Effective Vacuum Cleaners for Mining in Australia: A Simple Guide

1. Effective Vacuum Cleaners for Mining in Australia: A Simple Guide In Australia, dust is a persistent issue for mining companies. Dust from mining operations can create a danger to workers and contaminate the environment, which could lead to fines or even legal action by government agencies. To address this problem, companies need explosion-proof vacuums that can clean up combustible dust without posing any hazards to workers or nearby areas. What is combustible dust? Combustible dust is defined as a solid material. Composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape, or chemical composition, which present a fire or deflagration hazard when. Suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium. What Materials are more likely to create combustible Dust? ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Wood dust Paper dust Plastic dust Textile and fiberboard dust Cement dust Airborne Dust Agricultural products such as egg whites, powdered milk & cornstarch, sugar, flour, grain, potato, rice, etc. Metals such as aluminium, bronze, magnesium, zinc, etc. Chemical dust such as coal, sulfur, etc. Pharmaceuticals Dust Pesticides Dust Rubber Dust ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

2. Read More : Do You Know These 5 Facts About Combustible Dust? Why Choose IECEX-Certified Vacuum Cleaners for Australian Mine Sites? At Industrial Vacuums & Engineering, we offer the best industrial vacuum cleaners designed for small, medium, and large mine sites in Australia. Our IECEX-certified vacuums are built to handle combustible dust safely and efficiently. Key Features of IECEX-Certified Vacuums: ▪ High-Capacity HEPA Filters: Eliminate dangerous contaminants like asbestos or fibreglass fumes. Versatile Accessories: Including cyclones, bag filters, and automatic shut-off valves. Electronic Control Panels: Allow operators to monitor performance in real-time. High-Flow Fans: Ensure maximum airflow while preventing debris from entering critical areas. ▪ ▪ ▪ WHAT IS IECEX? IECEX is an international standard for safe equipment developed by CENELEC and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It’s an ISO standard, so it’s also called IEC 62271. IECEX was created to replace the older ATEX certification that required companies to provide their own proof of compliance with EU directives and regulations regarding explosive atmospheres in places like mines or oil refineries. IECEX is recognized by all EU member states as the only acceptable means of proving your equipment is safe for use within hazardous areas. ATEX Vs IECEX – for Certified Industrial vacuum Cleaner The ATEX directive is a standard adopted by the European Union. In contrast, IECEX certification is a global certification standard utilized in more than 90 countries throughout the world. Both standards have requirements for equipment that operates in potentially explosive atmospheres and both require extensive testing to verify compliance. However, due to the fact that there are several different regions within Europe that do not all agree on how dangerous an area should be considered before being declared a Class 1 or 2 Explosive Atmosphere (ATEX), it can be difficult for businesses operating across multiple borders to obtain appropriate certifications. In addition, because of differences between national laws and regulations pertaining to hazardous locations such as mine sites across Australia vs those pertaining elsewhere around the world (and vice versa), it can also be challenging for manufacturers who wish to market their products globally without having them re-certified specifically for each region they wish them sold into – especially if those regions differ significantly from one another. Read more : How to Control Dust at a Construction Site What features make IECEX vacuum cleaners the ideal choice for Australian mine sites? At Industrial Vacuums & Engineering, We have the Best Industrial vacuum cleaners that are suitable for use at small, medium, and large mine sites in Australia.

3. IECEX-certified dust vacuum cleaners are available in many sizes, ranging from 1.0 to 40.0 liters, and with a suction capacity from 6 to 1200 liters per minute (L/min). All models have an electronic control panel with a display, allowing the operator to monitor the performance and operating parameters of the unit at all times. They can be equipped with a variety of accessories including: •High-capacity HEPA filters for eliminating dangerous contaminants such as asbestos or fibreglass fumes; •Accessories for dust collection systems like cyclones or bag filters; •An automatic shut-off valve that stops airflow when the reservoir is full; and •A high-flow fan is installed on top of the motor housing which ensures maximum airflow while preventing debris from entering into air intake vents located near ground level where it could cause damage to mining equipment or personnel safety concerns. Types of Vacuum Cleaners for Use in Mine Sites in Australia There are three types of vacuums suitable for use on mine sites: ▪ Wet-type dust extractor (WDET): This type of vacuum cleaner uses water to remove dust from the air stream. The WDET is generally larger than other units, but this allows it to be used in situations where a large range of different materials are being processed, or where the level of contamination is high. ▪ Wet-type cyclone dust extractor (WDET): A wet-type cyclone dust extractor functions similarly to a WDET, except that it does not require water for cleaning purposes. The absence of water means that it can be used in more hazardous environments as there is no risk posed by introducing moisture into hot atmospheres. ▪ Dry vacuum cleaner: A dry vacuum cleaner removes particulate matter from an area without contacting either the substance or its surrounding environment with liquid liquids such as water or oil.

