Services > Specialty Custom Solutions > Combustible Dust Remediation
The Process
The Dust Encapsulating Foaming Agent (DEFA) process propels a relatively low pressure, copious stream of nearly-dry foam onto hard to reach interior walls and ceilings of industrial facilities including coal-fired power plants. After it’s applied, the DEFA foam travels down from the walls, ceiling, girders and framework while attracting dust like a magnet. It then carries the dust deposits directly to the floor. After the foam dissipates, it is swept away.
Ideal for Coal Dust
DEFA is ideal for cleaning any kind of coal dust, especially PRB, which can be exceptionally explosive under various conditions. Routine cleaning around volatile coal dust areas such as the tripper room is an important safety precaution and provides peace of mind to your company and employees. Safely and cost-effectively mitigate dust to comply with NFPA and OSHA regulations and directives.
The Reach
The DEFA foaming process offers a remarkable spray and coverage range. Assuming the unit is positioned in the middle of the cleaning area, up to 150 lineal feet of area and 35-50’ in height is reached without moving the unit. Should the unit need to be re-positioned, it is portable and on pneumatic wheels.
This process delivers a relatively low pressure, copious stream of nearly-dry foam to hard to reach walls and ceilings.
View OSHA’s Standards for Combustible Dust
View NFPA’s Standard for the prevention of fire and dust explosion
Safely and cost-effectively mitigate dust.
Benefits |
Portable and Ultra Efficient Safely Removes Combustible, Explosive and Fugitive Dust Will significantly help achieve NFPA and OSHA Compliance
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Reaches High/Remote Areas of Removal Environmentally friendly foaming agent |
Applications |
Coal Fired Electric Generation Chemical Manufacturing Fibrous Material Manufacturers Industrial Inorganic Chemicals Manufacturing Industries Mechanical Rubber Goods Metallurgical Manufacturing Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Facilities |
Papermills Plastics Refuse Systems Sawmills Soap and Detergents Tire Manufacturers Wood & Reconstituted Wood Products Electroplating Extruding Manufacturers |
Problem
A western Kentucky utility plant was exploring alternative options to cleaning their tripper room. Historically they had utilized a traditional combination of routine sweeping and industrial vacuuming to mitigate the combustible dust hazards present. Cleaning the ceiling and supports of the tripper room roof also presented a superior challenge as this area was not accessible by man-lift and scaffolding costs were extreme. These methods of cleaning were highly labor intensive and time consuming for an area that needed daily attention. This facility needed a safe and efficient way of getting the combustible dust hazard in this area under control.
Solution
Utilizing Thompson’s unique and custom-designed, proprietary foaming equipment and dust-encapsulating foaming agent, the Thompson 3-man crew was able to clean all of the tripper room walls, supports, and 30’ ceiling with never having to lift their boots off the tripper room floor.