Hex 17 03

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Decommissioning Shell lodges plans for Brent field Functional safety Which Safety Control Standard?

Controls

Case study

Coal-fired generation

The importance of reliability in valve actuation

Measuring valve gas loss using Acoustic Emission

Australia to fund new ‘clean coal’ power stations

March 2017

the journal for hazardous area environments

contents march 2017 Shell has submitted formal proposals to the UK Government for the decommissioning of all the Brent oilfield installations in the North Sea. The proposals run to almost 4,000 pages of highly technical content and will be scrutinised by authorities and stakeholders over a 60-day consultation period (see the article on page 5).

The decommissioning of Brent will be a major engineering undertaking and is expected to take a decade to complete. The field has four platforms and more than 140 wells.

Up until now, decommissioning in the North Sea has been episodic, and with a couple of exceptions, relatively small scale. The Brent project is likely to be the start of a new, more intensive phase in these activities in the North Sea.

14 5

The Decommissioning Insight 2016 report, published last November by trade organisation Oil & Gas UK, estimates total decommissioning expenditure in the UK and Norway for 2015 at £2.1 billion, compared with just under £1.6 billion in 2014, representing 5% of total industry expenditure, compared with 2% in 2010.

The decommissioning of the Brent oilfield will be one of the most complex engineering projects of its kind

The total amount forecast to be spent on decommissioning on the UK Continental Shelf between now and 2025 according to the report is £17.6 billion, up from £16.9 billion for 2015-2024.

17

Over the next decade there are more than 100 platforms forecast for complete or partial removal from both the UK and Norwegian continental shelves – a real opportunity for the industry as traditional exploration and production activities slow down. …Alan Franck, Editor, Hazardex

Having two different standards for safety related controls, EN 62061 and EN ISO 13849-1, can cause confusion

in this issue 23

News Extra

5

• Shell lodges decommissioning plans for Brent field • Fukushima internal radiation levels at highest level since 2011 meltdown • US solar industry employment breaks quarter-million mark • US Congress moves to dismantle Obama energy and environment rules • Controversial Dakota pipeline to go ahead after Army approval • Australia to fund new generation of ‘clean coal’ power stations • Two former Italian railway directors convicted for fatal 2009 train gas explosion

15

Standards: Fans in potentially explosive atmospheres

17

Making the choice – Which Safety Control Standard?

23

Understanding functional safety and related standards

30

Non-negotiable: the importance of reliability in valve actuation

35

Case study: Quantification of valve gas loss using Acoustic Emission

39

Events

Achieving functional safety requires an integrated approach, incorporating both engineering and management activities

35

• RECSO EnviroSpil - 10-12 April 2017 - Abu Dhabi, UAE • Fire Safety of IBCs & Intermodals training course - 11-13 April 2017 - Dordrecht, The Netherlands • SPE Health, Safety, Security, Environment & Social Responsibility Conference - 18-20 April 2017 - New Orleans, USA

40

Acoustic Emission technology is now finding use not just in the oil and gas sector, but also in other process industries

Datafiles & Buyers Guide Hazardex is a controlled circulation journal published monthly.

Completed print or online registration forms will be considered for free supply of printed issues, web site access and online services. Annual subscription for non-qualifying readers is UK £84.00, EU €113.00, Airmail £178.00 and single copy price is £17.00 plus P&P.

Hazardex content is the property of the publishers or relevant content providers. The publishers and sponsors of this magazine are not responsible for the results of any actions or omissions taken on the basis of information in this publication. In particular, no liability can be accepted in respect of any claim based on or in relation to material provided for inclusion.

Editor Alan Franck alan.franck@imlgroup.co.uk

Group Publisher Russell Goater russell.goater@imlgroup.co.uk

Sales Executive Kathryn Startin kathryn.startin@imlgroup.co.uk

Circulation subscriptions@imlgroup.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1732 359990

Production and Events Sara Clover sara.clover@imlgroup.co.uk

Design Graham Rich Design www.grahamrichdesign.co.uk

IML Group plc Blair House, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BQ, UK Tel: +44 1732 359990 Fax: +44 1732 770049 Email: events@imlgroup.co.uk ISSN 1476-7376

Register for weekly email newsletter & up-to-the-minute news at www.hazardexonthenet.net

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News Extra

Brent platforms A, B, C & D – Image: Shell

5

Shell lodges Brent oilfield

decommissioning plans with UK Government O

n February 8, Shell submitted proposals to the UK Government

“Shell has undertaken thorough analysis, extensive scientific research and detailed

and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) approves the plans, permission to leave structures

involving the decommissioning of all the Brent oilfield installations in the North Sea. The proposals, which run to almost

consultation with over 180 stakeholder organisations over the past 10 years.

behind must be granted by the Convention for the Protection of the North East Atlantic (OSPAR), which stipulates installations must

4,000 pages of highly technical content, will be scrutinised by the Government and other stakeholders over a 60-day

“Working within the tightly defined regulatory process, we believe that our recommendations are safe, technically

be removed in their entirety once they reach the end of their production cycle.

consultation period, at the end of which ministers will decide whether or not to accept Shell’s plans

achievable, environmentally sound and financially responsible.

“Shell encourages all those with an interest

But exceptions can be made under OSPAR rules for platforms with concrete base structures, which applies to Brent’s Bravo, Charlie and Delta platforms. Shell has said

The decommissioning of Brent, which has produced oil for 40 years, is one of the most complex engineering projects of its kind and is expected to take a decade to complete.

The field, where Shell is the operator and coowner alongside Esso E&P UK, lies about

in the decommissioning of the Brent field to review, reflect on and respond to this consultation document.”

removing the 300,000 tonne concrete legs would be “riddled with safety risks” and had little merit for the environment.

