What are explosive zones?
Explosive zones or explosive atmospheres can commonly be found in industries and facilities such as oil and gas, chemical factories, refineries, gas storages, paint and varnish workshops, etc.
They are defined as space or zones around and next to flammable gasses, oil vapor, gas vapor, vapors from the paint, chemicals, and any potential explosive material or substance.
In explosive zones, one has to pay special attention to appropriate, safe work conditions and installations as any wrongdoing can result in massive damage or a loss of human live/s.
There are 3 sub-types of explosive zones, defined regarding an assessment of the frequency of the occurrence and duration of an explosive gas atmosphere around the explosive matter.
- Zone 0 - is the area where an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods
- Zone 1- is an area where an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation
- Zone 2 - is an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation. In cases, if it does occur, it will only exist for a short time
To each particular hazardous area zones, a different set of standards and rules apply for the equipment that is eligible for installation.
Standards are drawn for different sets of protection concepts and, due to an immense focus on safety, have been further developed through the years.
Inspection & Testing
Hazardous area zone inspection and electrical installation testing are comprehensive and detailed sets of specific procedures that require knowledge and understanding of all possible catastrophic outcomes in case anything goes wrong.
The procedure steps include a detailed check of all devices present within the hazardous areas, according to standards and requirements applicable to a particular area.
The testing includes a check of circuit protection elements and requires a great number of visual checkups and confirmations.
Assessment and testing of hazardous zone installations, therefore, requires a licensed and certified professional.
Measurements and checking of the impedance of a fault loop have to be carried out by a company authorized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP).
Testers from an authorized company that performs testing have to among other things, have appropriate professions, and must be medically fit and professionally trained through certain professional seminars, e.g. Specialist education in the field of explosion protection - Ex 1 (basic level) or Specialist education in the area of explosion protection - Ex 2 (knowledge renewal), depending on requirements.
Installations are tested with special instruments, followed by a full report on procedures and findings.
A certified tester is also required to wear antistatic protective clothing.
Duplico employs a team of professionals, certified for hazardous zone testing and with appropriate knowledge and experience crucial to this comprehensive approach.
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