Explosionsentlastung
Explosionsentlastung refers to the set of measures and devices used to relieve pressure and energy inside a vessel, duct, or facility in the event of an explosive overpressure or fast deflagration. The aim is to prevent catastrophic failure of equipment, reduce the consequences of an explosion, and direct blast energy away from personnel and critical structures. It is a core concept in process safety and industrial hygiene, particularly in chemical, petrochemical, grain handling, and mining industries.
Key components and approaches include:
- Venting devices such as explosion vents or vent panels that open at a specified overpressure to
- Rupture disks (burst diaphragms) and pressure relief valves that provide a predictable relief path.
- Explosion relief ducts, scrubbers, or safe exhaust routes that channel vented material away from occupied areas.
- Flame arrestors and blast-resistant enclosures to limit flame propagation and shield equipment.
- Overall system layouts and barriers designed to minimize secondary hazards from vented blast energy.
Design and assessment considerations:
- Hazard analysis and vent sizing to ensure relief prevents vessel overpressurization without creating excessive external blast.
- Routing of vented flow to safe exhaust paths, scrubbers, or energy-absorbing structures.
- Balance between release efficiency and potential collateral damage, including noise, dust dispersal, and thermal effects.
- Compliance with applicable standards and guidelines, which may include NFPA 68/69 in the United States and
- Widely used in chemical reactors, storage tanks, and processes with potential for dust or gas explosions.
- Venting can create secondary hazards, so explosion protection is typically part of an integrated safety system
See also: explosion safety, pressure relief device, vent panel, deflagration, dust explosion.