations governing equipment used in
explosive atmospheres. Given the high combustibility of biomass materials, particularly bagasse, there was an increased risk of dust explosion if any equipment failed to meet ATEX standards. The presence of non-compliant components could introduce ignition sources within the facility, posing severe risks to members of the workforce, asset integrity, and processing continuity. It was therefore essential to implement conveyor solutions that adhered to ATEX compliance requirements.
Solution
To address the critical need for ATEX-compliant conveyor
solutions and mitigate the risk of dust explosions, Martin
Engineering recommended a belt cleaning system comprising of
a Martin® QC1™ HD Primary Cleaner and a SQC2S™ Secondary
Belt Cleaner. The QC1™ HD features a high-performance,
heavy-duty curved urethane blade for efficient primary cleaning,
while the rugged SQC2S™ secondary cleaner is built to withstand
the tough conditions of biomass handling, including high-speed
belts and heavy loads. Together, these ATEX-compliant cleaners
minimize material carryback, reduce maintenance costs, and
significantly lower the risk of dust accumulation and ignition
sources in explosive environments.
Results
The customer was highly satisfied with the significant improvements in material control and system performance, noting a significant reduction in carryback and spillage at critical
discharge points. Additionally, the integration of sealing systems at transfer points, V-plows, and belt trackers effectively prevented fugitive material
from escaping, further reducing dust generation and fire hazards. Following the success of the initial project, the customer placed additional orders for three similar installations, reaffirming their
confidence in Martin Engineering's solutions.
