Fans for Chemical Storage Ventilation

Chemical Fans & Ventilation in Chemical Storage Units

Flammable substances and liquids are used in most laboratory and industrial environments, but storage of these materials improperly can pose a great risk to personnel, the public and property. There are a large variety of chemical storage cabinets available on the market, but best practice guidelines for COSSH chemical storage units indicated that a chemical store should be well ventilated. Those available on the market include both ventilated and non-ventilated units so it’s useful to understand the importance of effective chemical store ventilation.
Chemical Fans

When choosing a storage unit for the safekeeping of flammable substances, ventilation should be one of the key points to consider, and if not purchased as a ventilated unit, it is advisable to fit industrial chemical fans suitable for the purpose of ventilating the store. The need for ventilation and more specifically the type of fan that is required if determined by the hazardous nature of each chemical component. Temperature fluctuations in many chemicals can serve to increase vapour emissions and flammability so the need for ventilation becomes ever more apparent especially when a unit is situated in direct sunlight. Effective ventilation not only keeps chemicals appropriately cooled but also reduces this build-up of fumes.

As a general rule, any ventilation system should exhaust fume outside into the atmosphere and away from additional sources of ignition, by exhausting away this prevents surrounding rooms and people from inhaling or been affected by the harmful gases. Chemicals can be classed in two categories, flammable and corrosive. ATEX certified industrial fans are designed specifically for use within potentially hazardous or combustible environments and are manufactured with non-sparking components such as copper inlets, in other terms the flammable gases.

Corrosive fumes, when in large volumes and over long periods will damage or destroy materials that they come into contact with. Substances containing corrosive bases such ammonia, such as those found in sulphuric or hydrochloric acids will erode the surface of the fan components if not manufactured in suitable material fit for purpose. The extraction of corrosive fumes should be done with chemical fans / corrosion resistant fans, polypropylene is the standard material, which can withstand the nature of the chemical gases that pass through the scroll and the impellers. In this instance the motor should be kept out of the air stream to ensure long lifespan and also to prevent the overheating of the motorised components. The duct work that is attached to the industrial fan should also carry the same of similar level of protection against corrosion as the fan scroll and impeller itself. In smaller storage units where the materials are non-corrosive and ventilation is more general, an axial fan can be used to ventilate, this should be certified for use in ATEX applications but in these instances the motor that is held within the air stream can withstand the nature of the gases, fumes or mists. It is worth noting that flammable gases are denser than air so they can accumulate at floor level. For this reason the ventilation system should be set up to ensure that these low level potentially hazardous gases can be extracted effectively.

 

Download Key Polypropylene Fan Information for Chemical Storage Ventilation

 

 

 

Corrosive Fumes – Polypropylene Corrosion Resistant Chemical Fans

st-range corrosion resistant fansS Range and ST Range (ATEX) available in

  • Polypropylene
  • Single or Three Phase Versions
  • Pre-wired electrical isolators
  • 10 basic sizes
  • Industry size round spigot sizes
  • Direct drive motors out of the air stream

Flammable Fumes – ATEX Certified Fans

ATEX Compact FanMounted Axial Fans or Compact Axial Fans in

  • Dual voltage 115-230
  • ATEX Variants
  • EC variants available
  • Wide range of airflows and pressures
  • IP68 compact fans
  • Filter exhausts also available to complement the airflow
REQUEST INFORMATIONRequest a Quote
Request a quote or information on our range of fans suitable for chemical storage ventilation.

To ensure safety when working with corrosives, it is important that you remain up to date with COSHH legislation and continuously evaluate the chemicals being measured in the chemical store. Equally with those in potentially flammable environments, the ATEX risk should be assessed by a qualified body to ensure that the components are specified correctly for the nature of the application. Refer to relevant ATEX gas and dust zones for further clarification but always seek independent advice if needed.

Why not stay up to date with the latest news from Axair Fans, including our chemical fans, by following our social media accounts, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Chemical Fans Next Page >> Corrosion Resistant Fume Fans >>