How to tell if you need explosion-proof air conditioning

In the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry, you’ll find all kinds of descriptors for industrial cooling systems, and it can sometimes be difficult to know if they apply to your particular circumstances. Terms like “dust ignition proof”, “intrinsically safe”, and “purged” are just some of the things you’ll come across when choosing an industrial air-con system.

“Explosion proof” is another common trait for this kind of equipment, and, like the others, it’s a bit too vague to be useful. What does the term actually mean, when is it necessary, and what sort of working environments benefit from explosion-proof air conditioning?

In this article, we’re looking to answer all of those questions for you to help you determine whether an explosion-proof HVAC system is right for you.

What is explosion-proof air conditioning?

The term “explosion proof” (at least, as it pertains to HVAC equipment) is over 100 years old, having been first coined in 1897. Despite how it sounds, it doesn’t mean that your air-con equipment will survive an explosion. Rather, it means that it is able to contain any explosion that originates within the unit’s housing. It also means that it will prevent stray sparks from igniting any inflammable material that has collected inside or around the unit.

When is explosion-proof air conditioning necessary?

Explosion-proof HVAC systems are required in any workplace environment where flammable compounds are regularly encountered. These include gases and vapours, dust, metal shavings, and a variety of other airborne particles. It doesn’t take much to send these compounds up in flames—even the smallest of sparks can see to that. With an explosion-proof air-con unit, any stray sparks are contained within the machinery itself, greatly reducing the risk of ignition.

Work environments that typically require explosion-proof air conditioning

Explosion-proof air-con units have many applications but are most commonly found in environments that contain volatile atmospheres or materials such as fuel vapours, gas and oil, coal or coke dust, airborne fibres and other organic dust (including sawdust), and a variety of flammable chemicals.

This makes these crucial devices particularly popular in the following industries:

• Aerospace: for vehicle launches
• Defence: for ballistics testing
• Mining and petrochemicals: for extraction, processing, and refining processes
• Milling and manufacturing: for any processes involving the pulping and grinding of organic material
• Pharmaceutical: for manufacturing processes

Is an explosion-proof air conditioning system right for you?

If you’re involved in any of the industries named above or if your work environment involves the use of volatile substances, an explosion-proof HVAC unit might be the ideal solution. Indeed, it may be required in order to comply with your industry’s existing health and safety regulations and legislation. If you’re not sure, speak to your local air-conditioning experts for free, impartial advice on the matter.

Do you need explosion-proof air-conditioning: final thoughts

If you’re based in Southampton or the broader Hampshire area and are in need of an explosion-proof air- conditioning system, you have come to the right place. Here at ADS Cooling, we design, supply, and install high-quality ATEX air conditioning systems for businesses in all industry sectors. Whatever the particular health and safety requirements are for your equipment, we have the skills, tools, and expertise to get the job done.

For a free consultation with one of our air-conditioning specialists, call ADS Cooling on 01489 790 979 or 07899 855 047. Alternatively, send an email to info@adscooling.co.uk, and a member of our team will call you back to discuss your requirements.