Secondary explosions can cause extensive damage in an unprotected system, often due to inadequate explosion isolation in the ducting between vessels or connecting plant equipment. Weak enclosures like dust collectors, cyclones, bins, silos, and bucket elevators are typically only safeguarded with explosion venting, which may alleviate some over-pressure but still poses a risk of further damage without proper explosion isolation measures. The explosion does not selectively travel through the explosion vent opening but can enter through all available openings, posing a significant hazard if it reaches connected equipment. To mitigate this risk, the use of explosion isolation products is crucial to protect plant equipment from the propagation of explosions between vessels.

Passive explosion isolation operates solely on the pressure wave from the explosion to activate the isolation mechanism, functioning without detection or control units. Various solutions, such as the Brilex Isolation Valves (BPF-M and RSK – discontinued), Brilex Explosion Diverter (REXS), Thorwesten Vent Explosion Diverters (STT and DES), IEP Technologies Isolation Valve (ProFlapPlusII and IsoFlap), and Rico Ventex Isolation Valves (New Gen, ESI-D, ESI-E, ESI-C, and REDEX Flap), are available to provide passive explosion isolation. These solutions offer a range of options for implementing passive isolation measures without the need for additional detection or control systems, enhancing safety in industrial environments.