ATEX Fans in Agricultural Silos
Silos are an effective storage solution for large scale food sources and various other materials. For example, the agricultural industry relies heavily on silo storage units for the preservation of wheat, grains, or fermented foods to feed livestock. They are a common fixture in the farming industry and primarily used to feed dairy cattle. All silos must adhere to the ATEX Directive to ensure the risk of explosion is reduced when manufacturing, transporting, or handling combustible dusts. Where dried substances are stored, small dust like food particles can accumulate to form dust clouds. Dust explosions rarely happen spontaneously, but dust clouds in large enough quantities when mixed with a source of ignition can cause an explosion.
ATEX explosion proof fans are designed to prevent sparking and reduce the risk of causing ignition in hazardous areas. This makes them a necessary component in silo ventilation systems where combustible gases and dust are present. The ATEX fan reduces the risk of the motor and fan itself becoming a source of ignition due to their construction, material pairings and motor protection classifications. ATEX fans are used to exhaust potentially combustible air safely.
In agricultural silos producing food for livestock, high concentrations of carbon dioxide and nitrogen can be produced from storing organic materials such as grain. High carbon dioxide levels help to maintain the quality of the stored food source and reduces the amount of oxygen in the unit. The lack of oxygen enables an anaerobic, fermentation process of food, breaking it down to produce quality silage enabling a good feed for the animals over winter. Maintaining a consistent, quality feed results in profitable production of milk and livestock.
Elevated levels of accumulated nitrogen dioxide in a silo are concerning due to it being a toxic gas. In high concentrations nitrogen dioxide exposure can cause severe lung damage or in the worst case, death. Therefore, the correct ventilation systems are crucial for health and safety.
Fan selection for a silo ventilation system will depend on the dimensions of the unit and the specific airflow requirements. Upon providing the correct airflow requirements, Axair’s team of fan specialists can support you with selecting the correct ATEX fans for your system.
For more information on our range of ATEX fans view our brochure here or contact our industrial team at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can speak to a technical advisor via our live web chat or call us 01782 349 430.
