Ignition Of Explosive Atmosphere Research Articles

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

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.

Determining the maximum surface temperature for non-electrical equipment aiming at explosion prevention at protection

Non-electrical equipment has been used for over 150 years in industries with potentially explosive atmospheres and great experience has been gained with regard to the application of protective measures to reduce the risk of ignition down to an acceptable safety level. The use of non-electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres required the development of specific requirements with regard to the concept of protection against the ignition of explosive atmospheres, which to clearly define protection measures and to include the experience gained and extended over the years. The practical studies, laboratory research and methods for assessing and testing the hazard of ignition by hot surfaces presented within the paper have as main purpose the improvement of ignition hazard assessment in different operating conditions.

Electrical equipment for flammable atmospheres−enforcement aspects

Electrical equipment has been used in applications where it was exposed to flammable surroundings and explosive atmospheres since electricity was first introduced into industry in the latter part of the 19th century. During the early years of the 20th century, there was a growing awareness of the potential for electrical equipment to be a potential source of ignition of explosive atmospheres. Standards and codes of practice at both national and international levels covering the protection concepts and construction of, and arrangements for, electrical equipment for use in flammable atmospheres were introduced and have been (and are being) improved and refined almost continuously since they were first introduced. Standards and codes of practice have played a pivotal role in encouraging that explosion protected electrical equipment has been properly constructed, installed and maintained. The fact that there have been few recorded incidents concerning properly constructed equipment installed and maintained in accordance with the codes of practice may be said generally to show that the systems used have provided adequate protection. The challenge now is to ensure that, in 2003, the systems are in place for compliance with the new Regulations, the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996. One area of standardisation that requires further consideration is that of static electricity and the prevention of it in relation to explosive dusts, vapours and gases.