PD CEN/TR 16829 applies to bucket elevators that may handle combustible products capable of producing potentially explosive atmospheres of dust or powder inside the bucket elevator during its operation. The precautions to control ignition sources will also be relevant where the product in the bucket elevator creates a fire risk but not an explosion risk.
For the purposes of PD CEN/TR 16829, a bucket elevator is defined as an item of bulk material handling equipment that carries material in powder form or as coarse products such as whole grain, wood chips, or flakes, in a vertical direction by means of a continuous movement of open containers.
Note: PD CEN/TR 16829 does not apply to products that do not require atmospheric oxygen for combustion.
PD CEN/TR 16829 on fire and explosion prevention and protection for bucket elevators are useful for:
Bucket elevators are described as bulk materials handling equipment, conveying material in a vertical direction by means of a continuous movement of open containers. Bucket elevators require special attention since they have been involved in dust explosions and they have many potential ignition sources.
A fire or explosion inside a bucket elevator is a large hazard due to the flame and/or pressure effects to the surroundings which may lead to damage to the bucket elevator itself and can lead to damage to the connected equipment, surroundings of the equipment, and to personnel. PD CEN/TR 16829 specifies the principles of and guidance for fire and explosion prevention and explosion protection for bucket elevators. Prevention is based on the avoidance of effective ignition sources, either by the elimination of ignition sources or the detection of ignition sources. Explosion protection is based on the application of explosion venting, explosion suppression or explosion containment and explosion isolation rules specifically adapted for bucket elevators. These specific rules may be based on agreed test methods. PD CEN/TR 16829 focuses on vertical bucket elevators. Z-type bucket elevators operate at low velocities and thus reduce the dust generation and risk of ignition.
In addition to the explosion hazard addressed in PD CEN/TR 16829, combustible products and combustible construction materials inside bucket elevators (e.g., belts, buckets) can also present a fire hazard that also is considered.
CEN/TR 16829:2016+AC:2019