Powdered sugar is especially critical due to its high flammability when dispersed in air. Managing this risk is essential for protecting employees, preventing escalation from primary to secondary explosions, and maintainingstable, compliant operations.
Explosive atmosphere conditions (e.g., in a silo): combustible dust + oxygen + confinement + dispersion + ignition source
Typical ignition sources: friction, hot surfaces, static electricity, poorly maintained mechanical and electrical installations
High-risk points: conveying/transfer, milling/grinding, sifting, packaging, bucket elevators, silos and ducting
Prevention (risk reduction): built-in dust collectors with antistatic filters, grounding/bonding with conductivity monitoring, structured cleaning, and regular maintenance
Protection & isolation (consequence control): explosion venting panels engineered as a defined weak point to relieve overpressure/flame to a safe direction, level sensors to keep venting unobstructed, and explosion isolation valves on inlet lines plus ex-proof rotary valves at outlet to prevent propagation
ATEX framework: design and documentation aligned with ATEX 1999/92/EC & 2014/34/EU for explosive atmospheres in workplaces and equipment
Within this framework, VRAYKOS has implemented external sugar silo upgrades aligned with ATEX requirements, reinforcing a responsible, safety-first approach: reduce exposure through prevention, control consequences through certified protection and isolation, and keep worker health and operational integrity at the center of every decision.