Shell is asking for permission to leave the giant concrete legs of three of the four Brent

These arguments have been accepted on previous North Sea decommissioning

110 miles north-east of Shetland and apart from the four platforms, has more than 140 wells, 64 storage shells and 28 pipelines.

field platforms in the North Sea, along with sediment in the storage cells, drill cuttings and heavier pipelines. The lower part of the Alpha platform’s steel jacket would also be left behind.

projects, where the risks associated with total or partial removal were deemed unacceptably dangerous for project personnel.

Only Brent’s Charlie platform is still in use - Alpha, Bravo and Delta have now shut down. Shell said the platforms and infrastructure had “significantly exceeded” their original life expectations after producing oil and gas for more than 35 years.

Brent decommissioning asset manager Duncan Manning said: “After an extensive and in-depth study period, the submission of Shell’s Brent decommissioning programme marks another important milestone in the history of the Brent oil and gas field.

The company intends to remove the topsides of the four Brent platforms, debris lying on the seabed, and oil residues

Total’s MCP-01 platform in the northern North Sea, for example, was decommissioned between 2006 and 2009 with its concrete base left in place and the

contained within the concrete storage cells of the gravity base structures.

upmost elements standing proud of the sea surface with navigational aids installed.

Interested parties have until April 10 to make any concerns known as part of the 60-day

If Shell is granted an exemption – as expected – it would become one of a select

consultation process.

group. According to the BBC, just five exemptions have been issued by OSPAR for 124 installations decommissioned since the

If the UK Department for Business, Energy

www.hazardexonthenet.net

6

News Extra

rules came into force in 1998.

body Oil and Gas UK, said: “For more than 40 years, Brent has been a leading light in

economic recovery of the UK’s oil and gas alongside delivering decommissioning in a

WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said he accepted the “principle” that companies can ask to leave some materials behind, including concrete legs, if it can be proven that removing them would be detrimental to the workforce and the environment. But he said he would press Shell to do its utmost to

the UK’s industrial success story, contributing almost 10% of the region’s oil and gas, delivering billions of pounds to the UK economy and supporting tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs.

safe, environmentally responsible, and costefficient way.”

remove potentially hazardous materials.

“Oil and gas companies operating in the North Sea have a legal, as well as moral, obligation to clean-up their mess. Having once pushed the boundaries of science and engineering to secure the oil and gas beneath the seabed, the industry should show the same innovation when it comes to decommissioning,” Banks said.

Deirdre Michie, chief executive of industry

“Today’s announcement opening the consultation for Shell’s Brent Decommissioning Plan is another milestone in this story, broadening the reach of public stakeholder engagement that has already taken place, as this iconic field moves into the next stage of its lifecycle.

“Ground-breaking ingenuity was required to bring the Brent field, located in the deep waters of the northern North Sea, into production and these skills will be required into the future as industry seeks to maximise

Oil and Gas UK has previously estimated that more than 100 platforms are expected to be completely or partially removed from the UK and Norwegian continental shelves by 2025.

More than 1,800 wells are also scheduled to be plugged and abandoned and 7,500km of pipeline decommissioned.

The organisation suggests it will cost nearly £17bn over the next 10 years to remove around 80 platforms and their associated infrastructure. The estimated cost to complete the entire job through to the 2050s ranges between £30bn and £60bn, a figure that has risen on several occasions as the scale of the task has become clear.

Brent decommissioning to commence in 2017

D

epending on the speed with which

The platform will then be taken to a former

load of 932,000 tonnes.

Shell receives its UK Government and OSPAR approvals, the company says the 10-year duration Brent field

shipyard in Hartlepool, where most of the steel will be recycled and sold off.

decommissioning programme could start as soon as May 2017, with the specialist vessel Pioneering Spirit lined

This will be the second operation of this kind carried out by Pioneering Spirit (formerly Pieter Schelte), the largest

production unit in the Norwegian North Sea, roughly half the weight of the Brent Delta lift.

up to start work on the 24,000-tonne topsides of the Delta platform.

construction/decommissioning vessel ever built, with a transit displacement of 365,000 tonnes and a maximum displacement with

Before the availability of these specialist vessels, platforms were broken down and removed a piece at a time.

In 2016 it removed the topsides of the Repsol-operated Yme mobile offshore

The vast ship, operated by the Swissbased Allseas group, will manoeuvre its twin hulls either side of the platform’s legs and grip the topsides with 16 specially reinforced beams. Then in a single motion, it will lift the structure — accommodation block, helipad, drilling derrick and all — away from its legs, before carrying it back to shore to be dismantled.

In doing so, the ship will have undertaken the heaviest lift ever attempted in the North Sea. To prepare the rig for the lift, around 1,500 welders and structural steel specialists spent much of 2016 working to reinforce Delta’s topsides to ensure they did not disintegrate when lifted.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

Pioneering Spirit – Image: Allseas

News Extra

7

Fukushima internal radiation levels

at highest level since 2011 meltdown R

adiation levels inside a damaged reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station are at their highest

The recent reading is far higher than the previous record of 73 sieverts an hour in that part of the reactor. A single dose of one sievert

in the history of the nuclear industry.

since the plant suffered a triple meltdown almost six years ago. On February 3, the facility’s operator, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), said atmospheric readings as high as 530 sieverts an hour had been recorded inside the containment vessel of reactor

is enough to cause radiation sickness and nausea and a single dose of 10 sieverts would prove fatal within weeks.

have accumulated at the bottom of the damaged reactors’ containment vessels, but dangerously high radiation has prevented engineers from accurately gauging the state of the fuel deposits.

Quantities of melted fuel are believed to

The presence of dangerously high radiation will complicate efforts to safely dismantle the plant.

