Chemicals & Bulk Solids

• Chemical hardening — reactive powders and granules that set upon contact with moisture or air • Corrosive deposits that damage the silo's internal structure and welds • Cross-contamination between products that can trigger unwanted chemical reactions • Explosive dust (ATEX zone 20/21) requiring spark-free tools and procedures • Toxic materials requiring respiratory protection, full encapsulation and special waste handling • Static charging in plastic granules and polymer powders creating flow problems • Hygroscopic materials that absorb moisture and form hard crusts along walls

Chemicals and bulk solids block silos through a range of complex mechanisms: 1. Chemical reactivity: Many industrial chemicals react with moisture, oxygen or CO₂ in the air. Cement-like setting reactions, polymerisation or oxide layer formation can make deposits nearly impossible to remove with conventional methods. 2. Electrostatic charging: Fine powders and plastic granules charge statically during pneumatic transport. Particles attract to silo walls and each other, creating stuck layers and reducing flow. 3. Thermal degradation: Some chemicals break down at elevated temperatures, forming sticky or hard by-products that accumulate in dead zones. 4. Particle size differences: Bulk solids with wide particle distribution segregate in the silo — fines collect in the centre or along walls and block the outlet. 5. Corrosion: Acidic or alkaline materials attack silo surfaces over time, creating rough surfaces where material more easily adheres.

Blue Power has specialist expertise for the chemical industry and demanding bulk solids: 🔹 ATEX-certified equipment and crew: All work in explosive zones is performed with certified equipment and procedures in accordance with the ATEX directive (94/9/EC and 1999/92/EC). 🔹 Chemical risk assessment: Before every job, we conduct a thorough risk assessment based on the material's safety data sheet (SDS). We adapt method, protective equipment and waste handling accordingly. 🔹 Contained cleaning: For toxic or reactive materials, we use contained systems that prevent exposure of personnel and surroundings. Negative-pressure ventilation and HEPA filtration ensure safe operation. 🔹 Anti-static methods: For materials with static challenges, we use grounded tools, anti-static linings and ionisation systems. 🔹 Documentation and compliance: We deliver complete documentation for all operations, including risk assessments, safe job analyses (SJA) and waste reports — all in compliance with Norwegian working environment legislation.