Elevators are used in many industries to convey large quantities of bulk materials vertically. Organic bulk materials can form hazardous explosive atmospheres in the enclosures, which can lead to a dust explosion in the presence of an effective ignition source. This article provides an overview of the measures required for comprehensive explosion safety concepts.
Conveyor systems are machines used to move bulk materials in many industries. Examples of mechanical conveying elements (continuous conveyors) are belt conveyors, chain conveyors, vibratory conveyors, screw conveyors or bucket elevators. Bucket elevators, also known colloquially as elevators, are conveying systems that convey bulk material vertically at high transport speed up to a height of about 60 metres. This type of conveyor has been selected as an example in this article, as high hazards can emanate from this type of equipment. Screw and chain conveyors are considered "less at risk of explosion" during normal operation due to the high material concentrations inside the machine, the horizontal position and the lower conveying speeds [1].