No 2, one of three affected reactors.

The plant was crippled by an earthquake and tsunami that struck the north-east coast of Japan in March 2011. Tepco said radiation was not leaking outside the reactor.

At the end of January, Tepco released images of dark lumps found beneath reactor No 2 that it believes could be melted uranium fuel rods – the first such discovery since the disaster.

A remote-controlled robot that Tepco intends to send into the No 2 reactor’s containment vessel is designed to withstand exposure to a total of 1,000 sieverts, meaning it would survive for less than two hours before

In December, the government said the

malfunctioning.

estimated cost of decommissioning the plant and decontaminating the surrounding area,

the scale of the task confronting thousands of workers, as pressure builds on Tepco to begin decommissioning the plant – a process that is

Tepco has yet to identify the location and condition of melted fuel in the three most seriously damaged reactors. Removing it

as well as paying compensation and storing radioactive waste, had risen to 21.5tn yen ($187bn), nearly double an estimate released

expected to take about four decades.

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News Extra

9

US solar industry employment breaks quarter-million mark U

S solar industry employment in 2016 grew at the fastest pace in at least seven years, with growth in all sectors including manufacturing, sales

according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Another report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and market analysis firm GTM Research published in December 2016 confirmed the positive trend,

and installations. The Solar Foundation,

The installed base of solar capacity will climb to 105 GW by 2021, up from about 38 GW in 2017, Bloomberg said.

a Washington-based non-profit organisation, said in its annual report that one out of every 50 new US jobs last year was in the solar industry, with

One element of uncertainty is whether the Trump administration will continue to support the industry - a federal tax credit worth 30%

The SEIA report also assumed no major changes in the pace of wind and solar

total employment now at 260,000 across the sector.

of the value of solar systems has been critical to the industry’s growth.

expansion over the next few years as a result of the presidential transition.

The 2016 figure was 25% up on the previous year, and the biggest gain since the group first compiled data in 2010.

The new president is a climate change sceptic who has expressed doubts about the role of clean energy in the US energy landscape.

The new report found a surge in solar investment by utilities in the second half of 2016, possibly fuelled by uncertainty over

According to Bloomberg, companies such as SunPower Corp, Sunrun and Canadian

But The Solar Foundation pointed out that jobs increased in 44 of 50 states, including

the future of the federal solar investment tax credit, which was slated to terminate at the beginning of 2017.

Solar are all hiring as they gear up for an expected 29% increase in installed capacity in 2017. This increase is largely driven by falling installation costs, making panels more costcompetitive with fossil fuels.

all but one of the states that voted to elect Trump.

This is expected to continue despite President Donald Trump’s pledge to boost the coal industry, and will make clean energy a reliable source of employment, The Solar Foundation report said.

“The Trump administration wants jobs and the Trump administration is going to get jobs with solar,” said the Solar Foundation President Andrea Luecke.

Luecke noted that the solar industry employs

Nevertheless, installation growth in the US is slowing, with the number of solar jobs forecast

more people than the coal sector, which has 65,180 jobs, and the fossil fuel electric power sector, which boasts 114,351 workers, according to data published by the U.S. Department of Energy last month.

to increase by 10% in 2017. Some utilities are scaling back after meeting state mandates, and demand has been threatened by changes in local policies. Total photovoltaic installations this year are expected to be 10.8 gigawatts (GW), after surging 72% to 12.4 GW in 2016,

Though all 50 states have at least some solar workers, more than 100,000, or 38%, of the nation’s solar jobs are in California, by far the industry’s biggest state market. Solar jobs in California grew 32% last year.

forecasting continued growth for the rest of the decade.

Overall, the report predicted that more than 14 GW of solar capacity came online in 2016, an 88% increase over 2015. And it estimated that by 2020 the total should be up to 20 GW annually.

Provided there are no unexpected changes to the federal tax credit for solar, many experts predict that the industry will continue to expand, driven mainly by market forces and individual state policies.

“We do not anticipate the Trump presidency impacting negatively or positively the growth of solar,” said Tom Kimbis, interim president of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

“In fact, we think that no matter who’s in the White House, the solar industry is going to continue to grow tremendously.”

www.hazardexonthenet.net

10 News Extra corruption at energy and mining companies. These had already been voted on by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and could be signed into law before the end of February by President Trump.

US Congress moves to dismantle Obama energy and environment rules

Supporters of its removal say the change could give American companies an edge over Canadian and European companies, which face some of the toughest transparency rules in the world.

The Senate will next consider repealing a

On February 2, the Senate repealed a rule

rule limiting venting and leaking of methane

that would have limited coal companies from

by oil and gas drillers on federal and tribal

dumping waste into streams in areas near

lands, mostly in the western USA. The Interior

mountaintop removal coal-mining sites.

Department finalised the methane rule in November, but the oil industry argued that

The US National Mining Association said that

it would add to costs for new and existing

move was a very important step to get the

wells. Environmentalists have said the rule

coal industry back on its feet. Coal advocates

would protect human health and return more

are also hoping the new administration

than $800 million in royalties to taxpayers

will overturn a moratorium the Obama

over 10 years.

administration placed on new coal leases on federal lands, and scrap regulations on

The US Securities and Exchange Commission

carbon dioxide emissions.

completed the corruption regulation in June 2016, aiming to expose questionable financial

The coal waste rule was intended to protect

ties US companies may have with foreign

10,000 km of streams and large areas of

n February 3, the Republican-

governments. Exxon chief executive Rex

forests over the next two decades, the

dominated US Senate voted to

Tillerson, recently confirmed as US Secretary

Interior Department said when it issued the

remove emissions limits on drilling

of State in the Trump administration, saw a

rule in December. It argued the rule would

operations, and repealed a securities

number of challenges to Exxon’s operations

protect drinking water without undermining

disclosure rule aimed at curbing

in Russia under this regulation.

the economy or energy supply.

