CASE STUDY
Vacuuming Peat Dust and Organic Compounds in a Pharmaceutical Plant
In pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical manufacturing, peat and other organic compounds are often used at different stages of production. When peat is processed into a fine powder, it becomes a combustible, potentially explosive dust if not properly controlled.
In this case, fine peat dust was spreading across three different floors of a pharmaceutical facility, settling on surfaces and remaining suspended in the air. The goal was to design a continuous, centralized vacuum solution that could:
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Safely collect fine and volatile peat dust,
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Prevent cross-contamination,
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Protect workers and equipment,
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And keep production running without interruption.
Customer’s Need
During the production of activated carbon in a pharmaceutical environment, large quantities of fine, volatile peat dust are released into the air.
The customer needed to:
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Control airborne peat dust released during handling, transfer, and processing phases.
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Avoid accumulation of dust on floors, structures, and machinery across multiple levels.
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Reduce explosion risk associated with combustible organic dust in an ATEX Zone 22 area.
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Protect workers’ health and maintain production integrity.
To achieve this, the plant required a safe, ATEX-compliant central vacuum system capable of extracting fine dust quickly and reliably from multiple floors.
Depureco’s Customized Vacuum Solution
Depureco engineered a tailor-made industrial vacuum system designed specifically for fine peat dust and organic compounds.
The solution includes:
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12 suction inlets distributed across three floors and a raised walkway,
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Durable steel piping network covering the entire area,
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A high-efficiency filtering pre-separator (DV AIR 800 Z22) for fine dust,
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A CVS 150 ATEX Z22 central vacuum unit with ATEX-certified blower and controls,
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Integrated ATEX safety devices such as a flameless vent and compartmentalization valve.
This design ensures:
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Simultaneous dust extraction from different levels,
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Extended suction coverage across the entire facility,
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Efficient dust collection with Big-Bag discharge.
The Plant Layout
The centralized system serves a multi-level pharmaceutical facility. The vacuum network uses steel piping installed on all levels with 12 suction inlets strategically positioned to match operator workflows.
Distribution of suction points:
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1 suction point on the ground floor
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Dedicated to vacuuming near the pre-separator zone.
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3 suction points on the first floor
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3 suction points on the second floor
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2 suction points on a raised walkway
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Located at a height of about 35 meters.
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The farthest suction point is approximately 75 meters from the central suction unit, so the system is engineered to maintain performance over long pipe runs.
This layout allows the plant to clean every critical area — from floor surfaces to elevated walkways — without moving mobile equipment between floors.
Safe Vacuuming in ATEX Zone 22
Peat is a carbon-rich organic material with high combustibility. When handled or processed, it generates fine dust that can:
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Disperse in the air,
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Form explosive dust clouds,
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And settle in layers that can be re-suspended.
Because of the presence of combustible dust, the work area is classified as ATEX Zone 22. The dust extraction system therefore had to be:
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ATEX-certified,
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Highly efficient in capturing fine dust,
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And carefully adapted to the complexity of the building and process.
Suction Points & Automatic Control
Each suction inlet is equipped with electro-pneumatic valves that provide smart, localized control of the system.
Key functions:
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Automatic start
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The suction system automatically starts when a suction point is opened by the operator.
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Automatic stop with delay
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Simultaneous users
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The system is designed to support two operators using two suction points at the same time without compromising performance.
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This setup improves energy efficiency, reduces wear on the system, and makes operation intuitive for staff on all floors.
Suction of Peat and Organic Compounds
Suction Unit: CVS 150 ATEX Z22
The suction unit installed is a CVS 150 ATEX Z22, built with a powerful side-channel blower and a robust steel frame.
Main specifications:
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Power: 15 kW
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Max airflow: 920 m³/h
Continuous vacuum: 350 mbar
Key features:
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ATEX Zone 22 configuration for combustible dust environments.
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PLC-controlled electrical panel to manage:
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Remote start/stop of the suction system,
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System parameters,
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Integration with facility control and alarm systems.
