Tiger-Vac manufacturers a complete line of industrial vacuum systems for the recovery of metal dust /metal powders. Our vacuum systems are available in electrically operated or pneumatic (air operated) versions. We offer several equipment protection levels such as Dust Ignition Protected as well as Explosion Proof / Dust Ignition Proof for use in Hazardous locations (Hazloc).
Certain metal dusts may have characteristics that require vacuum systems with safeguards beyond those required for aluminum, magnesium. Particular attention is needed for the recovery of alloys such as tantalum, titanium and zirconium
For the recovery of metal dust in quantities greater than 5 lbs. (2.2 Kg), Tiger-Vac recommends an immersion (wet mix) separator to neutralize the metal dust. Our immersion systems comply with NFPA Standard 484 and exceed the NFPA requirements for the recovery of combustible and conductive metal dusts.
Tiger-Vac uses several NFPA standards as guidelines for the design and fabrication of its explosion proof / dust ignition proof vacuum systems. NFPA 484 applies to the production, processing, finishing, handling, recycling, storage, and use of all metals and alloys that are in a form that is capable of combustion or explosion, as well as to operations where metal or metal alloys are subjected to processing or finishing operations that produce combustible powder or dust. Particular attention is needed for aluminum, magnesium, tantalum, titanium and zirconium and other commercial alloys.
OSHA created the NRTL program to ensure that certain types of equipment be tested and certified for their safe use in the workplace. A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) is a private-sector organization that OSHA has recognized as meeting the legal requirements in 29 CFR 1910.7 to perform testing and certification of products using consensus-based test standards. An organization must have the necessary capability both as a product safety testing laboratory and as a product certification body to receive OSHA recognition as an NRTL. To find out more about the OSHA NRTL program, please follow this link to the OSHA website: https://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/nrtllist.html
In addition to NRTL certification for use in Class II, Group E hazardous locations, the recovery of metal dust may require a dust ignition proof vacuum with additional safeguards. Certain metal dusts may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for atmospheres containing the dusts of aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys. For the recovery of metal dust in quantities greater than 5 lbs. (2.2 Kg), Tiger-Vac recommends an immersion (wet mix) separator to neutralize the metal dust.
For the recovery of metal dust / metal powder, it is imperative that a dust hazards analysis (DHA) on the process to determine the hazards involved and how those hazards will be managed. This analysis is a requirement for any combustible dusts used in the manufacturing process. The 3D printers used in additive manufacturing usually require cleaning after the process is completed. Control of fugitive dust emissions and housekeeping outside of (and around) the 3D printing equipment must also be considered.
There are many approaches to conducting a DHA, and the Annex of NFPA 652 provides one example. A main focal point of NFPA 652 is the requirement for facilities processing or handling particulate solids to perform a dust hazard assessment (DHA). NFPA will also be addressing the fire, flash-fire, and explosion hazards associated with additive manufacturing using metal powders. NFPA 484: Standard for Combustible Metals (2015) is currently being revised, and it is expected that the next edition will include a section on additive manufacturing involving metal powders
An explosion proof vacuum system is a vacuum system that is capable of preventing the ignition of a specified gas or vapor and that operates at such an external temperature that a surrounding flammable atmosphere will not be ignited. To be considered as being explosion proof, a vacuum cleaner must be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL).
A dust ignition proof vacuum system is a vacuum system that is protected in a manner that excludes dusts and does not permit arcs, sparks, or heat otherwise generated or liberated inside of the electrical enclosure to cause ignition of exterior accumulations or atmospheric suspensions of a specified dust on or near the vacuum system. To be considered as being dust ignition proof, a vacuum system must be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL).
ATEX refers to the European safety standards. is an abbreviation/acronym of “ATmosphères EXplosibles” (Explosive Atmospheres). An ATEX vacuum system is a vacuum system which is specifically designed, built and certified for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres also known as Hazardous Areas. Hazardous Areas are working areas endangered by the presence of flammable gases, vapors, mists or dusts that have the potential to be explosive in presence of oxygen and a source of ignition.