O

News Extra 11 controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline (DAPL) after an order from President Donald Trump to expedite the project, despite opposition from Native American tribes and climate activists. On February 7, the Corps said that it would allow the final section of the line to tunnel under North Dakota’s Lake Oahe.

Controversial Dakota pipeline to go ahead after Army approval

T

In December, under the previous administration, then Assistant Army Secretary for Civil Works, Jo-Ellen Darcy, declined to issue permission for the crossing of the lake saying a broader environmental study was warranted given the opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation is

environmental activists against the project gained momentum throughout 2016, and representatives of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and other groups said they would mount legal challenges following the ruling.

“As Native peoples, we have been knocked down again, but we will get back up,” the tribe said in the statement. “We will rise above the greed and corruption that has plagued our peoples since first contact. We call on the Native Nations of the United States to stand together, unite and fight back.”

Protesters set up a new camp which law enforcement officials say was on private

situated nearby.

property and 76 people were arrested.

This is the only uncompleted section of the pipeline and its completion could enable the $3.8 billion project to begin operations as soon as June. Energy Transfer Partners is building

Those arrested, who included former Congressional candidate and Standing Rock Sioux tribe member Chase Iron Eyes, bring the total number of arrests to nearly 700 since demonstrations first escalated last summer.

the 1,885 km line to help move crude from the shale oilfields of North Dakota to Illinois.

he US Army Corps of Engineers will grant the final permit for the

Protests by Native American tribes and

Supporters of the project say pipelines are safer than rail to transport oil.

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12 News Extra

Coal-fired power station in Victoria

Australia to fund new generation of

‘clean coal’ power stations A

ustralia’s resources minister Matthew Canavan said the government is considering providing some of the A$5 billion ($3.84 billion) Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF) to help build new high-efficiency ‘clean coal’ power stations in the country’s north, Australian media reported on February 4.

the world’s biggest carbon emitters on a per capita basis.

Opponents of Australia’s continued reliance on coal dispute the government’s claims that these new planned ‘high efficiency, low-emission’

a time when pressure is mounting on lenders to shift away from fossil fuels. Deutsche Bank, for example, recently announced it will stop financing new coal projects and its existing exposure will be gradually reduced.

power stations can be considered ‘clean’.

An important consideration is the risk of a future government introducing a hefty carbon

Canavan said he was open to using public funds for coal-fired power plants in the state

They operate by burning thermal coal at ultra-high temperatures that reduce the level of carbon emitted. The best of the new breed

price, pushing up costs and undermining financial viability at a time when the costs of zero emissions technologies are continuing

of Queensland and had already received interest from a number of parties, including from abroad.

of plants can reduce emissions by up to 40% compared to some older-style coal-fired power stations, according to the International Energy

to fall.

Agency.

the cheapest forms of electricity would undoubtedly be wind and solar in the mediumto-long term.

He said the NAIF was already looking at some renewable energy options in the north and investments in renewables would be an important part of the country’s energy mix, but there was still a need for base-load power and coal was the obvious solution in the north given the high-quality reserves there.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had announced the government was likely to support clean-coal technology in January, and vowed to make electricity prices and energy security a defining political debate of 2017.

He also said Australia’s energy policy should be “technology agnostic”.

He said the country had invested A$590 million in clean coal technology research since 2009, and now was the time to capitalise on that investment by building a new generation of high-efficiency low-emissions coal-fired power stations.

Coal-fired power plants dominate the country’s power sector, but many are old and burn polluting brown coal, making Australia one of

www.hazardexonthenet.net

The new generation plants are therefore less damaging to the environment than older plants, but even the best emit far more carbon into the atmosphere than gas-fired power stations.

And coal, by its nature, is not clean. Aside from releasing CO2, which contributes to global warming, burning coal releases sooty particulates that can cause cancer and respiratory problems, sulphur and nitrogen, which contribute to acid rain, and other toxic chemicals.

The renewed focus on clean-coal has drawn criticism from the Australian Labor and Green parties, who have accused the Government of trying to protect “the coal club”.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale said

The Australian Climate Institute, a non-profit organisation, says return on investment on new coal-fired power stations would require electricity prices to be up to four times higher than they are currently. Each large plant would also require a government-guaranteed subsidy of up to A$44 billion due to the risks involved.

And unlike solar farms and wind power facilities, advanced coal power stations take a very long time to build; typically around seven to ten years. When the pace of the renewable energy revolution is considered, particularly the advent of affordable energy storage, the Institute says it is quite likely any new coal facility will be obsolete by the time it is built.

Opposition spokesman for climate change and energy Mark Butler said a preference for coal over renewables would mean higher power bills for Australians.

So Government financial support from the NAIF or the Clean Energy Finance Corporation might well be the only way to bankroll any new coal-

The Australian Financial Review says banks are wary of funding new coal-fired power plants at

fired generation capacity across Australia, and this in the face of increasingly vocal opposition from environmentalists and other opponents.

News Extra 13

Aftermath of the Viareggio crash – Image Wikimedia Commons

T

wo former railway executives have been convicted for the 2009 derailment of a freight train which set off

the 14 tanker wagons and ignited, causing a number of explosions and a massive fire which wrecked the station and surrounding buildings.

an explosion that killed 32 people and destroyed five buildings in the town of Viareggio. A judge in the Tuscan town of Lucca on January 31 convicted former Italian State Railways (FS) CEO Mauro Moretti and the former chairman of

According to La Stampa, the initial charges included multiple manslaughter, arson and bodily harm and were levelled against a number of individuals, companies and organisations, including the German

subsidiary RFI, Michele Mario Elia.

