Explovent

How do I know that my panels will release at the correct pressure?

FM tested and approved Explovent wall panels are engineered and fully calibrated at the factory for release at very low design pressures. Designed to N.F.P.A. guidelines and ATEX compliant, Explovent wall panels are lightweight in order to react quickly to pressure build up. Explovent panels are testable at any time, and unlike blow-out siding, Explovent panels are resettable after an event.

What are the alternatives to Explovent?

Alternative products are available that typically employ shear bolts, fractionable fasteners and collapsible washers that fail at a given pressure and release the panel. These products cannot be field tested or reset and depend solely on proper field installation and as such they could be extremely unreliable.

Can Explovent be made secure against unauthorised access by fitting a locking mechanism?

C/S will not fit locks to Explovent panels as this would render the system inoperable in the event that the staff within the building forget to unlock the panels during normal operation. Contacts forming part of a security alarm system can be fitted to Explovents (by others) without risk. In general, a 1220mm wide x 2440mm high Explovent panel, calibrated to release at 30lbs/sq.ft., will require a force of nearly 400lbs to prise it open. This would make it very difficult for an intruder to gain entry. Explovents are also usually installed at higher levels, again hampering unauthorised entry.

What vent area is required?

In the majority of cases, the project engineer will have already calculated the area of explosion venting required. However, if this has not been done and the specifier needs assistance in determining vent area, then we can help with these calculations.

How do you install Explovent?

Support for Explovent panels must be provided at the head and sill of the opening. The Explovent Technical Manual gives installation details and setting out for fixings. Installation can be offered via our sister installation company, Conspec Contracts, if required.

Can Explovent be used to vent rooms containing high explosives?

Explovent has been designed to comply with the requirements of NFPA 68, entitled ‘Guide for Venting Deflagrations’. The simple definition of a ‘Deflagration’ is an explosion that propagates at a velocity less than the speed of sound. The risk surrounding high explosive compounds is generally one of ‘Detonation’, defined as an explosion that propagates at a velocity greater than the speed of sound. Whilst Explovent may still be found to work in a detonation condition its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.