Explosion Proof: 4 Reasons To Use In Hazardous Areas

Explosion-proof equipment gives you peace of mind daily working in a hazardous area. However, even the tiniest spark produced within a hazardous environment can result in immeasurable damage. In this way, working with explosion-proof equipment is not only an investment but also safe. In this post, we separate some reasons to work with explosion-proof equipment and see the benefits and the application scenarios.

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Technical specification of explosion-proof equipment

Let&#;s start by defining what makes equipment explosion-proof. If your equipment bears the UL certification seal, it is ready and approved for use in hazardous environments. However, be careful to use your ex-proof equipment within the designated area classification. To understand how the ratings work, read our previous post: Explosion-Proof Motor: Learn to identify the ratings.

The explosion-proof enclosure acts as a cooler to prevent the explosion from reaching the dangerous atmosphere of the environment. Therefore, regular equipment maintenance will ensure excellent protection in explosive accidents.

In the image above, you see a representation of the cooling done in the explosion-proof housing of the equipment that contains the pressure of gases. Now let&#;s look at some of the benefits of working with this rugged equipment.

Prevention of potential damage

Using explosion-proof equipment will reduce the risk of more significant damage in your hazardous area. As the equipment is capable of containing internal explosions, this keeps your work area safe and prevents other equipment damage. To visualize this benefit, picture the following scenario. When using an ex-proof motor, a buildup of flammable dust ignites its casing and results in an explosion. However, the case prevents the damage from being greater in the hazardous environment. Thus, in addition to preserving the safety of staff, this safety measure also eliminates the risk of greater financial losses.

Extended shelf life

To deliver durability and strength, the materials used to manufacture explosion-proof equipment must be of the best quality. For example, imagine a junction box for electrical use inside an explosive environment; its material needs to be resistant to contain and cool a possible explosion or fire. In this way, explosion-proof equipment has a longer shelf life, establishing an investment with long-term benefits.

Productivity

Undoubtedly one of your daily goals is to increase productivity in your work routine. Investing in safety measures can increase productivity. With the right equipment, your staff will have less work training for hazardous areas operations. For example, an explosion-proof headlamp becomes very practical for a miner who needs to focus on their service. As a result, they do not commit one of their hands to work and don&#;t waste the workforce. To further optimize the work, in this case, the installation of explosion-proof light fixtures and the arrangement of portable light also increase productivity in confined environments.

Increase in service value

One of the most significant benefits that the use of explosion-proof equipment can bring is the recognition of a high standard of service. Keeping a hazardous area under control requires investment and knowledge. Training your staff and the right equipment will increase the value and quality of your service and product. Having your efforts recognized in the market is certainly attractive to you! So, put together the best safety strategy using explosion-proof equipment.

Wrap up

In this post, you saw some reasons why integrating explosion-proof equipment in your hazardous area is beneficial. Ensure the safety, quality, and productive growth of your industry. Some of the practical examples mentioned in this article show optimistic scenarios using ex-proof equipment to improve work performance. Those types of equipment make part of our catalog. The Intrinsically Safe Store prioritizes high safety standards, and here you will find the best safety measure. Our intrinsic safety experts will guide you to the best safe control solution for your hazardous area. Do not hesitate to contact us; we are ready for you!

What does explosion proof mean?

To understand what is meant by explosion proof, we must look at the context of the term and the organization that defined it. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) began publishing the National Electric Code (NEC®) in . The NEC® is also known as NFPA 70 and ANSI/NFPA 70 from its inclusion in the body of NFPA codes.

The NEC® includes definitions for several types of protection techniques acceptable when designing products for use in hazardous (classified) locations: Explosion proof, dust ignition proof, dust tight, purged/pressurized, intrinsically safe, and hermetically sealed. These definitions set the criteria that must be met by all components installed in hazardous (classified) locations.

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To meet the criteria for the explosion proof rating, an enclosure must be able to contain any explosion originating within its housing and prevent sparks from within its housing from igniting vapors, gases, dust, or fibers in the air surrounding it. Therefore, explosion proof, when referring to electrical enclosures, does not mean that it is able to withstand an exterior explosion. Instead, it is the enclosures ability to prevent an internal spark or explosion from causing a much larger blast.

Additionally, the NEC states that equipment must meet the temperature requirements of the specific application in which it is to be installed. This means that the operating temperature of the motor (and its enclosure) or other component cannot be greater than the lowest ignition/combustion temperature of the gases or dusts in the atmosphere where the component is to be installed.

All components are labeled on their nameplate with the distinct classification in which they have been tested and approved for installation.

How are the protection techniques rated?

Each of the protection techniques mentioned above is permitted for use only in very specific applications. For example, components and equipment complying to the dust tight specification are approved for use in Class II, Division 2, or Class III, Division 1 or 2 locations, while those listed as explosion proof are approved for use in Class I, Division 1 or 2 locations.

Often, those products listed for a higher classification surpass the requirements for lower classifications. In fact, the NEC® explicitly states &#;Equipment that has been identified for a Division 1 location shall be permitted in a Division 2 location of the same class, group, and temperature class,&#; thereby complying with requirements for the Division 2 areas [ANSI/NFPA 70:500.8(A)(2)].

Who tests Explosion Proof equipment?

Nationally recognized testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and Intertek use marks to denote that the products they have tested conform to the standards set by the (NFPA) and by other international standards organizations. These marks, which include UL, CSA, ETL, and others, can be looked for to determine compliance with the standards. Products that do not bear these marks may not meet the requirements of the NEC.

A ready for production prototype is sent to a testing laboratory. Once approved, that laboratory sends inspectors to the manufacturer on occasion to ensure that nothing has been changed in the design or manufacturing of the component.

Specific Systems® are engineered to perform

Unlike systems sold by HVAC modifiers, units fabricated by Specific Systems® are engineered from the sheet metal to the compressor choices to meet the standards laid out in the NEC®. Specific Systems® uses only fully approved and labeled components and wiring methods on all systems.

• Hermetically sealed scroll compressors in every unit
• Standard totally-enclosed, fan-cooled (TEFC) motors
• Class I Div 1 hazardous duty motors, when specified
• Electrical control panels built in our UL 508A approved electrical shop
• CSA C/US approved explosion proof compressors
• UL Listing and CSA C/US Approval of all InPac® and AirPak units
• All wiring is properly routed through conduit and labeled in order to exceed NEC® standards

Some refineries and processing facilities operate in cooler environments. Because of the often cooler ambient temperatures, heat is often required in these applications. However, typical open coil heaters can not be used in hazardous areas due to the explosion hazard. For these applications, explosion proof fin tube heaters must be utilized.

Explosion proof heaters incorporate fin tube heating elements and enclosed electrical connections to meet code and reduce surface temperatures. Specific Systems® explosion proof heaters are CSA C/US approved.

Additionally, explosion proof crankcase heaters are used in these conditions instead of standard crankcase heaters.

Depend on Specific Systems®

Specific Systems® has been building HVAC and pressurization units for hazardous (classified) areas since , and is the oldest and largest manufacturer in the industry. Because we build the units, we will be here to assist with any questions you have post-installation.

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