Two former Italian railway directors convicted for

fatal 2009 train gas explosion

Moretti, who was convicted for his role as RFI’s ex-CEO, was sentenced to seven years in prison and Elia received a term of seven years and six months. Prosecutors had sought sentences of 16 years and 15 years, respectively. Moretti is currently CEO of defence and aerospace giant Leonardo.

Italian news agency ANSA reported that another 10 defendants were acquitted. Many of the victims’ family members packed the

manufacturer of the rolling stock, rail infrastructure maintenance workshops and various departments within FS. The ANSA news agency quoted the former Viareggio mayor Luca Lunardini as saying the ruling “provided some comfort”.

Tuscany regional Governor Enrico Rossi said the region had stood as civil plaintiffs in the trial and stressed the importance of the sentence not timing out under the statute of limitations.

courtroom and applauded when the guilty

“The events of 29 June 2009 were a real

verdicts were read.

tragedy which will be remembered over time, and I don’t think anything can really heal the wounds that that dramatic event brought on the city”, Rossi added.

After the derailment in the middle of the town on 29 June 2009, LPG gas leaked from two of

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Standards 15

When new directives hit the fan maintaining mechanical clearances, a relaxation has been permitted on materials of construction in that, for Category 3 fans up to a certain size and speed, it is no longer obligatory to meet the requirements for “spark

you will have seen similar tables at the start of those documents.

resistant” material pairings.

past year. This new fan standard now makes reference to the EN versions of these international standards rather than the previous EN 13463 series. Among the requisite changes are the requirements for

Alternatively, for the same sizes of fan, if the accepted material pairs are used, it is not necessary to make provision for clearance measurement during routine maintenance.

Neither relaxation applies to Category 1 or Ron Sinclair MBE gives his perspective on the latest developments in the world of standards

E

Category 2 fans.

The tables on permitted material pairings have been totally reconstructed. Most of the

But, of course, we have had the publication of EN ISO 80079-36 and -37 within the

a new way of marking the fans.

Since the ISO 80079 series of documents are also available for use by IECEx, this poses the interesting question: can EN 14986 form the basis of true international certification, even though it is a European Standard?

N 14986:2017 entitled “Design of fans working in potentially explosive atmospheres” was issued in January.

data remains unchanged, but it is difficult to compare the old and new tables as the previous notes following the table are now

Although not greatly different in principle from the 2007 edition, there are enough changes to mean that most fans will have to be reassessed against the new

incorporated directly in the table, and the order changed. For example, the original Table 2 with separate notes comprised two pages. The new table, without separate

standard before the 2007 edition loses harmonisation status. At the time of writing we don’t yet have an update in

notes, now takes six and a half pages, but requires less “back and forth” reading.

Hazard Assessment” required by ISO 8007936. In this context, EN 14986 is a perfectlyvalid document to use to aid the Ignition

the Official Journal, but it is likely that the de-harmonisation date for the first edition will be January 2020.

The five sub-clauses relating to: shaft seals; bearings; power transmissions; clutches and couplings, and braking systems, now

Hazard Assessment.

For the first time, the new standard recognises that the heat loss from an electric

no longer restrict the protection concept to “constructional safety”, but overtly recognise “liquid immersion” and “control of ignition

against ISO 80089-36 and -37, but the assessment process and reports can clearly be used to support both the IECEx certificate and the ATEX documentation. Indeed, with the availability of the new standards, we foresee that more and more manufacturers will use IECEx documentation as the basis for their ATEX Technical File and EU Declaration of Conformity.

motor that is in the fluid stream might be relevant in allocating the Temperature Class.

To match permitted reductions in rotational clearances, there are enhanced requirements on the rigidity of the fan casing, and a greater emphasis on the ability to measure rotational clearances during routine maintenance. But the possible causes of casing distortion are treated with more care, including requiring that the installation and commissioning instructions should have a section detailing the maximum permitted loads to be imposed on the casing by any connected ductwork.

Although many manufacturers may currently provide this information, there remains the possibility that this will also mean more work for fan installers.

In view of the greater emphasis on

sources” as valid methods of protection.

The use of “control of ignition sources” – such as by incorporating thermal or vibration monitoring – is generally becoming more popular for many types of non-electrical equipment, so incorporation in the fan standard is welcome.

My judgement on this is to say: “Yes”.

My basis for so saying is that it is fully recognised that published material from any source can be used to back up the “Ignition

The IECEx certificate will, of course, be

About the author To match the enhanced requirements on rigidity, there are now enhanced requirements relating to the securing of the fan impellor to the shaft. The previous quarter page is extended to four pages, with drawings, making the requirements clearer.

To assist readers of the standard, a new Annex B has been added, tabulating which clauses in the standard apply to each separate category of fan. If you are familiar with either IEC 60079-15 or IEC 60079-11,

SGS Baseefa Technical Manager Ron Sinclair MBE is chairman of BSI Committee EXL/31, responsible for the UK input to both European and International standards for Electrical Equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. He is chairman of Cenelec TC31, represents electrical standardisation interests on the European Commission’s ATEX Standing Committee and chairs the IECEx Service Facility Certification Committee.

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Functional safety 17

Making the choice –

Which Safety Control Standard?

I

n this article, Stewart Robinson of TÜV SÜD Product Service looks at the two different standards for safety related controls, EN 62061 and EN ISO

using Performance Levels (PL) as measures.

13849-1 and advises on which should be applied in a particular application.

Machinery Directive, has left many people confused about which should be applied in a particular application. EN 62061 applies to electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems, whereas EN ISO 13849-1 is not technology specific, so it can be applied for electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical safety systems.

