Purpose

To protect maintenance engineers from falling objects and debris during inspection, cleaning and maintenance work in furnaces, reactors, silos and other vertical installations.

Problem

When working inside furnaces, reactors and similar installations, there is a risk of objects falling from above: loose refractory bricks, caked material, tools or other parts. For personnel working at the bottom of the installation, this poses a serious safety risk.

Traditional Solution and Shortcomings

Previously, safety nets were used, hung at specific points in the installation. However, this resulted in large gaps between the nets and the wall, allowing debris to still fall and pose a safety risk.

Innovative Solution from Buitink Technology

The safety net system consists of an inflatable ring (similar to a 'donut') linked to a safety net with a mesh size of about 45 mm. The system is brought to the right height using winches or lifting loops. By pressurizing the ring with a 230 volt pump or compressed air, the system clamps itself against the wall, creating a seamless and safe connection without openings; no suspended fixing is required.

Because every system is custom-made, it suits virtually any diameter: from compact reactors of less than 2 metres across to fluidized bed furnaces of up to 12 metres.

Application: fluidized bed furnaces

For inspection, cleaning and maintenance work in (large) fluidized bed furnaces, such as those used in the production of zinc alloys and sulphuric acid, we supplied this system in a large version. These furnaces often have a conical shape and a diameter of up to 12 metres. The refractory bricks lining the inside of the furnace can come loose and fall; the inflatable safety net catches them and fits seamlessly against the conical furnace wall.

Application: reactors in the steel industry

For a German steel producer, we recently supplied a compact version of this system for a reactor with an internal diameter of 1.81 metres and a height of almost 5 metres. During maintenance work inside the reactor, the net protects the fitters against parts falling from above.

The inflatable donut ring, 300 mm in diameter, is lowered from above to the required height using four lifting loops and then inflated. The contact pressure against the reactor wall holds the ring securely in place. A pressure regulator and a 230 volt air pump with automatic pressure control keep the ring at the correct pressure throughout the work.

Step-by-step plan for installation

1. Positioning

Position the safety net system at the desired height in the installation using winches or lifting loops.

2. Inflation

Inflate the inflatable ring to air pressure using the 230 volt pump or connected compressed air.

3. Check

Check that the ring is fully and evenly inflated.

4. Fixation

Ensure that the ring and net fit seamlessly to the wall for maximum safety

List of Benefits

• Improved Safety: Seamless connection prevents debris from falling through openings.
• Custom-made: Suitable for installations of any diameter and shape, from 1.8 to 12 metres.
• Efficiency: Quick and easy to install and remove.
• Durability: Strong material and design for long-term use.
• Versatility: Usable for various industrial applications.

Engineering safety net with inflatable ring