The European Community (EC) has adopted two directives concerning Potentially Explosive Atmospheres called ATEX directives.
Directive 99/92/EC also known as ATEX 137 or the ATEX "Worker safety Directive", to classify the zones where the vacuum system is used based on the flammable materials present in the zone.
Directive 2014/34/EU, (also known as ATEX 94/9/EC, ATEX 95 or ATEX 100a or the ATEX "Equipment" Directive), to inform customers with regards to the vacuum system certification and level of protection.
To choose the right explosion proof / dust ignition proof vacuum system for your application, you will have to identify the material to be recovered and determine the classification of the hazardous location (Hazloc) where the vacuum system will be used.
The first step in selecting the correct Hazloc Vacuum System is to identify the material to be recovered. “Dry only” vacuum systems that are designed to recover dust or dry material only. “Wet and dry” vacuum systems that are designed to recover dry material or liquids. Vacuum systems are not designed to recover mud (mixture of liquid and soil). Mud would obstruct filters and decrease the performance of the vacuum system.
Flammable materials can be gaseous, liquid or solid. To work in hazardous locations where flammable materials are present, Tiger-Vac recommends an explosion proof vacuum system that is Legally Certified.
Tiger-Vac has developed Explosion Proof industrial vacuum systems to be able to recover specific materials such as flammable liquids (such as jet fuel and solvents) and Dust Ignition Proof vacuum systems for the recovery of combustible and conductive dust (such as metal powder and gun powder).
Additive Manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D Printing, is also referred to as Rapid Prototyping (RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) and Additive Fabrication (AF).
It is a revolutionary manufacturing method for producing parts with complex geometries, low-volume manufacturing runs and prototypes. This method replaces traditional and typically more labor-intensive manufacturing methods, including subtractive manufacturing (cutting away and removing unneeded material) and forming and casting.
The additive manufacturing process generally involves adding thin layers of powdered material and using devices such as high-powered lasers to sinter or melt each layer to fuse it to the part being constructed. This process is based on CAD 3D models that are used as a guide or map for the process. The materials used in additive manufacturing can range from starch to photopolymer resins (polymer) changes properties when exposed to light) to thermoplastics to metals, such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, Inconel alloys, and others. Whether the powders or materials used are metal or nonmetal, it is imperative that anyone considering using additive manufacturing perform a dust hazards analysis (DHA) on the process to determine the hazards involved and how those hazards will be managed. This analysis is a requirement for any combustible dusts used in the manufacturing process. The 3D printers used in additive manufacturing usually require cleaning after the process is completed. Control of fugitive dust emissions and housekeeping outside of (and around) the 3D printing equipment must also be considered.
The 3D printers used in additive manufacturing usually require cleaning after the process is completed. Most cleaning protocols include vacuuming with a portable vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaning is also required to handle fugitive dust and for housekeeping near the additive manufacturing process.
Combustible Dust. Dust particles that are 500 microns or smaller (material passing a U.S. No. 35 Standard Sieve as defined in ASTM E 11-09, Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes) and present a fire or explosion hazard when dispersed and ignited in air.
Classifications of Hazardous Locations According to NFPA 70
Locations shall be classified depending on the properties of the flammable gas, flammable liquid–produced vapor, combustible liquid–produced vapors, combustible dusts, or fibers/flyings that may be present, and the likelihood that a flammable or combustible concentration or quantity is present. Each room, section, or area shall be considered individually in determining its classification
Class II locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust.
A Class II, Division 1 location is a location:
In which combustible dust is in the air under normal operating conditions in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, or
Where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equipment might cause such explosive or ignitable mixtures to be produced, and might also provide a source of ignition through simultaneous failure of electrical equipment, through operation of protection devices, or from other causes, or
In which Group E combustible (metal) dusts may be present in quantities sufficient to be hazardous. Dusts containing magnesium or aluminum are particularly hazardous, and the use of extreme precaution is necessary to avoid ignition and explosion.
Atmospheres containing combustible metal dusts, including aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys, or other combustible dusts whose particle size, abrasiveness, and conductivity present similar hazards in the use of electrical equipment.