4. Unclassified Area – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335-2-69 When used in an unclassified area the explosion-proof vacuum will be totally enclosed and fitted with a self-contained explosion-proof motor, fan, and switch. These components will have their own separate electrical supply and are completely independent of the flammable gas or dust source being cleaned up. The explosion-proof motor is designed to prevent any ingress of airborne contaminants into its enclosed space. The explosion-proof motor is connected via heavy-duty cable (e.g., lead) to a self-contained single- phase or three-phase switch that has been tested for compliance with AS/NZS 60079:2009 by qualified personnel who hold membership with an appropriate professional body such as Engineers Australia (EA). Zone 22 – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335-2-69 and AS 60079.10 ▪ ▪ ▪ Zone 22– Compliant with AS/NZS 60335-2-69 and AS 60079.10 Zone 21 / Zone 20– Not permitted in any situation. Zone 19 – Not permitted in vacuum cleaners but may be used in water wash-down areas where they are cleaned and refilled by a trained operator. Zone 21 – Compliant with AS/NZS 60335.2.69 and AS 60079.14, IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-1, IEC 60079-7, EN 60079-0, EN 60079-7 In Australia, Explosion Proof Combustible Dust Vacuums must be certified to AS/NZS 60335.2.69 and AS 60079.14, IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-1, IEC 60079-7, EN 60079-0, EN60079-7. They must also be certified to withstand a test pressure of at least 1.5 bar above the maximum pressure rating. Comparison Chart: How Do Our Vacuums Stack Up? Feature Dirt Eater Protector Competitor A Competitor B Compliance IECEX, AS/NZS 60335-2-69 ATEX Only IECEX Only CFM 230 200 210 Motor Power 1400W 1200W 1300W HEPA Filter Yes No Yes Read More : The Advantages of Utilizing Industrial Dust Collection Systems The ATEX-certified and Australian-made vacuum cleaner The model below is the ATEX-certified explosion-proof vacuum that is suitable for operation at mine sites in Australia. The technology behind this vacuum is used to remove combustible dust, explosive dust,

5. Industrial Vacuums & Engineering Offering : Dirt Eater– Heavy Duty Cyclonic Type H Industrial Vacuum Cleaner. Dirt Eater Big Boss– Heavy Duty Wet & Dry Type H Industrial Cleaner. Dirt Eater Jr. – Heavy Duty Cyclonic Compact Powerful Industrial Vacuum Cleaner. Dirt Eater Protector– Bio Hazards | Radio Active Waste | Atex/ IECX Industrial Vacuum Clean and hazardous dust. It can also be used to remove non-hazardous dust by using a HEPA filter system. Vacuum Specifications MODEL DIRT EATER PROTECTOR Motor Twin Motor(1400w -3 Stage American Motor) CFM 230 CFM Hose Dia 38mm /50mm Hose Length 15Meter Wet & Dry Yes Wet Only (Optional) Yes Collecting Bin 65+Liter Get in touch with us: Toll-free(+61)1800 438 822 (1800 GET VAC) Email Us hello@industrialvacuums.net.au

6. Conclusion If you need a vacuum cleaner for your mine site or industrial site, contact us today to speak with one of our experts. We can help find the right model for your specific needs. 1. What is IECEX certification, and why is it important for vacuum cleaners on Australian mine sites? IECEX certification ensures that vacuum cleaners meet stringent safety standards for use in hazardous environments, such as mine sites. This certification is crucial because it verifies that the equipment can safely handle combustible dust and other potentially explosive materials without causing accidents or environmental harm. 2. How does an industrial vacuum cleaner help in controlling combustible dust at mine sites? Industrial vacuum cleaners, especially those that are IECEX-certified, are designed to safely capture and contain combustible dust. They use high-efficiency filtration systems, such as HEPA filters, to prevent dust from becoming airborne, thereby reducing the risk of explosions and improving air quality on the site.

7. 3. What’s the difference between ATEX and IECEX certifications? ATEX is a European certification standard for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, while IECEX is a global certification standard recognized in over 90 countries, including Australia. While both certifications ensure equipment safety, IECEX is often preferred in Australia due to its broader international recognition. 4. Can I use a regular vacuum cleaner for dust control in mining operations? No, using a regular vacuum cleaner for dust control in mining operations is not safe. Regular vacuum cleaners are not designed to handle combustible dust and do not meet the necessary safety standards, such as IECEX certification, required for hazardous environments. Using them could increase the risk of explosions and accidents. 5. What are the key features to look for in an industrial vacuum cleaner for mine sites? Key features include IECEX certification, high-capacity HEPA filters, explosion-proof motors, durable construction, and versatile accessories like cyclones and automatic shut-off valves. These features ensure the vacuum cleaner can safely and effectively manage combustible dust and other hazardous materials.