Containment and OEB Equipment

Solutions for handling powders and hazardous substances

What is OEB containment equipment?

OEB (Occupational Exposure Band) containment equipment refers to industrial systems developed to limit exposure to active and hazardous substances. Designed in compliance with OEB classifications, these systems create secure working environments while adhering to strict environmental and health regulations.

Typical applications

• Food Industry: Containment of sensitive powders such as lactose and flavourings.
• Chemical Industry: Safe handling of flammable or corrosive substances.
• Pharmaceutical Sector: Management of APIs and HPAPIs with full traceability and containment.
• Energy Sector: Controlled preparation and storage of powders used in battery manufacturing.

Palamatic Process OEB containment equipment

Containment systems for Bulk Bags, sacks, drums or barrels, and containers

Our systems are tailored to meet stringent safety standards while ensuring effective handling of hazardous substances.

Key features

• Complete containment: Prevents the release of airborne particles.
• Compliance with standards: Adheres to the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) for classified zones and ATEX guidelines for explosive atmospheres.
• Ease of maintenance: Simplified cleaning and servicing for greater efficiency.

Specialised applications

• Bulk Bag emptying stations: Designed for managing large volumes of powder while minimising exposure risks.
• Glove box emptying systems: Airtight solutions ideal for handling highly toxic materials.
• Drum emptying stations: Safe handling of substances stored in drums.
• Container emptying systems: Ensures contamination-free discharge with hermetically sealed designs.

Safe transfer of powders, pneumatic and mechanical solutions

Pneumatic dense phase transfer

A secure transport solution designed to prevent particle dispersal.

Features:

• Transfer distances up to 100 metres.
• Suitable for flammable and toxic substances.
• Automation options to enhance safety and efficiency.

Mechanical transfer systems

Ideal for short- to medium-distance transport requirements.

Features

• Tubular or trough screw conveyors for precise flow rates.
• Easy integration into existing processes.

Common OEB containment applications

Industries benefiting from OEB containment systems

• Pharmaceutical: Handling APIs/HPAPIs with precise traceability and batch management.
• Chemical: Safe operations involving flammable or corrosive powders.
• Food: Secure transport and storage of sensitive ingredients.
• Energy: Managing battery materials and specialised chemicals.

At Palamatic Process, we have developed Easy Clean Design hygienic equipment

What equipment is recommended for handling CMR powders with OEB3, OEB4 or OEB5 exposure levels?

To safeguard operators and prevent direct contact with hazardous or toxic particles, Collective Protective Equipment (CPE) is essential. These solutions include:

• Confined emptying stations: Secure handling and discharge of materials.
• Airtight transfer systems: Designed to safely transport powders without leaks.
• Centralised dust extraction units: To minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
• ATEX-Compliant equipment: Ensuring safety and reliability in potentially explosive environments.

Some powders classified as CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic) by INERIS require strict handling due to their low occupational exposure limits, as defined by:

• OEB3: 10–100 µg/m³
• OEB4: 1–10 µg/m³
• OEB5: <1 µg/m³

Installing CPE is critical to protecting operators by creating a barrier against direct exposure and maintaining the integrity of your production processes.

What types of powders can be handled with OEB-Standard Containment Systems?

Palamatic Process's OEB-standard containment systems are specifically designed to handle a wide variety of powders, whether pharmaceutical, chemical, food-grade, or industrial. Commonly processed powders include:

• APIs and HPAPIs (Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).
• Sensitive food powders: Such as lactose, flavourings, and flours.
• Chemical substances: Including flammable, corrosive, and toxic powders.

Our equipment is equipped with Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) or Wash-in-Place (WIP) options, ensuring a reduction in cross-contamination risks and compliance with strict hygiene and traceability standards.

Whether you are handling flammable powders requiring ATEX-compliant systems or pharmaceutical powders demanding precision and enhanced traceability, our modular solutions are tailored to integrate seamlessly into your production chain.

How to incorporate OEB containment systems into existing processes?

Palamatic Process offers modular and tailored equipment designed to seamlessly integrate into your production lines. An initial analysis ensures compatibility with mechanical configurations and process flows, while automation options optimise performance and safety.

Examples of integrated solutions:

• Big Bag emptying stations: Fully contained systems for large-scale powder handling.
• Pneumatic dense phase transfer systems: Ideal for long-distance, secure transportation of sensitive materials.

This approach ensures optimum installation, complying with the requirements of standards OEB3 to OEB5, while limiting the risks of occupational exposure (OEL). The equipment can be coupled with automated systems, such as confined emptying stations, pneumatic transfer devices or dedusting solutions, to guarantee the safety of operators and the quality of the products handled.  

Our expertise ensures a smooth and efficient transition, with comprehensive support from design through to integration and training of your teams. Our equipment is designed to improve your performance while complying with the strictest safety and industrial compliance standards.

Contact us for a customised containment solution. The Palamatic Process team is available to help you select the most suitable containment equipment for your emptying or transfer needs. Whether you require a hermetically sealed big bag emptying station or a dense phase pneumatic transfer system for sensitive powders, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.