ATEX Compliant Dust Extraction & Explosion Risk Mitigation System

Location: Alrode, Alberton 

Project Details:

Project Quick Summary 

Parameter  Details 
Client Name  Foseco South Africa 
Location  Alrode, Alberton 
Project Type  ATEX Compliant Dust Extraction & Fire Risk Mitigation 
Completion Year  2022 
Scope  Risk Assessment, Engineering Design, Supply, Installation & Commissioning 
Category  Dust & Air Filtration – Hazardous Environment 

Project Overview 

For Foseco South Africa, we conducted a comprehensive preliminary fire and explosion risk assessment followed by the engineering and proposal of a fully compliant ATEX dust extraction solution. 

During the site walk-through, it was identified that explosive dust — including aluminium powder and phenolic resin materials — was being generated and dispersed in open workshop environments without adequate extraction or containment  

The existing dust collector was found to be non-ATEX compliant, constructed in mild steel, lacking bonding provisions for static discharge, and not flame/explosion proof  

Given the high explosion and fire risk identified, we engineered a turnkey solution designed to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws, SANS 10400-T standards, and fire safety requirements. 

Scope of Work 

Risk Assessment & Compliance 

  • Preliminary Fire Safety Compliance Assessment  
  • Identification of high explosion risk materials (Aluminium Powder, Phenolic Resin)  
  • Evaluation of non-compliant axial fans and extraction systems  
  • Recommendations aligned with SANS 10400-T & local by-laws  

Engineered ATEX Dust Extraction Solution 

  • Installation of new ATEX compliant Baghouse Dust Collector  
  • Anti-static & anti-explosion filter bags  
  • Flame-proof extraction fan (45,000 m³/hr @ 3500 Pa)  
  • SANS 10400-T compliant Electrical Control Panel  
  • 2-Hour Fire Rated Enclosure for Mixing Area (3000 × 4500 × 3500 mm)  
  • Explosion-proof lighting (1000 Lux) within enclosure  

Cyclone Separation & Dust Recovery 

  • 3 × Cyclone Separators (6000 m³/hr each)  
  • Custom Extraction Canopy Rings  
  • Motorized Airflow Dampers  
  • Reuse system capturing approx. 70% of excess dust 

Engineering Highlights 

  • ATEX Compliant Dust Collector Design 
  • Anti-static Bonding & Grounding Measures 
  • Explosion Risk Mitigation Strategy 
  • 45,000 m³/hr High-Capacity Extraction 
  • Fire-Rated Containment Room Installation 
  • Council & Emergency Services Submission Support  
  • Delivered, Installed & Commissioned Turnkey Solution 

Project Outcome 

  • Significant reduction in explosion and fire risk 
  • Compliance with SANS 10400-T and municipal regulations 
  • Controlled containment of explosive dust 
  • Improved plant safety & operational reliability 
  • Long-term environmental and occupational health compliance 

This project demonstrates our expertise in delivering high-risk industrial dust extraction systems engineered for hazardous environments, combining fire safety compliance, ATEX standards, and turnkey execution under one integrated solution.