Explosion Venting Fasteners

Choosing the Right Venting Fasteners

Many industrial and agricultural operations involve highly volatile liquids which are subject to fume emission or involve dry materials so fine and light they can easily escape into the air. With the presence of these elements, an explosion is an ever-present danger. These solids, gases, and vapors can generate shock waves from 35 to 120 psi. Pressures can rise from 200 to 2200 psi per second.

This peril has continued to exist despite precautionary training programs for workers, carefully balanced ventilation systems, and the physical separation of processing stages. Since these efforts have not completely eliminated the explosion hazard, it is important to design buildings so that if an explosion occurs, injury and building damage can be minimized.

History of Vent-All Explosion Venting Fasteners

In the early 1950s, Fabco® Fastening systems initiated experiments in the development of explosion venting, pressure-release fasteners, based on their experience in designing and marketing fasteners for the metal building industry.

After private tests were made to develop the fastener concept, an initial series of tests were performed by Factory Mutual Research in 1958. These tests showed the merits of the system for venting pressures inside structures.

Research and private testing continued until, finally, the product was introduced to the construction industry. Of the many installations on which Vent-All fasteners have been used, a small number of reports were received that explosions had occurred and that the shock waves vented satisfactorily.

Vent-All Fasteners Today

Vent-All washers by Fabco Fastening Systems are designed to collapse under the force of an explosion, releasing the metal panel from the structure and allowing the shock waves to escape and dissipate. These fasteners have been used successfully in construction for over 40 years. Reports show that in installations where explosions have occurred, the resultant shock waves were vented satisfactorily.

How It Works

Our explosion fasteners, a series of collapsible washers on stainless steel fasteners, are designed to minimize injury and destruction of property from explosions caused by agricultural or industrial operations. It is ideal to vent shock waves through sidewalls of a structure. Venting through metal roofs can be problematic due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. Built-up roofs also present problems, as the use of rigid insulation, felts, and ballast tend to delay venting.

Fastener Details

For each Vent-All fastener, a hole is drilled into the panels and framing, then the hole in the top panel is enlarged to 1/2-inch diameter. It is necessary to install one centering device per fastener to prevent sagging of the panel. If you provide us with the following information, we will provide a detailed drawing which shows the quantity, type, and spacing of the explosion venting required for your project.

1. Dimension of Area to be Vented
2. Girt Spacing & Gage or Thickness
3. Panel Configuration, Including Width, Length & Thickness

4. Type & Thickness of Insulation, If Applicable
5. Pressure Release Value

More About Our Fasteners:

- Vent-All Literature
- Explosion Venting Inquiry Form

- Example of Typical Explosion Fastener Layout