Installs explosion proof valving
for feed mill

EHA – (Electro-Hydraulic Automation) replaced all the existing hydraulic valving and manifolds in this feed mill with new explosion proof valves and custom manifolds. These valves are used to operate the augers that channel material to the scales prior to mixing the final product.

EHA collaborated with a local electrical company to install the valves over three weekends as to not interrupt the customer’s operation. EHA installed one bank of valves on each Saturday while the electricians came in to finish the wiring on Sunday. Every feed mill or Coop should be using explosion proof valving for both their hydraulic and pneumatic applications.

Explosion Proof
Reference the US Department of Labor Safety Codes for the Prevention of Dust Explosions for further safeguards in preventing dust explosions.

Explosion proof is known to describe detector or sensor assemblies for gas and explosive dust particle detection systems. The high voltages and requirements for power might be dealt with after the installation is permanent. The intrinsically safe method is used for these same permanent installations where the sensors are much lower for the power devices. The explosion-proof method is a classification of sensors or transmitters that explains the engineering and construction of the housing to contain either flashes or explosions.

These housings are often made with stainless steel or cast aluminum and made with a greater strength and mass to contain the explosion should any flammable vapors or gasses penetrate this housing just as an electronic transmission inside causes an ignition. The design must be made to prevent any surface temperature from exceeding the known ignition temperature of both the gases ad the vapors. A high-temperature device sensing element might be protected by something called a flame arrestor to help stop the high-temperature from blending with the atmosphere.