	ndustrial dust explosions have been a risk for as long as man has been processing, storing and transporting materials. The amount of heat generated during an explosion results in extremely high pressures damaging process equipment, halting production, and placing personnel at risk of serious injury or worse. And if the explosion is allowed to propagate, subsequent explosions can occur, often with catastrophic results. Effective explosion risk management is critical for companies to remain competitive in an era of globalization, outsourcing, plant consolidations, just-in-time delivery, and cross-border supply relationships. Leading insurance firms estimate the direct costs of an explosion typically run in excess of one million dollars, with many unprotected explosions leveling plants, or even closing businesses. And it takes less than you may realize to start an explosion. For example, a static spark can ignite a dust cloud. If you can write your name in the dust, you are at risk for an explosion. Direct and indirect costs associated with explosions include: Potential for injuries or deaths of people Rebuild or shut down plant, equipment replacement, process restructuring Operational downtime Supply chain disruption Market share decline Loss in shareholder confidence Revenue and profit loss Insurance may be harder to obtain and more expensive Possible fines from OSHA, EPA, other government agencies Litigation Fike safety systems are designed with your business in mind, giving you peace of mind and the ability to focus on what you do best. For over 60 years, Fike has brought patented innovative technologies to the market. When considering explosion protection for your process, FIKE is uniquely qualified as the total solutions provider of explosion protection, including all of the following:

Testing Fike has state-of-the-art explosion testing laboratories to verify the right products for our customers' applications and to gain information on dust explosions and their characteristics. Our testing capabilities include: vibration tests, leak testing, explosion testing and classification. For more information on Fike Explosion Testing capabilities...

Explosion Venting Explosion venting is the most commonly used form of passive explosion protection. Used cost-effectively in many applications, explosion venting introduces a "weak element" in the pressure envelope of the equipment, relieving the internal combustion pressure in case of an explosion. For more information on Fike Explosion Venting...

Flameless Explosion Venting Fike's flameless explosion venting extinguishes the flame from a vented explosion, where it could ignite secondary explosions or endanger personnel. Flameless venting eliminates the need to relocate process machinery or add expensive duct work for indoor installations. For more information on Fike Flameless Explosion Venting...

Explosion Isolation Explosion Isolation detects and mechanically or chemically blocks the flame pathways, preventing the spread of the explosion and pressure piling. It is used where vented equipment is located indoors or the combustion by-products (heat, flame, off-gases) cannot safely be released. For more information on Fike Explosion Isolation systems...

Explosion Suppression Fike Explosion Suppression systems are designed to detect and chemically suppress an explosion in its earliest (incipient) stages to prevent development of destructive pressures. For more information on Fike Explosion Suppression systems... What are the Effects of Mounting Pressure? Understanding the ATEX Directives Explosion Protection System Service Options