The emergency run-out pit

There is a risk for melt to escape uncontrollably from any melting or holding plant.. For this reason, such systems must be equipped with emergency run-out pits that can hold at least the entire furnace content and must be positioned directly below the furnace. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the pits are dry or – as soon as this is not the case – the melting operation must be stopped immediately for safety reasons. Emergency run-out pits that are drained in the bottom area by means of drainage material (slag, gravel, aerated concrete, etc.) only partially and insufficiently meet the requirement. Especially if any sheets and gutters on the furnace street are required for drainage, which must divert any water occurring in front of the furnace pit in order to keep the pit dry. The same applies to pipes inside the pit that are to be used for steam drainage.

Since the development of foam ceramic as a solid drainage material in 1992 by Silmeta Systems, emergency run-out pits are drained not only in the area of the floor, but particularly inside the walls. Silmeta Systems installations do not require sheet metal, pipes or other individual parts which, once aged and defective or removed knowingly or unknowingly, could affect the protection against a steam explosion.

Emergency run-out pit construction methods

Emergency Collecting Pit – ECP A

Highly efficient solution for small and medium sized installations.

Emergency Collecting Pit – ECP C

Additional safety for medium and large installations.

Emergency Run-Out Pit – Green ROP

Fast and easy solution for small and medium sized installations – DIY possible.

For all types applies:

  • Full protection against steam explosion.
  • No down-time of melting operation despite wet pit.
  • No metallic parts exposed to the melt except the lids covering individual collecting chambers.
  • No metal supporting structures (pipes, baffles, gutters) that have to drain off water upstream of the collecting pit to ensure a dry furnace pit.
  • Combination with any type of furnace street possible.
  • Every type must be equipped with a drainage system.