Safety Control Standards A safety related control function is one of the measures that makes a contribution to the overall reduction of risk with machinery. Two standards relating to safety related control systems can be followed (EN ISO 13849-

Having two different standards for safety related controls, both harmonised to the

1 and EN [IEC] 62061) to demonstrate compliance with the Machinery Directive.

While the methods are quite different, the outcomes should be the same (or very similar for any given function). The required

However, EN ISO 13849-1 does not specifically define what risk assessment method should be used to define the performance level, only that it should ultimately be shown as a number. Both

integrity levels also manifest themselves differently, with EN 62061 using Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) and EN ISO 13849-1

EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061 contain examples of risk assessment methods to establish the risk reduction that is required

from a particular safety function on a machine, so this means either can be used to generate a performance level value.

EN 62061 risk assessment process The severity of possible harm (Se) is assessed in one of four levels – ‘death, loss of eye or arm’, ‘broken limb(s), loss of finger(s)’, ‘requiring attention from a medical practitioner’ and ‘requires first aid on-site’ – each level receiving points according to the severity.

The frequency and exposure time to a hazard (Fr) displays five further levels, which are given points according to the duration e.g. five points if the duration is less than or equal to one hour, and two points if it is more than one year.

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18 Functional safety

Manufacturers of safety-related controls must assure purchasers that their product functions according to the required performance levels

The probability of the hazardous event occurring (Pr) is then assessed by considering three further parameters with a range of point scores, while the final parameter ‘probability of avoiding or limiting the harm’ (Av), requires more careful consideration and the Standard contains some detailed explanations about the various choices.

The sum of the Fr, Pr and Av parameters determines the class of probability (CI) and this value is mapped against the severity score to give a target SIL of 1, 2 or 3. The SIL is then defined as the average probability of a dangerous failure per hour.

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ISO 13849 risk assessment process For the risk assessment process within

For those people that use both EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061, they may also be confused by the different terminology

EN ISO 13849-1, S1 and S2 display the relative severity of the injury i.e. slight or serious, while F1 and F2 reflect the degree of frequency and/or exposure to the hazard.

P1 and P2 reflect the likely possibility of

each uses. For example, PLb under EN ISO 13849-1 is roughly equivalent to a low EN 62061 safety integrity level (SIL) of 1.

Likewise PLc is equivalent to a high SIL 1, while PLd is SIL 2 and PLe is SIL 3.

avoiding the hazard or limiting harm and the probability of occurrence. The final output of this risk graph will indicate a PL required PLr, which is graded a-to-e. Clearly, the greater the risk of exposure to a hazard, the higher the performance of the safety related control needs to be.

Updates to ISO 13849 Because of the confusion in the market place, as two standards can be used to achieve the same goal, the standard organisations had intended to merge them.

However, following the collapse of this project, the ISO published a new version of

Functional safety 19

Previously the expression ‘average probability of a dangerous failure per hour’ had been used in full throughout the standard.

Validation is vital

Now, the abbreviation PFHD is also used, delivering some consistency between EN ISO 13849-1 and other functional safety standards. Likewise, the term ‘subsystem’ is now included as an alternative term for Safety Related Parts of Control Systems

with safety related parts of control systems revealed that poor design and implementation, together with incorrect specification, accounted for 59% of the causes identified. That represents a significant amount of downtime for factories

(SRP/CS).

that rely on machinery to do business effectively, and are exactly the types of problem that a full validation process could have uncovered before the control system went into service. End-users of machinery are therefore increasingly demanding full

The flow chart (Figure 2) for the overview of the risk reduction process now includes systematic failures in the list of things to consider when evaluating the Performance Level (PLr). To achieve PLd with Category 2 architectures it is now a normative requirement for the Output of Test Equipment (OTE) to initiate a safe state.

The requirements for Safety Related Embedded Software (SRESW) includes clear restrictions on the use of some Programmable Electronic Systems according to the PLr: For components for which SRESW requirements are not fulfilled (e.g. PLCs without safety rating by the manufacturer), these components may be used under the following alternative conditions: • the SRP/CS is limited to PL a or b and uses category B, 2 or 3; • the SRP/CS is limited to PL c or d and may

An analysis by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of incidents connected

validation on a machine before they purchase and it is therefore important that they understand what this involves.

The sum of the Fr, Pr and Av parameters determines the class of probability (CI) and this value is mapped against the severity score to give a target SIL of 1, 2 or 3

Following a process

use multiple components for two channels in category 2 or 3. The components of these two channels use diverse

EN ISO 13849-1 spells out the basic validation requirements very clearly in Section 4, Validation Principles, stating that:

technologies.

Firstly, when looking for guidance on the choice of which standard to adopt, Table

There is also clarification that the use of the Risk Graph in Annex A is not mandatory, and that other methods to establish PLr of the safety functions can be used instead.

The guidance on selecting some of the parameters is expanded, and it is made clear that the selection of P1 or P2 should

“The validation shall demonstrate that each safety-related part meets the requirements of ISO 13849-1, in particular: • the specified safety characteristics of the safety functions provided by that part, as set out in the design rationale, and • the requirements of the specified performance level (see ISO 13849-1:2006, 4.5):

1 has been removed and replaced by a reference to the technical report ISO/TR 23849.

consider both the possibility to avoid and the probability of occurrence of the hazardous event.

• Validation should be carried out by persons who are independent of the design of the safety-related part(s).”

