FORKLIFT BATTERY CHARGING EXHAUST SYSTEMS

The aspiration systems prove absolutely necessary in areas where the batteries of forklifts and pallet trucks are recharged due to the high emissions of hydrogen released during this procedure. Italian regulations, as defined by standards EN 50272-2 and EN 50272-3, specify that the ventilation of the premises in question must, where natural ventilation is insufficient, be integrated by appropriate localized forced ventilation systems, so as to avoid the risks of fire and explosion.

The emission of free hydrogen occurs throughout the charging phase of forklift batteries, as a consequence of water electrolysis, and continues for one hour after the battery chargers are disconnected. The risk of fire and explosion is encountered when, in the atmosphere of the area designated for this operation, gaseous hydrogen exceeds the 4% threshold; this eventuality would prove particularly dangerous since, in addition to the explosion itself, there would be damage resulting from the explosive projection of the acids contained in the battery itself, which are toxic and caustic. Forced and localized air aspiration in these areas eliminates hydrogen accumulation and keeps the area safe; obviously, given the dangerous atmosphere, aspiration systems for forklift battery charging areas must be built in strict compliance with ATEX regulations.

Balducci offers all its customers preliminary on-site surveys and free advice on all aspects of the design and construction of its industrial aspiration systems. Our industrial aspiration systems are never standard solutions: there are too many variables to take into account, starting from the operating conditions of the system, not to mention the specific needs of each customer and the actual application situations. We always build custom-made systems. For example, an industrial aspiration system very often makes it necessary to provide an efficient abatement system noises : as sector specialists, we are able to design and include this element in our offer. Where necessary, the systems can be built in accordance with all ATEX regulations .

Balducci offers its entire clientele a complete and professional service for ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of industrial aspiration systems, both for those of its own making and for those designed and installed by other companies. It can in fact be stated that scrupulously following the maintenance of industrial aspiration systems is a threefold safeguard for the company, and therefore absolutely necessary: by carrying it out correctly, in fact, it prevents potentially toxic substances from accumulating in the air that would compromise the health of operators, it prevents the processed material from accumulating in the machinery with the consequent risk of machine stoppages and jams, and it avoids the danger of fires or explosions deriving from the uncontrolled accumulation of fine dust in the air.

The main operations related to the maintenance of industrial aspiration systems can be summarized as follows:

• Accurate control of the plant's conditions and verification of component wear

• Cleaning or replacement of the installed filter elements

• Repair of any damage; if necessary, replacement of damaged components

• Verification of the functionality of the aspiration system according to the established efficiency parameters

• Check of the safety devices installed on the system

• Restoration of any compromised functionalities