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The CVS 150 provides stable performance required to serve a multi-level system with long pipe runs and fine dust.
Filtering Pre-Separator: DV AIR 800 Z22
Dust is captured and separated in a DV AIR 800 Z22 filter pre-separator before it reaches the central vacuum unit.
Key characteristics:
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Four class M filter cartridges
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High-efficiency filtration for fine peat dust and organic particles.
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Ensures safe, clean air returning from the system.
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SP automatic filter cleaning system
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Uses air pulses to clean filter cartridges automatically.
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Maintains constant suction performance and reduces manual maintenance.
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Big-Bag discharge
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Collected dust is discharged into large Big-Bags, ideal for handling fine, lightweight material in bulk.
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The entire discharge and cleaning process is managed autonomously via the control panel.
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This configuration allows the system to handle large volumes of fine peat dust while protecting the blower and simplifying waste handling.
Key Features of the Installation
The peat dust central vacuum system is built around a set of features that guarantee performance, safety, and reliability:
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Powerful side-channel blower
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Ensures high vacuum and stable airflow across long distances and multiple floors.
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System-specific electrical panel
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PLC-based, with functions tailored to this installation (remote control, auto start/stop, monitoring).
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High-efficiency class M cartridges
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Capture fine dust with high efficiency, protecting both equipment and air quality.
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Conveyed discharge system
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Big-Bag discharge from the DV AIR 800 Z22, controlled via the central panel, minimizes direct operator contact with dust.
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These features allow the system to operate continuously and efficiently in a demanding ATEX environment.
Integrated Safety Systems
To manage the explosion risk associated with peat dust, the system includes integrated ATEX safety components.
Key devices:
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Installed on the system to allow rapid depressurization in the event of an internal explosion.
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Contains flames and pressure, helping prevent structural damage.
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ATEX-certified compartmentalization valve
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Built into the piping network to block backflow of vacuumed peat dust and gas.
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Prevents the propagation of an explosion through the pipes into other parts of the facility.
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Together, these devices form a safety envelope around the central vacuum system, reducing the impact of a potential explosion and protecting both structures and personnel.
Results & Benefits for the Pharmaceutical Facility
With the new system in place, the facility achieved:
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Safe, efficient dust removal across three floors
12 suction inlets strategically placed on multiple levels and the raised walkway make it easy for operators to remove dust everywhere it accumulates. -
Reduced explosion risk
Continuous removal of fine peat dust and integrated ATEX safety devices significantly lower the overall explosion hazard. -
Improved worker safety and air quality
Less airborne dust means better breathing conditions and healthier workspaces. -
Less cross-contamination
Controlled dust extraction helps prevent organic and peat dust from migrating between production zones. -
Continuous production with minimal interruptions
Automatic controls, Big-Bag discharge, and self-cleaning filters minimize downtime for cleaning and maintenance.
Why This Matters for Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic & Chemical Plants
Facilities in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical sectors often handle:
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Activated carbon, peat, and other organic compounds,
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Fine powders that are both combustible and contaminant risks,
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Multi-floor production layouts.
Without a properly designed central vacuum system:
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Dust accumulates in hidden areas,
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Cross-contamination risks increase,
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And explosion hazards remain high.
An ATEX Zone 22 central vacuum system with proper filtration, safety devices, and smart controls helps:
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Keep combustible dust under control,
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Protect workers and critical equipment,
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And support regulatory compliance (ATEX, NFPA, and internal safety standards).
Talk to Depureco USA About Peat & Organic Dust Solutions
If your pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or chemical plant needs to manage fine peat dust, activated carbon, or other organic compounds, Depureco USA can help you design a custom ATEX/NFPA-aligned central vacuum system.
We can:
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Analyze your building layout and dust sources,
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Size a CVS and pre-separator combination for your dust and volume,
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Integrate suction inlets, automatic controls, and explosion protection devices.
Get in touch with Depureco USA to explore a tailored solution for your organic and combustible dust extraction needs.