01.04.2025
In dust collection systems used in industrial plants where dusty materials – such as wood, grain, sugar, metals or plastics – are processed, there is a real risk of a dust explosion. For this reason, increasing emphasis is being placed on explosion protection in accordance with the ATEX directive. In explosive areas, every piece of equipment must meet the highest safety standards. One of the key components of these safeguards are rotary airlocks, which act as an explosion isolator. Among the key components are rotary airlocks – components that serve not only a transportation function, but primarily a safety function.
Why are they so important?
Rotary airlocks are an inconspicuous but crucial link in the chain of explosion protection. Their proper selection and installation is an important step toward a safe and compliant dust collection system. In the event of an explosion in a filter or other component of the system, an airlock provides a fire barrier, preventing flames from reaching earlier sections of the system – such as silos, pipes or production machinery. Thanks to their leak-proof design and appropriate choice of materials (including wear-resistant rubber, felt rings, precision bearings), NEU-JKF sluices ensure uninterrupted and safe operation.
Where are rotary airlocks installed?
Rotary sluices are used at many points in dust collection and conveying systems.
They are most often installed:
– underneath a bag filter or cyclone – to separate the part of the plant where an explosion can occur (e.g., a filter) from downstream components (e.g., conveyors, silos, tanks),
– at hoppers or silos where dust or bulk material is collected – preventing an explosion wave from penetrating deep into the plant,
– at the inlet to mechanical or pneumatic conveying systems – to limit the spread of a potential explosion between sections of the plant,
– as part of the unloading of materials from filters to receiving systems – simultaneously acting as a barrier and transport function.
Mechanism of action
Although the sluice looks like a simple device that transports bulk material from one section of the plant to another, its design meets stringent ATEX requirements. The protective mechanism works as follows:
A rotor with rubber blades (e.g., neoprene) rotates inside a steel casing, creating volume-limited chambers.
1 The bulk material falls into the chamber and is carried by the rotation of the rotor to the outlet.
2 At the same time, the space between the chambers (blades) acts as a physical barrier – impervious to flames, pressure or sparks.
(3) In the event of an explosion, the lock limits its propagation, stopping the pressure wave and flame in one section of the system.
The key here is to maintain adequate sealing – both at the interface between the blades and the housing, and between the rotor and the side covers. That’s why NEU-JKF uses, among other things, felt sealing rings, heavy-duty bearings and high-quality drives (gearmotors) to ensure maximum reliability.
NEU-JKF offers two models of sluices certified according to the ATEX directive for category 1D:
– JK-EXS – a sluice with a 6-blade rotor with rubber blades (neoprene),
– B-EXS – a sluice with an 8-blade rotor, also with neoprene blades.
Advantages of NEU-JKF solutions
– ATEX 1D compliance – allows them to be used in areas with the highest risk of explosion,
– Compact and robust design,
– Can operate with an inductive sensor for position control and operational safety,
– Reduces the risk of explosion spread,
– Ideal for continuous operation in dust collection systems,
– Easy installation in new and existing installations.
Thanks to their design, rotary airlocks do not require external energy sources to act as an explosion barrier – their safety function works mechanically, independent of controls or sensors.
At NEU-JKF, we offer not only ATEX certified components, but also consulting and comprehensive integration of explosion-proof solutions into entire dust collection systems.
Get intouch with our team – we can help you select the right locks and ensure the highest level of safety in your plant.
