Tiger-Vac EXP1-10 (IT-40 L) EX DT (CFE) HEPA 2GD

Safe recovery of gunpowder residues and projectile fragments in ATEX Zone 21

The EXP1-10 (IT-40L) EX DT (CFE) HEPA is a compact, ATEX Zone 21 certified inert vacuum cleaner designed for the safe recovery and neutralisation of unburnt gunpowder, reactive metal particles and lead-containing dust on indoor shooting ranges. The unit complies with EN 17348 for transportable dust collectors used in explosive atmospheres and is engineered for environments where explosive dust atmospheres may occur during normal operation.

Why shooting ranges require oil-based inertisation

Shooting ranges present a unique risk environment: gunpowder residues, binders, aluminium, magnesium and zinc particles from projectile fragmentation, and fine lead dust accumulate in bullet traps, backstops, ventilation ducts and during filter maintenance. These materials can ignite from heat, sparks or static discharge. For this reason, tasks involving unburnt gunpowder or unknown dust mixtures require inert recovery using oil—not water—because water can react violently with metals found in ammunition and form hydrogen gas.

Inert liquid bath: neutralising the hazard at the source

The EXP1-10 neutralises dust directly in an oil-based immersion bath that cools, isolates and immobilises the material. The oil layer reduces oxygen around the particles, prevents glowing or ignition, and eliminates explosive atmosphere inside the recovery tank. A degassing vent ensures controlled evacuation of gas, while conductive recovery bags and a stainless steel depressor cage (AISI 304) maintain full ESD continuity during operation and disposal.

High-performance filtration for lead and gunpowder particles

Above the liquid bath sits a HEPA-grade Coalescing Filter Element (CFE) with 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 µm, capturing aerosols and fine particles. The 6-layer aluminium Mist Arrestor Pack protects the filter from oil aerosols and ensures leak-tight performance in accordance with ATEX requirements. This filtration strategy prevents recirculation of fine lead or gunpowder particles and contributes to significantly reduced airborne exposure on the range.

Complete ESD-safe accessory kit for shooting ranges

The EXP1-10 (IT-40L) comes with a full ESD-safe SD accessory kit: conductive hose, antistatic nozzles, conical nozzle, Tiger Claw nozzle, round brush, 2-piece stainless steel wand and a multimeter for testing system resistance. This configuration makes the unit ideal for housekeeping in ATEX-classified areas, cleaning bullet traps and backstops, handling spills or unknown material, and safely emptying ventilation or filtration units.

Zone 21 safety: engineered for explosive dust atmospheres

On shooting ranges, areas containing gunpowder residues are typically classified as Zone 21, and the internal atmosphere of vacuum equipment can behave like an internal Zone 20 until the explosive atmosphere is eliminated. Inert technology changes this condition: the oil barrier removes the oxidation medium and prevents ignition from static discharge, hot surfaces or particle impact. For this reason, the EXP1-10 is used in professional shooting range safety programmes where both explosion risks and lead exposure must be controlled.

Included accessories

HEPA-grade CFE filter, Mist Arrestor Pack, conductive recovery bags, AISI 304 depressor cage, conductive hose, 2-piece stainless steel wand, conical nozzle, Tiger Claw nozzle, round brush and multimeter. All accessories maintain continuous ESD dissipation and proper grounding in ATEX Zone 21.

FAQ

• Why is oil used instead of water on shooting ranges? Water can react with aluminium, magnesium or gunpowder residues and create hazardous reactions. Oil is inert, isolates the particles and eliminates the explosion risk.
• What can the vacuum recover? Unburnt gunpowder, projectile fragments, reactive metal dust and mixed shooting range debris. Organic dust should not be collected.
• Is the EXP1-10 suitable for filter emptying and technical maintenance? Yes. It is designed for high-risk tasks including ventilation filter emptying, backstop cleaning, bullet trap maintenance and unknown dust mixtures.
• Which ATEX zone does the vacuum cover? It is certified for Zone 21 and suitable for areas where explosive dust atmospheres may occur during normal operation.
• Does the vacuum help reduce lead exposure? Yes. The HEPA-grade CFE and Mist Arrestor system captures fine lead particles and prevents them from returning to the shooting environment.
• How is the collected waste handled? The inertised material is stored in conductive recovery bags and must be disposed of as contaminated waste according to regulations for lead and gunpowder residues.