References have been updated throughout

Annex I ‘Examples’ has been completely

As a preliminary step, the engineer designing

the new standard, mainly to reflect changes in other standards. Some definitions have also been added, including a definition of ‘Proven in use’, and the addition of ‘T10d’ defined as the “Mean time until 10 % of the components fail dangerously”.

revised with example A (single channel) having a PLr of PLc, and example B (dual channel) having a PLr of PLd. More detail is now also given to the reliability data used in the examples to make them more in keeping with actual ‘real world’ applications.

the machine will have carried out a risk analysis to identify safety performance levels required (PLr) by safety functions that are providing part of the overall risk reduction appropriate to the hazards associated with the machine, a procedure that is covered

their standard (EN ISO 13849-1:2015). Some of the key changes are highlighted below.

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Functional safety 21

Machinery safety compliance is complex

About the author

by EN ISO 13849-1. The engineer will then have designed a control system that is capable of meeting the PLr of the safety functions. This is done by considering the

Validation must also take into account the environmental conditions in which the machine will operate, including the effects of shock and vibration, as well as temperature,

categories within the Standard, carrying out detailed calculations involving the ‘mean time to dangerous failure’ for the chosen components, along with diagnostic coverage and common cause failures.

humidity and the effects of any lubricants and cleaning materials that might be used.

Electromagnetic compatibility must also be considered, as should the effects of wear and other forms of deterioration as the machine ages. Finally, the validation process must be fully documented so that the machine manufacturer can produce evidence that validation has been properly

The validation process must re-examine all of these steps, and it is now clear why independent validation is so important, as engineers validating their own work could all too easily duplicate any mistakes they made at the design stage. However, validation doesn’t finish with re-examining the design, as it must also look at the implementation

carried out.

of the SRP/CS and verify its functionality by testing.

can help, it still remains a resource-hungry process.

Carrying out the calculations required by EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061 remains a complex task, and while software solutions

Stewart Robinson is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and a member of the Institute of Measurement and Control.

He has been a member of the Safety Panel of the InstMC since 2007 and currently chairs that panel. He is also a member of the British Standards Institution committee, which deals with machinery safeguarding (MCE/3), and is listed as a Functional Safety Expert in the TÜV SÜD Certification Programme.

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Functional safety 23

Understanding functional safety and related standards

H

ow well do you understand the term “functional safety”? Are you aware that achieving functional safety requires an integrated approach, incorporating

In the UK, safety legislation is generally not prescriptive, but rather requires process plant operators to employ best practice in managing the safety of their operations.

standards incorporate more than narrow engineering guidance. Equally important are the management practices that must be implemented to ensure both initial and

both engineering and management activities? Could you describe why there are international standards that specifically deal with functional safety, which parts of these standards apply to engineering or management activities and what measures are required to ensure compliance? Here, Peter Stabler of BPE answers these questions and

Consequently, the HSE increasingly requires evidence that best practice has indeed been adopted in UK-based process facilities. Demonstrating compliance with both engineering and management aspects of functional safety standards provides unambiguous, documented and auditable evidence of this.

ongoing compliance.

gives an overview of functional safety and related standards.

The immediate problem is the risk of falling foul of safety regulators. Although complying

There is, however, a more positive motivation for businesses to seek compliance with functional safety standards - they represent best practice for a reason. Companies that comply with the standards benefit

system” that regulates the full lifecycle of safety instrumented systems. In parallel with engineering tasks relating to the specification, design, installation and verification of safety instrumented systems,

with functional safety standards is not a legal requirement, they are widely regarded by regulators as representing “best practice”.

from a comprehensive, joined-up and cutting edge approach to the management of safety. The reason for this is that the

management activities must be undertaken to ensure, for example, the adequacy of suppliers, the competence of personnel and

In this regard, functional safety standards have much in common with quality standards – they require compliant companies to specify and adopt a systematic, and auditable management approach. Put another way, compliance requires implementation of a “management

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24 Functional safety

the documentation of tasks undertaken.

Achieving and maintaining compliance with functional safety standards helps businesses ensure not only the safety of their operations, but also that they are managing their operations effectively.

Managing risk in the chemical process industries

systematically appraise risk for their process operations and to define criteria for the acceptability of these risks.

Engineering risk is defined as the product of the frequency of occurrence of a hazardous event, and the consequences associated with the event. Risk levels can therefore be mitigated by reducing either the frequency

to reduce the frequency or consequences of hazardous events. Examples of such protection layers could be pressure release valves (incorporating the appropriate treatment of vented gasses), the plant’s process control system or physical barriers such as bunds that reduce the spread of spillages.

The IEC 61508:2010 functional safety standard defines safety as “freedom from unacceptable risk�. This definition implies that compliance with the standard requires both an understanding of current levels of

of a hazardous event occurring, or by minimising any consequences should it occur.

Of course, well-engineered process plants are designed to minimise risk through the

These traditional measures of controlling risk are just as valid today as they have always been. Functional safety standards acknowledge such risk reduction measures, and allow process plant owners to take

risk and a determination as to whether or not these risks are acceptable. In the chemical process industries, plant owners need to

adoption of Good Engineering Practice (GEP). Designers may incorporate a number of independent protection layers

credit for associated reductions in risk.

Formal techniques, such as a Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), have been

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Functional safety 25

After existing protection layers have been taken into account, further reductions in risk may be achieved through the

In order to achieve functional safety, a safety instrumented system must work as designed, and with a high probability of

implementation of safety instrumented systems. IEC 61508:2010 and related functional safety standards have been designed specifically to ensure that such systems (and component devices) are both engineered and managed correctly

success. Put another way, functional safety means that, once all existing protection layers have been accounted for, the additional risk reduction factor required

throughout their full lifecycle. Compliance with the standards ensures that the level of risk reduction claimed for a safety instrumented system is actually realised in practice.

Functional safety is thus the primary objective in specifying, designing, installing and maintaining an SIS. To achieve an acceptable level of functional safety, both the engineering and management of the SIS must comply with the standards throughout its lifecycle.

