Ignition risk assessment to the non-electrical equipment from hydrogen production, storage, transport and use facilities

Abstract

The goal of integrated explosion safety is a concept that was developed to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres as well as sources of ignition and, in the event that an explosion does take place, to immediately stop to it and/or to limit the damage it causes. Ignition of explosive atmospheres by non-electrical equipment occurs when energy supplied by equipment used for processing or conveying of material is converted into heat, usually as the result of a mechanical failure of the equipment or associated systems. In light of this fact, the manufacturer has a responsibility to take precautions with regard to the potential ignition sources. In addition, the non-electrical equipment must be designed and manufactured after a thorough analysis of the possible operating faults. This is done in order to prevent potentially dangerous situations as much as possible by taking into account any misuse that can be anticipated in a reasonable manner. The most important aspect of the ignition hazard assessment for the non-electrical equipment is the identification of the probable ignition sources. The paper shows the methodology of the ignition hazard assessment for the non-electrical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.