Hazardous Area Requirements

(with a case study)

Presenters:
Dan Alecu & Lovenah Galchoolah
Infernal triangle
The process of combustion can be represented by the fire
triangle.
Three factors are always needed to cause an explosion:
1. A source of ignition e.g. hot surface, arc or spark
2. Oxygen
3. Flammable material
A hazardous area is an area in which an explosive gas
mixture is present or may be present in sufficient quantities
to require special precautions in the life cycle of the
equipment that could create an ignition source.
Electrical equipment in hazardous
areas (EEHA)
If any side of the triangle is removed, a fire cannot be
started or an existing fire cannot continue to burn.
This forms the basis of design of electrical equipment in
hazardous areas.
Various protection techniques exist:
Ex d, flameproof-explosion containment
Ex e, increased safety-exclusion of arcs or sparks or hot
surface
Ex n, non sparking-avoidance of ignition source
Ex i, intrinsic safety- Energy limitation
Hazardous area classification
Zone depends the probability of the explosive gas atmosphere
being present
Zone 0-present continuously (>1000hr per annum)
Zone 1-likely to occur in normal operation (between 10 and 1000hr
per annum)
Zone 2-not likely to occur in normal operation (less than 10hr per
annum)
Gas Group depends on ignition energy of the gas present
IIA-Representative gas: propane
IIB-Representative gas: ethylene
IIC-Representative gas: hydrogen
Temperature class (T1-T6) depends on auto ignition temperature
of the gas present
Australian Standards
AS 3000 is mandatory and mentioned in Regulations of
numerous Acts of Parliament.
AS 3000 calls up AS2381 with regards to the design,
selection and installation of electrical equipment in hazardous
areas.
AS 2381 makes reference to various other standards for
example AS 60079 series and AS 2380 and hence these
standards become mandatory.
All Ex inspections to be carried out by competent people as
per AS 2381 clause 1.7.
Ex inspections
Flowchart to determine periodic inspection interval:
Exd inspection findings
Ex d enclosure works on explosion containment
Common issues are:
Extra unauthorised entries in enclosure
Missing or damaged bolts
Corroded junction box
Damaged box along flamepath
Exe inspection findings
Exe works on ignition avoidance
Common issues are:
Non certified terminals inside JB
Absence of IP washer
Loose conductor terminations create
hot spots
IP54 (min) enclosure
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
It is strongly recommended that the relevant IEC, Australian
Standards and Statutory Authorities be consulted prior to final
selection of the motor including:
Ex d Group I - Combination of Gas & Dust
Ex d Group IIA , IIB & IIC - Combination of Gas & Dust
Ex d Single Phase 240Volt
Ex d High Voltage
EX d Brake & Two Speed
Ex tD ( Formerly DIP) -Dust Excluding Ignition Proof
Ex d Forced Cooled Inverter Duty
Ex e - Increased Safety Motors
EX nA - Non Sparking Motors
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
It is strongly recommended that the relevant IEC, Australian
Standards and Statutory Authorities be consulted prior to final
selection of the motor including:
Ex d Group I - Combination of Gas & Dust
Ex d Group IIA , IIB & IIC - Combination of Gas & Dust
Ex d Single Phase 240Volt
Ex d High Voltage
EX d Brake & Two Speed
Ex tD ( Formerly DIP) -Dust Excluding Ignition Proof
Ex d Forced Cooled Inverter Duty
Ex e - Increased Safety Motors
EX nA - Non Sparking Motors
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS

Allowable
Allowable
Temperature
Temperature
Temperature Maximum Operation Rise at full
Rise
Tolerance Temperature Allowed load
1.15 service
Class 1.0 service
factor motor 1)
factor motor 1)
oC oF oC oC

A 105 221 60 70
B 130 266 80 90
F 155 311 105 115
H 180 356 125 -
CASE STUDY ON MOTORS