The Hazardous Areas Classification is the first step along the path of explosion prevention and protection.
A proper understanding of hazardous areas and their safety parameters makes the difference.
Our services can be summarized as follows:
- Hazardous Material Analysis to identify physical and chemical characteristics relevant to the formation of explosive atmospheres in air at ambient conditions
- Process and Plant (or Equipment) Analysis to improve the knowledge of how the process conditions and plant (or equipment) characteristics can create flammable atmospheres inside process items as well as in surrounding areas
- Sources of Release Classification, as an assessment addressed to identify the source of releases (SR), their grade(s) of release completed with relevant release rate(s)
- Grade of Dilution Assessment to identify the effect of ventilation parameters on flammable gases or vapours dispersion or dilution in any potentially hazardous area
- Zone(s) Type(s) and Extent(s) Sizing, as an assessment to establish the zone type and extent originated by any grade of release
according to the following codes and standards:
- AS/NZS 60079.10.1: Explosive atmospheres – Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres
- AS/NZS 60079.10.2: Explosive atmospheres – Classification of areas – Explosive dust atmospheres
- API RP 500: Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division I and Division 2
- API RP 505: Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, and Zone 2
- EI Model code of safe practice Part 15: Area classification for installations handling flammable fluids
- IEC 60079-10-1: Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres
- IEC 60079-10-2: Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-2: Classification of areas – Explosive dust atmospheres
- NFPA 497: Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas
- NFPA 499: Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas
Moreover, as per current approach on explosion protection stated on Directive 1999/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16th December 1999, Annex II, par. B:
“If the explosion protection document based on a risk assessment does not state otherwise, equipment and protective systems for all places in which explosive atmospheres may occur must be selected on the basis of the categories set out in Directive 94/9/EC” (2014/34/EU now)
the Explosion Risk Assessment for the proper equipment selection and erection of your installation is another service we would be honored to offer you.