New day Atex 'Classification of zones for gases, vapours and combustible dust'
October 13, 2009
On 10 November will be a practical day Atex 'Classification of areas' by gases, vapours and combustible dusts. The company Bequinor, together with the General Bureau of Industrial Security of the Ministry of innovation, universities and enterprise of the Generalitat of Catalonia, has organized this event for which has counted on the collaboration of LPG prevention and explosion protection. This training initiative helps to understand the criteria set out in the Guide to application of the standard EN 60079-10 for classification of dangerous locations by gases and vapours and apply them with ease. In practice, the implementation of this standard presents many difficulties, as it is assumed that you know a series of data (rate and degree of escape, degree of ventilation and effectiveness of the same form of the explosive cloud)(, etc.) that often provide doubts. The standard neither provides any criteria on the form of the explosive atmosphere or dangerous distance from the point of escape. On this occasion, it also will be the classification of dangerous sites by combustible powders, as well as the implementation of systems of safety explosion in these environments. In fact, prevention and protection from explosions at these sites begins with a correct classification of Atex zones, by what is to be understood how and why are formed and how often. Unlike gases, dusts may be present in sufficient quantity, unless there is "apparent time" risk.
The classification of areas for combustible dusts includes teams, which will affect the design of its components, and facilities, fact that will affect the organizational measures of the same. Accordingly, the rigorous classification in areas will enable a substantial improvement in the safety of the plant. As a result, the protection conditioned by these areas Atex will make available a safe plant. During training, case studies focused on the chemical industry, cosmetics, solvents, etc., with risks of leaks of gases and vapours or flammable liquids will be raised. End of the day, attendees should be able to identify the existence of an explosive atmosphere; classify this area and quantify decide on the possible application of the burstiness of the atmosphere control systems and meet the criteria for selection of security systems in environments of flammable gas explosion.