As Atmosferas explosivas estão presentes em diversos setores industriais, como petroquímica, farmacêutica e manufatura
Before carrying out any industrial installation in your company, understand what explosive atmospheres are and the risks they pose.
Explosive atmospheres and classified areas are fundamental concepts in various industrial sectors, such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Understanding these terms is crucial to ensuring the safety of workers and the integrity of installations. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of these concepts, the associated risks, and the necessary mitigation measures.
What are explosive atmospheres?
Explosive atmospheres are flammable mixtures of substances like gases, vapors, dust, or fibers that, when combined with oxygen in the air, can lead to devastating explosions. These atmospheres can arise in a variety of industrial environments, from oil refineries to food factories. Identifying the present elements and understanding their properties is crucial for preventing incidents.
They are present in all sectors of industrial production but stand out in areas working with the following products:
Combustible dust in suspension;
Chemical products and particles;
Gases;
Oil.
The formation of an explosive atmosphere requires the presence of specific elements that, when combined in proper proportions, can lead to hazardous situations. The five main elements for the formation of an explosive atmosphere are:
Combustible Substance: This is the primary element that can be a gaseous substance, vapor, dust, or fibers. Examples include flammable gases like hydrogen, methane, propane; volatile vapors of flammable liquids like solvents; and combustible dust like flour, coal, or powdered chemicals.
Oxygen: Oxygen present in the air is necessary to sustain combustion. Typically, an oxygen concentration between 12% and 21% is considered flammable.
Source of Ignition: The presence of an ignition source is crucial to initiate the combustion of the combustible substance. This can be an open flame, electrical sparks, heat, electric arcs, non-explosion-proof electrical devices, or other sources capable of generating sufficient energy to initiate the reaction.
Dispersion and Mixing: Combustible substances need to be dispersed and mixed with oxygen in the proper proportion for ignition to occur. This involves creating a homogeneous mixture of flammable gas, vapor, or dust in the air.
Confinement: The presence of a confined environment where the flammable mixture cannot easily dissipate increases the risk of an explosion. This can occur in enclosed areas, tanks, pipelines, ducts, silos, or confined spaces.
Today, there are organizations and standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) of the United States and the ATEX directives of the European Union that emphasize the importance of adapting industries to explosive atmospheres and the risks they pose. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to have an expert in the field to keep your company’s production safe and compliant.
Definition of Classified Areas
Classified areas are zones within industrial installations where the presence of explosive atmospheres is possible or likely. These areas are classified according to the likelihood of occurrence and the nature of the explosive atmosphere. Classification assists in implementing preventive measures and selecting explosion-proof equipment. These are:
Zone 0: This is the highest-risk zone, where an explosive atmosphere is constantly present or likely to occur in sufficient quantities to form an explosive mixture. In this environment, the presence of a flammable mixture is continuous or almost continuous.
Zone 1: In this zone, it is less likely for an explosive atmosphere to be present under normal conditions but can occur in abnormal circumstances or occasionally. The amount of time the explosive mixture is present is less compared to Zone 0.
Zone 2: Zone 2 is where the explosive atmosphere is unlikely to occur during normal operating conditions but, if it does occur, it will be for a very short period. The presence of an explosive mixture is unlikely and occurs only occasionally and for short intervals.
Zone 20: This is the highest-risk zone for areas with combustible dust. It is where the presence of flammable dust is constantly or frequently present, either suspended in the air or deposited in layers.
Zone 21: In this zone, the presence of flammable dust is less frequent than in Zone 20 but is still possible. The formation of an explosive atmosphere from dust is likely to occur occasionally.
Zone 22: Zone 22 is the lowest-risk zone for combustible dust. The presence of flammable dust is unlikely under normal conditions but can occur in abnormal circumstances, albeit for short periods.
Classifying areas is essential for determining the types of electrical equipment and protective systems to be used in each zone to prevent the ignition of explosive atmospheres.
Ensuring Facility Safety: Preventing Accidents and Explosions
Ensuring the safety of facilities in explosive atmospheres is a fundamental priority to prevent catastrophic accidents. Therefore, several important measures should be taken to ensure safety in environments with the risk of explosive atmospheres, such as studying the classification of that area or even signaling that it is an explosive environment.
Additionally, relying on a certified and specialized company for inspection and maintenance of facilities in explosive atmospheres is extremely important, as it ensures the safety and normative compliance of your company.
Explosive Atmospheres Inspection Center
Comquality Engenharia is the first company in the North-Northeast and the third in Brazil to be certified in the technical competence ABNT NBR IEC 60079-17, which demonstrates our ability to carry out inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment and installations in classified areas.
We have a specialized core for delivering optimized solutions in Explosive Atmospheres and Area Classification, and our professionals possess personal certifications recommended by IECEx, ensuring the quality of our service delivery.
Need assistance with the inspection and maintenance of your company’s facilities in explosive atmospheres? Contact us!
📞 71 3622-1255
📩 comercial@comquality.com.br
🌍 www.comquality.com.br