Real-life examples and practical experiences.
Protective ventilation of mobile machines is a highly diverse challenge that does not know any standard solution.
Each work environment is different and is characterized by different contaminations. That is way the protection of your employees from dust, gases and other dangerous environmental influences needs to be tailored precisely to the respective situation. SEKA has the experience derived from countless applications.
We would like to provide you with real-life examples demonstrating how we have solved typical challenges.
Not only foul odors are typical of municipal solid waste landfills. They are also characterized by high concentrations of spores, fungi and viruses. An additional problem is that paper, plastic foils and other substances can clog the air inlets of the protective ventilation system.
SEKA uses an especially large-scale air inlet rooted over the roof of the cabin. It works with a relatively low airflow which prevents that solid wastes can clog the inlet grille of the protective ventilation system.
Considering the high content of airborne fibres and particles in the ambient air we recommend a medium-sized S8.35 HEPA filter conforming to HEPA filter class H14. Such filters are also recommended for asbestos. For filtering gases and odors we recommend an activated carbon filter, model S8.4C with a volume of 4.0 kg.
The remediation of contaminated sites can result in an atmosphere containing a variety of pollutants. Besides the high dust content, this especially includes various types of gases.
It would be irresponsible to give a blanket recommendation for protective ventilation of the cabin of a machine without any individual assessment of the existing exposure. Depending on the situation, however, offer the following two approaches can be suggested:
Use of a S8.25 HEPA filter conforming to the filter class HEPA H14 in combination with alarge activated carbon filter with a mass of 9.0 kg. Such a large filter offers sufficient reliability even in the case of unexpected “hot spots”. Since the most suitable type of coal largely depends on the application, we offer our consultancy services.
Use of a S8.25 HEPA filter conforming the filter class HEPA H14 in combination with two different activated carbon filters equipped with different types of coal. This combination is especially recommended in combination with substances with a boiling point below 65°C. We suggest a combination of an ABEK filter and an AX filter.
In hazardous waste sites an especially high level of dangerous substances must be expected. Often it is not possible to precisely determine the exact composition of the ambient air. There might be substances that bind oxygen or expel air. Even remnants of warfare must be expected.
In addition, hazardous waste sites are often enclosed with a tent or hall. Although this reduces environmental pollution, the pollutant concentration in the interior will even be higher. In addition, there may also be a dangerous drop in the oxygen content.
Activated carbon filters are usually not sufficient to fully filter out the contaminations to be expected in such hazardous waste sites. For this reason, SEKA recommends the use of a compressed air system (ADLA). It works completely independent from the ambient air and represents the only solution to fully protect the operator of a construction machine from any health hazards. For temporary use, compressed air system can also be rented.
Here you can find also an application example from the chemical industry.
A newly issued directive of the German Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection and Food Safety focuses on the issue of occupational safety in relation to the application of crop protection products.
According to EN15695, the driver of a tractor or tractor must be effectively protected against the adverse effects that can occur when applying pesticides and liquid fertilizers. With a pressurized driver’s cab and a standard-compliant filter system, SEKA provides a workplace that complies with statutory regulations.
The biological processes taking place in composting plants usually do not only produce foul odors. They often also result in dangerous concentrations of ammon. In addition, high concentrations of fungi, spores and fine dust are part of the surrounding atmosphere.
For protective ventilation systems to be used for composting sites, SEKA recommends the use of a medium size S8.35 dust filter conforming to filter class HEPA H14 in combination with an activated carbon filter with a mass of 4.0 kg of K type coal which is especially suited to absorb ammon.
The disposal of asbestos does not only come with high concentrations of dust. The fibres contained in the environment are also especially critical, because they are considered to be an extremely carcinogenic health hazard.
For asbestos disposal, SEPA recommends extra large HEPA filters conforming to filter class ULPA U15. This filter class is two levels above filters according to class H13 and is able to reliably remove asbestos fibres. Filter class U15 definitely conforms to the class H filters according to EN60335 (dust removing devices) demanded by the Professional Association.