Application
Explosion Isolation in Chemicals
Answer in brief
In chemical plants isolation has to work without spoiling the product.
Chemical barriers inject suppressant into the duct, which is effective and often unacceptable for a high purity product, so the geometry has to allow a mechanical device instead.
- Decide early whether suppressant contact is acceptable.
- Design duct geometry to allow a mechanical device if it is not.
- Cover every product, not the easiest one.
Reviewed October 21, 2026 · Updated October 21, 2026
The problem
Chemical plants run several products through the same ducts, and the controlling dust may not be the one the plant thinks of first.
Suppressant powder entering the product stream is a quality question as much as a safety one.
Desired outcome
Every connection between protected vessels either carries a tested isolation device or is shown not to need one.
Process approach
Where the product tolerates it, chemical barriers give flexibility in short or bent ducts.
Where it does not, the layout has to provide the straight length a mechanical device needs, which is a drawing decision rather than a purchasing one.
Hybrid atmospheres with solvent vapour change the device requirements and have to be identified before selection.
- Product compatibility with suppressant decided first.
- Duct geometry designed to suit the chosen device.
- Hybrid atmosphere assessment where solvents are present.
Selection factors
- Acceptability of suppressant in the product.
- Duct geometry available for mechanical devices.
- Explosion characteristics of every product handled.
- Presence of flammable vapour.
- Detector maintenance and testing regime.
Common failure modes
- Suppressant contaminating a high purity product
- Duct too short for any certified device
- Isolation designed for one product among several
- Hybrid atmosphere not considered in device selection
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