Explosion Protection in Small Ribbon Blender?

[wk390107]

I am currently evaluating adding a small ribbon blender to be used in our compounding area to mix additives. This is small semi-portable ribbon blender that is only 15 cubic feet in volume. I am trying to determine if it needs to be under a nitrogen purge to avoid a possible dust explosion since it is so small.

Any advice that could point me in the right direction to determining this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[wk390107]

I know per NFPA 654 7.2.3.3 that fixed bulk containers do not have to have explosion protection if they are <8cf, and that NFPA 654 7.13.1.1.2 says air-material separators that have a volume of less than 8cf do not need to have explosion proofing either.

I am guessing that a blender would likely go by the same 8cf maximum, but I am unsure. It seems rather excessive to have to inert such a small volume.

 

[chicopee]

What would create the explosion in your compounding blender?

 

[stookeyfpe]

Inerting is cheap. Would you take the chance? Secondly, you didn't tell us the material MIE, MEC or Kst.

 

[psafety]

NFPA 69 covers oxygen consentration for explosion protection.