ATEX & Cryogenics Competence
On average, an explosion occurs every day in the industrial sector in France. The effects can be devastating, in both human and material terms. Sectors where chemicals or high-dust products are handled (wood, metal, food industries, etc.) are particularly concerned. The prevention of explosion risks is governed by specific regulations, known as ATEX regulations, which employers must apply within their own companies. They are based on the general principles of prevention laid down in the French Labor Code.
Unlike fire, an explosion is a virtually instantaneous combustion process. It causes a blast effect accompanied by flames and heat. It can only occur after the formation of an explosive atmosphere (ATEX). This results from a mixture of combustible substances (flour, wood dust, solvent vapors, etc.) with air, in such proportions that an ignition source of sufficient energy causes it to explode.
Compliance
On average, an explosion occurs every day in the industrial sector in France. The effects can be devastating, in both human and material terms. Sectors where chemicals or high-dust products are handled (wood, metal, food industries, etc.) are particularly concerned. The prevention of explosion risks is governed by specific regulations, known as ATEX regulations, which employers must apply within their own companies. They are based on the general principles of prevention laid down in the French Labor Code.
Unlike fire, an explosion is a virtually instantaneous combustion process. It causes a blast effect accompanied by flames and heat. It can only occur after the formation of an explosive atmosphere (ATEX). This results from a mixture of combustible substances (flour, wood dust, solvent vapors, etc.) with air, in such proportions that an ignition source of sufficient energy causes it to explode.
Safety
This type of installation is essential for all kinds of applications: metallurgy, the food industry, lacquer factories, the pharmaceutical industry, refineries, etc.
Depending on the ATEX zone or category, but also on the explosive properties of the various products, installations will be resistant. Equipment is confined to ensure the safety of the company and human life.
Cryogenization
Cryogenization is a grinding operation carried out at temperatures down to – 130°C by adding liquid nitrogen N2.
Cryo-grinding is a process for reducing heat-sensitive substances to a powder of fine particles, for subsequent use by the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, rubber, plastics and powder coatings industries.
Why opt for cryo-grinding?
Cryo-grinding is an innovative process that involves grinding materials at extremely low temperatures, usually using liquid nitrogen. This technique offers many advantages over traditional grinding methods at room temperature. Let’s take a look at why.
Firstly, cryo-grinding delivers finer, more uniform particle size reduction. Extremely low temperatures preserve the structure of materials, resulting in more homogeneous, smaller particle sizes. This is particularly important in many industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food, where particle size is critical to the efficiency and quality of the end products.
Secondly, cryo-grinding also offers advantages in terms of product purity. Low temperatures prevent the formation of contaminants, thus preserving material integrity. This is particularly important when working with heat-sensitive substances or products requiring high purity.
The different uses of cryo-grinding
Cryo-grinding can be applied to all types of plastics, elastomers, pharmaceutical products, spices, etc. It is recommended for recycling polypropylenes (PP) and polyethylenes (PE), as well as tires, batteries, paint cans and other materials.
Liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide enable very low temperatures to be reached, which weaken the products to be shredded, reducing them to the desired granulometry before entering the shredder.
Advantages of cryogenic grinding
• Allows grinding of tough, rubbery or viscous products (rubber, plastic…)
• Preserves the physical and chemical quality as well as the structure, taste and aromatic qualities of raw materials
• Product and energy savings
• Homogeneity of particle size
• Increased production capacity
• Elimination of fire and explosion risks
• Productivity gains
• Faster mill throughput
• Optimization of plant processing capacity
• Improved quality
• Environmental protection
• Safety
• Inert atmosphere