Which vacuum cleaner is best for Australia’s mine sites?
In Australia, dust is a persistent issue for mining companies. Dust from mining operations can create a danger to workers and contaminate the environment, which could lead to fines or even legal action by government agencies. To address this problem, companies need explosion-proof vacuums that can clean up combustible dust without harming workers or nearby areas.
What is combustible dust?
Combustible dust is defined as a solid material. Composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape, or chemical composition, which present a fire or deflagration hazard when. Suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium.
What Materials are more likely to create combustible Dust?
- Wood dust
- Paper dust
- Plastic dust
- Textile and fiberboard dust
- Cement dust
- Airborne Dust
- Agricultural products such as egg whites, powdered milk & cornstarch, sugar, flour, grain, potato, rice, etc.
- Metals such as aluminum, bronze, magnesium, zinc, etc.
- Chemical dust such as coal, sulfur, etc.
- Pharmaceuticals Dust
- Pesticides Dust
- Rubber Dust
WHAT IS ATEX?
ATEX is an international standard for explosion protection. It’s a European Standard and a European Union Directive, Regulation, and Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard.
It’s also known as the “European Explosion Prevention Directive.” It applies to any equipment or system that contains or handles substances liable to explode if exposed to fire, heat, or sparks. Specifically, ATEX covers:
- Equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres
- Electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres (such as mine sites)
WHAT IS IECEX?
IECEX is an international standard for safe equipment developed by CENELEC and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It’s an ISO standard, so it’s also called IEC 62271.
IECEX was created to replace the older ATEX certification that required companies to provide their proof of compliance with EU directives and regulations regarding explosive atmospheres in places like mines or oil refineries. IECEX is recognized by all EU member states as the only acceptable means of proving your equipment is safe for use within hazardous areas.
ATEX Vs IECEX
The ATEX directive is a standard adopted by the European Union. In contrast, IECEX certification is a global certification standard utilized in more than 90 countries throughout the world.
Both standards have requirements for equipment that operates in potentially explosive atmospheres and both require extensive testing to verify compliance. However, because several different regions within Europe do not all agree on how dangerous an area should be considered before being declared a Class 1 or 2 Explosive Atmosphere (ATEX), it can be difficult for businesses operating across multiple borders to obtain appropriate certifications.
In addition, because of differences between national laws and regulations about hazardous locations such as mine sites across Australia vs those pertaining elsewhere around the world (and vice versa), it can also be challenging for manufacturers who wish to market their products globally without having them re-certified specifically for each region they wish them sold into – especially if those regions differ significantly from one another.
What features make IECEX vacuum cleaners the ideal choice for Australian mine sites?
At Industrial Vacuums & Engineering, We have the Best Industrial vacuum cleaners that are suitable for use at small, medium, and large mine sites in Australia.
IECEX-certified dust vacuum cleaners are available in many sizes, ranging from 1.0 to 40.0 liters, and with a suction capacity from 6 to 1200 liters per minute (L/min). All models have an electronic control panel with a display, allowing the operator to monitor the performance and operating parameters of the unit at all times.
They can be equipped with a variety of accessories including:
- High-capacity HEPA filters for eliminating dangerous contaminants such as asbestos or fiberglass fumes;
- Accessories for dust collection systems like cyclones or bag filters;
- An automatic shut-off valve that stops airflow when the reservoir is full; and
- A high-flow fan is installed on top of the motor housing which ensures maximum airflow while preventing debris from entering into air intake vents located near ground level where it could cause damage to mining equipment or personnel safety concerns.
Types of Vacuum Cleaners for Use in Mine Sites in Australia
There are three types of vacuums suitable for use on mine sites:
- Wet-type dust extractor (WDET): This type of vacuum cleaner uses water to remove dust from the air stream. The WDET is generally larger than other units, but this allows it to be used in situations where a large range of different materials are being processed, or where the level of contamination is high.
- Wet-type cyclone dust extractor (WDET): A wet-type cyclone dust extractor functions similarly to a WDET, except that it does not require water for cleaning purposes. The absence of water means that it can be used in more hazardous environments as there is no risk posed by introducing moisture into hot atmospheres.
- Dry vacuum cleaner: A dry vacuum cleaner removes particulate matter from an area without contacting either the substance or its surrounding environment with liquid liquids such as water or oil.
Unclassified Area – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335-2-69
Unclassified Areas – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335-2-69
When used in an unclassified area the explosion-proof vacuum will be enclosed and fitted with a self-contained explosion-proof motor, fan, and switch. These components will have their separate electrical supply and are completely independent of the flammable gas or dust source being cleaned up. The explosion-proof motor is designed to prevent any ingress of airborne contaminants into its enclosed space.
The explosion-proof motor is connected via heavy-duty cable (e.g., lead) to a self-contained single-phase or three-phase switch that has been tested for compliance with AS/NZS 60079:2009 by qualified personnel who hold membership with an appropriate professional body such as Engineers Australia (EA).
Zone 22 – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335-2-69 and AS 60079.10
- Zone 22 – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335-2-69 and AS 60079.10
- Zone 21 / Zone 20 – Not permitted in any situation.
- Zone 19 – Not permitted in vacuum cleaners but may be used in water wash-down areas where they are cleaned and refilled by a trained operator.
Zone 21 – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335.2.69 and AS 60079.14, IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-1, IEC 60079-7, EN 60079-0, EN 60079-7
In Australia, Explosion Proof Combustible Dust Vacuums must be certified to AS/NZS 60335.2.69 and AS 60079.14, IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-1, IEC 60079-7, EN 60079-0, EN60079-7. They must also be certified to withstand a test pressure of at least 1.5 bar above the maximum pressure rating.
The ATEX-certified and Australian-made vacuum cleaner
The model below is the ATEX-certified explosion-proof vacuum that is suitable for operation at mine sites in Australia. The technology behind this vacuum is used to remove combustible dust, explosive dust,
Industrial Vacuums & Engineering Offering :
Dirt Eater – Heavy Duty Cyclonic Type H Industrial Vacuum Cleaner.
Dirt Eater Big Boss – Heavy Duty Wet & Dry Type H Industrial Cleaner.
Dirt Eater Jr. – Heavy Duty Cyclonic Compact Powerful Industrial Vacuum Cleaner.
Dirt Eater Protector – Bio Hazards | Radio Active Waste | Atex/ IECX Industrial Vacuum Clean and hazardous dust. It can also be used to remove non-hazardous dust by using a HEPA filter system.
Vacuum Specifications
| MODEL | DIRT EATER PROTECTOR |
|---|---|
| Motor | Twin Motor(1400w -3 Stage American Motor) |
| CFM | 230 CFM |
| Hose Dia | 38mm /50mm |
| Hose Length | 15Meter |
| Wet & Dry | Yes |
| Wet Only (Optional) | Yes |
| Collecting Bin | 65+Liter |
Conclusion
If you need a vacuum cleaner for your mine site or industrial site, contact us today to speak with one of our experts. We can help find the right model for your specific needs.
