Focus on process
Focus on process
The smallest spark
When specifying equipment for operation in explosive
atmospheres, it’s not only the large equipment which needs
to be considered. Even the smallest and apparently most
insignificant system components can have the potential
Case stu dy
to produce sparks or excessive temperatures, leading to
combustion or explosion. However, an experienced supplier
taking the heat
such as ERIKS – with a comprehensive catalogue of ATEXapproved products – can ensure that nothing is overlooked and
your complete process is fire- and explosion-resistant.
Fenner gearboxes and gear motors, for
example, are certified by the Baseefa
certification body for use in ATEX Zones
1 and 2 (gas) and 21 and 22 (dust). This
means off-the-shelf Fenner drive solutions
are now available for use in the processing
and offshore industries, making it quicker
and easier for customers to specify, choose
and install a suitable solution.
Providing an essential link between the
motor, gearbox and pump, Fenaflex tyre
and spacer couplings are also available
with ATEX approval for use in Zones 1 and
2 – removing another potential source of
ignition. These couplings are manufactured
from a chloroprene compound which is both
fire-resistant and anti-static (FRAS), with a
greater than normal resistance to heat and
oil. The compound is suitable for operation in
temperatures from –15°C to +70°C.
The FRAS rubber tyre couplings avoid the
build-up of static electricity which could be
a source of ignition, and are made of fireresistant rubber to prevent re-ignition. The
Fenner Taper Lock® bush system for fixing
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the units is also ATEX-approved for this
particular application.
Static electricity is a significant hazard in
explosive atmospheres, as it can produce a
spark which can ignite flammable products
or cause explosions. The static is created as
a result of friction between two elements –
liquids, gases, vapours or solids – at least one
of which has good conductive capabilities.
The friction can occur through two surfaces
rubbing together, through drops or fixed
particles falling, or through spraying. Since
the energy required to reach the auto-ignition
point of some products can be very low, and
the sparks are not always visible to the naked
eye, static electricity is a significant hazard in
an ATEX atmosphere, one of the main causes
of industrial fires and explosions, and steps
must be taken to prevent it.
ERIKS offers a full range of anti-static and
anti-conductive hoses and assemblies to
prevent the generation of static electricity
and the associated fire or explosion risk. In
addition, ERIKS’ RX® FIRESAFE hydraulic
hose has been designed and tested to
ISSUE 07 Summer 2011 www.eriks.co.uk/knowhow
withstand 1,000°C at 280 bar for a minimum
of thirty minutes. Its fire-resistant outer wall
is made from braided glass fibre covered
with a fire-resistant rubber compound. The
fire-resistant layers are vulcanised as a single
layer with the hydraulic hose.
The final ‘link in the chain’ of fire and
explosion protection is the valve.
Any valves used in process applications
involving volatile media must be tested to
ISO10497 and/or API607 2005, as well as
meeting ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Valves
which meet these standards – such as
Econosto UK fire-safe valves – will remain
intact and protect the integrity of the system
carrying the flammable medium, even in the
event of a major fire. Econosto UK’s Fire
Safe range of ball valves additionally meets
the standards required to be certified Fire
Safe. The materials used in their manufacture
will withstand high temperatures and thermal
shock, and even the failure of a soft sealing
component in the event of a fire will not lead
to the valve being destroyed.
How do you keep tabs on the safety and performance of a process,
when operating temperatures are up to 510°C, and operation is 24/7
at 100% capacity? That was the problem facing the Bayernoil refinery
complex in Germany, where super grade petrol and light fuel are
produced using a reforming process, in reactors with heat supplied
by furnaces and carried by piping systems.
The solution is an
infrared camera
from FLIR, which
has been specially
designed to inspect
industrial furnaces,
heaters and boilers.
Calibrated for
Andrew Baker
UK & Ireland Sales Manager
measurements
Flir
of up to 1,500°C,
the camera provides temperature readings
across an entire high-temperature surface
area, enabling faster inspections in critical
or potentially hazardous environments. The
camera provides essential information on
the thermal load of the furnace and piping
installations, enabling weak spots and
potential hazards to be identified quickly and
easily before they become critical.
The camera unit also incorporates a normal
camera, which can be used to check the
clean flame pattern inside the furnace –
providing a useful guide to the quality of the
combustion process.
Data gathered with the FLIR camera can be
used to enhance proactive maintenance –
such as when the temperature sensors need
to be changed or whether the burners need
adjusting or cleaning – as well as providing
information which can help to facilitate
increased productivity.
For operator safety, the FLIR furnace
camera has a protective shield to reflect
heat away from the user. The shield is the
exact dimensions of the furnace’s inspection
windows, for optimum protection of user and
camera, and maximum ease of use.
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