CENTRIFUGE SAFETY
Industrial scale centrifuges are commonly used in manufacturing and waste processing to sediment suspended solids, or to separate immiscible liquids. An example is the cream separator found in dairies.
A centrifuge is a device, which employs a high rotational speed to separate components of different densities.
This becomes relevant in the majority of industrial jobs where solids, liquids and gases are merged into a single mixture and the separation of these different phases is necessary.
centrifuge separates solid materials from liquids in slurry and therefore plays an important role in wastewater treatment, chemical, oil and food processing industries.
TYPES
There are different types of centrifuges used in industries based on the process requirements
Some of the centrifuges are
1. Top discharge centrifuge
2. Vertical peeler Centrifuges
3. Horizontal Peeler Centrifuges
4. Inverting Filter Centrifuges
HAZARDS
1. The most hazardous aspect of the centrifuge is the rotation assemblies.
2. The most common type of centrifuge accident results from a failure to balance the load, or to use the trunnion buckets correctly.
3. Mechanical failure can result in the ejection of pieces of metal, or the production of sparks and heat caused by friction.
4. Infectious hazards resulting from aerosols and tube breakage, and chemical hazards resulting from contact with substances.
5. As flammable concentrations of vapour can accumulate rapidly within a centrifuge, there is a risk of fire or explosion if a source of ignition is present,
6. Sources of ignition can be:
• a spark from mechanical friction
• a discharge of static electricity
• Faulty electrical equipment any other ignition source in the immediate area of the centrifuge when it is opened.
SAFETY CONTROLS AT CENTRIFUGES ARE
1. Double body earthling is given to all Centrifuge for discharging the static electricity.
2. Earth jumpers are provided to centrifuge feed line & washing pipeline flange joints to avoid static accumulation.
3. Nitrogen blanketing system is provided with rotameter to the centrifuge basket,motor area to maintain inert atmosphere
4. Allow for relaxation time after centrifugation over & before opening the lid.
5. Centrifuge lid is locked with y-type lid locking double chain hooks.
6. Proximity sensor provided to the centrifuge lid prevents unsafe running of centrifuge motor while lid open
7. Clean earth rod provided in the material carboy before material unloading material from centrifuge
8. Unloading person should wear the full body air suit , wrist band and provide earthing to material unloading scoop both end connections are connected to the centrifuge
9. Zero speed interlock and Lid interlock is available to stop the centrifuge before unloading the material from the centrifuge.
10. Vibration sensor are available to centrifuge to monitor the excess vibration
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENTS AT CENTRIFUGE ARE
• Ceiling mounted fire extinguisher was provided on the top of the centrifuge.
• Portable fire extinguishers available nearby Centrifuge.
• Fire hydrant & Swing fire hose reel valves nearby Centrifuge.
• Nitrogen blanketing system is provided to the centrifuge.
• Centrifuge vent is connected scrubbing system or flame arrestor to be provide for the open vent.
• Breathing air provisions and full body suit was provided nearby Centrifuge