Hazardous Area Classification - What Is Explosion-proof …

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A major hazard associated with industrial production processes is the risk of explosion. Manufacturing processes may generate or require the use of potentially ignitable dust or vapors. If these combustible gases are not properly channeled, there is an increased risk of them being ignited leading to a serious injury to personnel and/or damage to machinery.

To understand how to prevent these explosive situations, the location and types of potential hazards should be identified and categorized. In this article, we will consider various hazardous environment classifications key to preventing industrial disasters.

Hazardous classified locations are environments in which there is a potential risk of fire or explosion due to their containment of volatile gases or dust. Hazardous area classifications are a grouping system that recognizes the risk associated with various volatile materials and determines the appropriate protection measures needed to mitigate that risk.

The standard electrical classification for hazardous areas implemented in the United States and Canada is the system proposed by the National Electric Code. This system of classifying electrical equipment in hazardous areas is based on a class/division system which defines the nature of hazard-prone material, and the probability of it being present in an industrial environment.

The class component of an explosion zone classification system determines the properties of hazardous materials present in any given environment. Hazardous materials are categorized into three main groups:

An explosive atmosphere classification also considers the probability of potentially hazardous material being present in an environment in concentrations enough to cause an ignition. Two main divisions are recognized below:

The hazardous area classification guide for groups divides the type of potentially explosive material contained in an environment into the six groups listed below: 

Intrinsically safe equipment is defined as an apparatus with circuitry where sparks or other thermal effects, are incapable of igniting an explosive mixture of volatile materials or gases under predetermined test conditions.

Compliance with explosion-proof classifications depends almost entirely on the use of the right apparatus in workspaces. Explosion-proof equipment with components that can prevent the ignition of sparks within a potentially combustible space is highly recommended.

For over three decades, Cold Shot Chillers has served as a chiller manufacturer of highly durable and reliable units. Our prioritization of customer satisfaction and consultative approach to doing business will ensure that you get the best quality of service possible.

Please check out our custom explosion-proof chillers that can be suited to various industrial and commercial applications.

For more information about how we can help fulfill your process cooling needs, please contact us online today!

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