Understanding IDA Systems for Combustible Dust Safety

In this episode, Chris Cloney is joined by Justin Badger, National Sales & Marketing Manager from Imperial Systems to discuss the Inline Deflagration Arrester (IDA) system used in industrial dust collectors.

These systems offer significant advantages in safety and efficiency, and Justin walks us through how they work and the benefits they provide to industries dealing with combustible dust.

How was IDA developed?

Justin explains that the IDA system was developed after extensive testing on the CMAXX dust collector to prevent explosions from propagating back into the building. This testing aimed to improve safety by ensuring that flame fronts from an explosion don’t return downstream into the air intake. The IDA system works as a flame arrestor.

The CMAXX dust collector typically uses DeltaMAXX filters. These filters are made more robust for IDA certification to stop flame transmission. This makes it possible to return air safely to the building preventing a dangerous situation if an explosion occurs

What are the ideal industries for IDA Systems?

Justin explains that the suitability of these systems often depends more on the climate of a company’s location than the specific products being processed.

In colder regions, companies tend to prefer returning air to their buildings to conserve energy, whereas in warmer climates, companies with air conditioning may use these systems to reduce cooling costs. The IDA system is typically most useful for facilities where the dust collector system is rated below 185 KST, as this ensures safe and efficient operation.

When is IDA not a good fit?

In cases where the KST value exceeds 185 or if extremely hazardous materials are involved, traditional dust collection systems with secondary filtration may be a better option.

How to retrofit for IDA Certification?

Justin shares real-world examples of customers retrofitting existing dust collectors to become IDA-certified. This process involves upgrading components such as filters and adding necessary monitoring systems. The inclusion of a particulate monitor to detect any damage to filters is a key feature of the IDA system, ensuring safety in the long term.

What are the advantages of IDA over Traditional Methods?

One of the major benefits of the IDA system is its lower upfront cost compared to traditional secondary filtration methods, which can be more expensive and labor-intensive.

Additionally, maintenance is simplified since only one set of filters is required. However, for situations where dust is both combustible and hazardous, secondary filters may still be necessary.

Justin highlights a few case studies where companies have benefited from installing the IDA system, showcasing its value in real-world applications.

Justin also provided a sneak peek into upcoming industry events like the Powder Show and Fabtech, where Imperial Systems will be exhibiting. It’s a great opportunity for attendees to see the technology in action and chat with the Imperial team about their needs.

Conclusion

The IDA system enhances the safety and efficiency of dust collection systems by preventing explosions from travelling back into buildings, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution in certain industries.

While existing dust collectors can be upgraded to IDA certification to maximize safety and air recirculation, IDA systems may not be suitable for materials with a high KST value or extremely hazardous dusts.

If you’re interested in learning more about the IDA system, Imperial Systems offers extensive resources on their website. They encourage potential clients to reach out for personalized advice and support. Justin also mentions the availability of informative videos that showcase testing and performance data for these systems.

Website: Website: http://imperialsystemsinc.com / isystemsweb.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincbadger/

Email: [email protected]

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