Chemical storage warehouses are facilities designed to store chemical substances that may pose significant risks due to their hazardous properties, such as flammability, corrosiveness, or toxicity. These warehouses face the challenge of safely handling products that, if not managed correctly, can lead to serious accidents and endanger both people and the environment.
Incidents in recent years, such as the explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in 2008 and the IQOXE accident in Tarragona in 2020, serve as clear examples of the risks associated with handling and storing chemical products. To achieve the highest possible level of safety, it is essential to implement proper ventilation systems in chemical storage warehouses, where the presence of flammable, corrosive, and toxic substances poses a danger. Well-designed ventilation helps to disperse potentially harmful gases or vapours and prevents the accumulation of flammable substances in the air.
Storage of flammable Products
In warehouses where there is a risk of explosion due to the flammability of the products, ventilation systems must prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres (ATEX) by maintaining the concentration of gases or vapours in the air below the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL). As long as the concentration remains below this limit, the fuel-air mixture will be too weak for the gases or vapours to ignite. If an explosive atmosphere (ATEX) does form, proper ventilation will help dilute it and reduce its persistence.
At the same time, the renewal of stale air with fresh air prevents workers from being exposed to concentrations of chemical agents in the air that exceed environmental limit values, which could be harmful to their health.
To ventilate areas at risk of explosive atmospheres, where gases, vapours, or flammable dust could cause an explosion, not just any ventilation equipment can be used. Instead, ATEX-certified ventilation solutions must be installed. SODECA, a specialist in this field of industrial ventilation, manufactures ATEX-certified extractors and fans that comply with the European Directive 94/9/EC and have been designed in accordance with the EN-14986 standard.
Storage of Corrosive Products
In warehouses where corrosive products are handled, effective ventilation not only protects workers but also helps prevent environmental issues that may arise from condensation and the mixing of vapours. The interaction of different chemicals can lead to unexpected reactions that could potentially cause material damage or injuries. SODECA’s ventilation equipment prevents the accumulation of harmful vapours released by corrosive products and keeps their concentration within permitted limits.
In this type of warehouse, it is crucial that the ventilation system is adapted to the specific environmental conditions and is resistant to corrosion. For this reason, SODECA’s CPV equipment is manufactured with an anti-corrosion finish, allowing it to operate effectively in such environments. If there is a possibility that certain products in the warehouse could generate an explosive atmosphere, CPV extractors are also available in an ATEX-certified version.
Storage of Toxic Products
Similarly, toxic products pose a significant danger to both human health and the environment. Improper handling and storage can lead to the release of gases or vapours that contaminate the air and affect people's health. For this reason, SODECA’s ventilation solutions prevent toxic gas or vapour emissions from reaching the environment or areas occupied by people.
Additionally, the importance of a proper ventilation system in this case extends to mitigating long-term environmental impacts, as the emission of toxic gases can have devastating effects on ecosystems. For these warehouses, all SODECA’s industrial ventilation equipment, including axial and centrifugal fans, is suitable.
Conclusion
In industrial environments where high-risk products are managed, the installation of an appropriate ventilation system, tailored to the characteristics of the environment, helps to protect both workers and the environment. SODECA provides personalised technical advice to design customised ventilation solutions based on the specific needs of each client.