What is a Spark Trap?

A spark trap is a mechanical device that is placed inline with your ducting system. Spark traps – also known as spark arrestors - have no moving parts, require no power source and are easy to include into an existing ducting system. The purpose of the spark trap is to stop sparks and glowing embers from reaching the dust collector.
Sparks and embers are somewhat inevitable in many types of manufacturing. They can however be incredibly dangerous and detrimental to production. Placing a spark trap into a ducting system is a cheap and simple way to reduce the risk of fires or explosions. 
Nordfab spark traps are designed to efficiently disrupt the laminar airflow without reducing the speed or volume of the air passing through the duct work. This disruption introduces turbulence to the airflow, extinguishing the spark, ensuring that what leaves the trap is safe.

Why are they so important?

Any system that is at risk of fire or explosion should use an ATEX system, a filter that is purposely designed to safely manage any explosive event. When incorporated into an ATEX system a spark trap adds an extra level of peace of mind, that could even save money as well as saving lives. By removing sparks before they reach the filter, the spark trap reduces the risk of the ATEX blast panels ever being used, this of course reduces the need for ATEX blast panels to be reset/replaced, which presents a substantial cost saving.
Of course a spark trap should not be considered as a replacement for a well-engineered and expertly fitted ATEX system, however it can be considered as a low cost inclusion to your duct system in conjunction with ATEX.