14
Apr
Challenges facing manufacturing businesses
Because there are so many possibilities, risks and hazards involving chemicals and logistics in manufacturing processes there isn’t a single approach to ductwork and ventilation that can be used across businesses.
For those working with chemicals there is a real risk of fires or explosions due to the use of solvents in manufacturing processes. Flammable liquids and dust can also result in health and safety issues for staff if ventilation isn’t properly managed.
Cleanroom contamination is another major area of concern for engineering businesses and keeping hazardous particles, smoke and dust away from cleanroom processes is essential for engineering businesses that don’t want their productivity to dip.
Fume and odour are areas that need to be mitigated too and corrosion is a risk to processes and health and safety. Paints, animal by-products and more natural ecological elements also present their own unique risk in certain environments.
Design Considerations
Where possible systems and ductwork for manufacturing processes should be designed to ANSI/AIHA Z9.2-2001 standards, maintaining negative pressure within all portions of the ductwork inside the building when the system is in operation.
Exhaust system ductwork should meet the requirements Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA, 1985) standards.
Exhaust ductwork should be fire and corrosion resistant and selected based on its resistance to the primary corrosive element.
Exhaust system materials should be non-combustible if there is perchloric acid or similar oxidizing agents that pose a fire or explosion hazard are present.
Exhaust ductwork joints should be sealed to protect against a chemical or corrosive attack.
Solutions
We often recommend welded stainless steel type 316L for broad manufacturing applications, but it may not be appropriate for all chemicals and corrosives in engineering environments. Stainless steel is a risky specification if there is hydrochloric acid or nitric acid vapour present.
Galvanized steel coated inside and out with a 4 mL thick coating of polyvinyl chloride, or a corrosion-resistant epoxy coating, may be an acceptable material for fume exhaust ductwork.
Make sure you choose the
right SOLUTION system
If you would like to find out more about improving the air quality
and challenges in your chemical facility, please either call us
on 0161 764 4004 or visit our contact us page to discuss
your ventilation system requirements.
Project Director
I can say I was very pleased with the installation Airmatic did for us on our odour abatement project. The design of the system quality of ductwork and the installation was first class all delivered on time and on budget.
Project Manager
The Airmatic team excelled in the delivery of our Vapour Extract system. Their stainless steel extract system was expertly manufactured and installed to a high standard
Project Engineer
Can I compliment you and your guys for an excellent standard of work, it puts an existing system manufactured by others to shame. Thank you also for your efficiency in delivering as promised, I know where to go for any future requirements