ATEX extraction plant for ethanol and derivatives

GGE, at the forefront in the engineering and construction of industrial extraction systems, developed an ATEX Ex II 3G certified extraction system for ethanol and derivatives for a well-known multinational company based in Bologna. This system is designed to ensure the safe and efficient handling of mentholated fumes generated during the production process.

The customer’s primary requirement was to extract waste substances from ethanol processing, while keeping the operating machine ventilated and under constant negative pressure. Thanks to the direct suction on the machine, the system prevents the dispersion of hazardous vapours into the working environment.

A 4 kW ATEX DT fan, located inside a soundproofing box that attenuates noise, uses centrifugal force to extract menthol and other volatile substances, conveying them to the Carb C activated carbon filter unit. The Ø1200 x 1000 mm activated carbon layer effectively adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, purifying it before it’s safely expelled into the atmosphere.

For maximum safety, the Carb C filter is equipped with an explosion-proof panel and a flooding system, that it’s automatically activated if a very high internal temperature is reached. The temperature is constantly monitored by a temperature probe, which, if necessary, activates the water solenoid valve, thus spraying the filter to prevent explosion risks.

Two passive protection devices have been placed along the pipeline connecting the intake air to the filter unit:

• a carbon steel isolation valve, which prevents the propagation of any explosions in the suction lines;
• a REI 120 certified fire damper, equipped with a thermal fuse, which isolates the filter unit if the temperature rises above the set threshold.

The management of the entire ATEX ethanol suction plant is done via an electrical control panel conforming to Industry 4.0 requirements, equipped with inverter, HMI panel, PLC and advanced software for the transmission of operational data and alarms via Modbus TCP/IP protocol.

Contact us today to find out how our extraction systems can improve the safety and efficiency of your production plant. Our team of experts is on hand to provide personalised advice and to guide you in choosing the best solution for your needs.