Abstract
Based on the experience accumulated over time on the evaluation of equipment and installations in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres, this paper is intended to be an element of synthesis on issues related to the “in situ” assessment and solutions of solvency the deficiencies found. The assessment of these installations is very important in order to verify the implementation of measures that lead to minimizing the risk of ignition of explosive atmospheres. Evaluation of these installations is made through an on-site visit and on the basis of the technical documentation developed by the care of the user. In first part of the paper were presented the legal aspects regarding the placing on the market and the use of equipment designed for potentially explosive atmospheres. The paper is continuing with the presenting the technical aspects regarding the evaluation of equipment and installations operating in potentially explosive atmospheres followed by requirements for electrical equipment. The main conclusion, of the paper is that the explosion protection of the equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres may be invalidated by the incorrect selection of the equipment, incorrect installation of the product, inadequate: performance of inspection operations, maintenance or repairing of equipment.
Highlights
Installations where flammable materials are handled or stored must be designed, operated and maintained in such a way that all releases of flammable materials, and the extent of hazardous areas, are kept to a minimum, in terms of frequency, duration and quantity, whether or not operation is normal [1].An area where explosive atmospheres may occur in such high concentrations as to require special precautions to protect the health and safety of the workers involved is considered dangerous
In Romania, in 2007, after the adhesion to the EU, the normative document [7] was adopted. According of this normative at commissioning of a technical installation operating in potentially explosive atmospheres a verification of the technical documentation and an on-site assessment must be performed
This is to assess the technical installation in order to check if all the measures required to ensure the protection to explosion are adopted, especially those regarding the equipment/protective systems used in Ex classified areas
Summary
Installations where flammable materials are handled or stored must be designed, operated and maintained in such a way that all releases of flammable materials, and the extent of hazardous areas, are kept to a minimum, in terms of frequency, duration and quantity, whether or not operation is normal [1]. When the presence of an explosive atmosphere is very likely, the use of electrical equipment with a low probability of generating a source of ignition will be used. For the above-mentioned operations that can compromise the explosion protection characteristics, only the manufacturer instructions and the requirements of the ATEX Directive are not enough According of this normative at commissioning of a technical installation operating in potentially explosive atmospheres a verification of the technical documentation and an on-site assessment must be performed This is to assess the technical installation in order to check if all the measures required to ensure the protection to explosion are adopted, especially those regarding the equipment/protective systems used in Ex classified areas.
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