DMN-WESTINGHOUSE has conducted explosion testing since 1981 longer and more extensively than any other manufacturer in the industry. With hundreds of real-world tests completed, the company certifies its valves not only to NFPA 69, but also to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. The result: greater design flexibility, proven safety, and compliance across both the USA and European markets.
Typically, NFPA tests are conducted based on prescriptive-based design. This means that strictly defined standards are applied, leaving little to no room for flexibility or alternative solutions. For example, a rotary valve can only meet the NFPA 69 standard if it has a maximum clearance of 0.2 mm, metal blades, and outboard bearings.
“Most manufacturers follow this standard route to achieve NFPA 69 certification, which means they accept a range of technical limitations,” says Tjeerd Mulder, General Manager of DMN-WESTINGHOUSE USA. “We chose a different path: through lab-controlled explosion tests, we validated designs and configurations that competitors wouldn’t even consider. This provides our customers with an unmatched flexibility. We can now offer rotary valves that meet NFPA 69 for virtually any application.”
According to Mulder, DMN-WESTINGHOUSE offers its customers significantly more options to find a suitable configuration while staying within NFPA standards. “For example, larger clearances up to 0.4 mm allow for higher temperatures, and inboard bearings are typically more cost-efficient for simpler applications than outboard bearings. At the same time, we continue to meet the highest safety standards.”
The tests were conducted by the accredited REMBE® Research + Technology Center, with certification provided by GEXCON. A whitepaper detailing the technical background is available for those interested.
