Mechanical explosion isolation - Explosion Suppression and Explosion Isolation systems designed to suppress potential hazards for mechanical explosions

Explosion Isolation, Mechanical

BS&B Type IVE - Low Pressure Mechanical Isolation Valve

Selection of the right mechanical isolation valve depends upon the maximum pressure that it must resist in the event of a deflagration. The following general rules should be followed:

Process Equipment Protection Basis	Mechanical Isolation Guidelines
Containment	The mechanical isolation device applied must be designed to survive the maximum explosion pressure for the process material, Pmax. In addition, all of the piping and equipment upstream of the isolation device must also be designed to accept Pmax. This may require a design pressure as high as 230psig / 16 Bar.
Venting	The mechanical isolation device applied must be designed to survive the reduced explosion pressure of a vented deflagration, Pred. In addition, all of the piping and equipment upstream of the isolation device must also be designed to accept Pred. This will typically require a design pressure as low as 3 psig / 0.2 Bar.
Suppression	The mechanical isolation device applied must be designed to survive the reduced explosion pressure of a suppressed deflagration, Pred. In addition, all of the piping and equipment upstream of the isolation device must also be designed to accept Pred. This will typically require a design pressure as low as 2 or 3 psig / 0.14~0.2 Bar.

There are significant differences regarding the installation requirements for mechanical isolation devices designed for low or high pressure shut off. The weight of the protection equipment is much higher for a device that will accept Pmax. For typical isolation valve sizes, a weight comparison is provided below:

Normal Size		Low Pressure Isolation Valve		High Pressure Isolation Valve
Inch	mm	Pounds	Kg	Pounds	Kg
4	100	57	26	150	69
6	150	96	44	195	89
8	200	151	69	305	140
10	250	297	136	415	190

In addition to the weight of the device, the recoil forces must be managed by the ducting and its support system.

Designed to respond in the manner of an ‘air bag’ in a vehicle, when the IVE isolation valve is directed to close, an inflatable bladder immediately fills the body cavity to stop product flow and arrest flame propagation. This operating mode minimizes the reaction forces generated by the IVE valve. The BS&B Type IVE valve is available in sizes from 4” to 16” nominal diameter (100mm to 400mm). Activation of the valve can be by BS&B supplied pressure or optical sensors.