Functional safety and safety instrumented systems

from the SIS is actually realised.

Industry practitioners variously refer to the combination of a sensor, logic controller and final element (possibly an actuated valve, or a motor starter) as a safety instrumented system, an instrumented safety system, a

It is also important to emphasise that compliance with IEC 61508:2010 and related standards is only required if the claimed risk reduction of an SIS is equal to or greater than a factor of 10. Indeed, the standards are based on the concept of order

safety integrity level (SIL) loop, an automated

of magnitude reductions in risk claimed for

protection system or a safety-related system. For the remainder of this paper, we will continue to use the term “safety instrumented system”, or “SIS”.

safety instrumented systems. Each order of magnitude reduction is referred to as a “safety integrity level: or “SIL”. Functional safety standards require increasingly stringent

The IEC 61508:2010 standard defines functional safety as “part of the overall safety relating to the process and its process control system that depends on the correct functioning of safety instrumented systems

engineering and management processes as SIL levels increase. (See Table 1. overleaf).

Safety instrumented systems are not process control systems

and other risk reduction measures”. The emphasis is on the “correct functioning of a safety instrumented system” - once credit

Safety instrumented systems are distinct from process control systems. They are designed to provide a “final protection

has been taken for other risk reduction measures. (See Figure 2).

layer” to prevent harm to people or the environment in the event of the occurrence

developed to enable a systematic appraisal of existing protection layers and to quantify the risk reductions that they confer.

The protection layers that are typically considered in a LOPA are shown below.

Figure 1: Protection layers considered in a LOPA

Figure 2: SIS and other protection layers

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26 Functional safety

The safety lifecycle Table 1: Risk reduction factor with increasing SIL

A key feature of functional safety standards is the concept of a safety lifecycle for safety instrumented systems. (See Figure 3).

of a hazardous event. A safety instrumented system is distinct from a process control system in that it is required to operate with a high and predictable probability of

As discussed earlier, process control systems may also provide a protection layer for the prevention of harm. However, they may not be used as a SIS and the risk reduction factor

The concept of the safety lifecycle came about following numerous studies of SIS failures that resulted in accidents. One authoritative study by the HSE* showed

success at infrequent intervals. In contrast, process control systems are designed to operate continually in order to keep process variables within pre-defined ranges.

claimed must not exceed 10.

that poor specification of the SIS was the

Safety instrumented systems sit “on top” of the process plant and its associated process control system– only coming into action when they are required to do so in response to a hazardous event in order to prevent an accident occurring. The intermittent nature of demands placed on safety instrumented systems requires that they are maintained and undergo testing at regular intervals. This is a key feature of the requirements of the standards.

Safety instrumented systems must work as intended when they are needed – with a high probability of success. Functional safety standards provide a framework for quantifying, and justifying, the probability that an SIS will work as intended when required.

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Figure 3: The safety lifecycle (IEC 61511:2003)

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28 Functional safety Examples of management activities that are required in order to ensure functional safety include: • enunciation of a comprehensive policy and strategy for achieving functional safety; • clear allocation of responsibilities to responsible persons; • ensuring and managing the competency of responsible persons;

Figure 4: Root cause of SIS failures

changes after commissioning. (See Figure 4).

functional safety. Terms such as “HAZOP”, “Commissioning Plan” and even “FMEDA” and “LOPA” are part and parcel of the

*Out of Control: Why control systems go wrong and how to prevent failure; Sheffield (UK) Health & Safety Executive, 1995.

language of modern process plant design and operations. How many managers, however, are familiar with the management activities that are also required in order to

root cause of 44% of failures experienced by such systems. A further 21% were caused by

• appropriate management of communications; • appropriate management of suppliers; • appropriate follow up and resolution of recommendations; • hazardous incident reporting and analysis; and • appropriate management of documentation.

achieve functional safety?

Beware “hidden” safety instrumented systems

therefore addresses both engineering

Functional safety management activities are

The ultimate responsibility for compliance with functional safety standards lies with the

and management issues relating to safety instrumented systems. Management of the SIS safety lifecycle is crucial in order to ensure that safety instrumented systems

an absolute requirement for compliance with the standards. They must be applied in full at all stages of the SIS safety lifecycle and across the SIS supply chain. They touch

end user – the entity that owns and relies upon the safety instrumented system. The end user must not only ensure that safety instrumented systems are operated in

are not only designed and installed where needed, but also that they achieve the required levels of functional safety over the

every person, every company and every activity associated with the implementation of a SIS.

compliance with functional safety standards, but that they are correctly specified, designed and installed prior to operation.

Functional safety management activities are described in one of the few prescriptive

This demands a holistic view incorporating not only the safety lifecycle of such systems but also stringent management of the

The concept of the safety lifecycle

entire safety lifecycle from specification to decommissioning.

Management activities and functional safety

supply chain involved in the creation of such systems. (See Figure 5).

Most managers will understand and

parts of the standards: IEC61508:2010 Part 1, Section 6. Although only three pages in length, this section seems to cause a great

be familiar with engineering aspects of

deal of consternation.

Safety instrumented systems can find their way into a process plant without the end user even being aware of it. End users should beware of safety instrumented systems that come with packaged equipment such as mills, centrifuges, inertion systems, boilers, burners, vacuum pumps or nitrogen generators. How many of these come with level transmitters, temperature transmitters or oxygen analysers? What is the SIS protecting against, and what would the consequences be should the SIS fail when needed?

Figure 5: Compliance requires consideration of both the safety lifecycle and the supply chain

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Safety instruments systems may also appear on a site unannounced as part of an ATEX compliant equipment package. ATEX equipment suppliers may use temperature transmitters to ensure that the surface temperature of pump casings or bearings,

Functional safety 29

for example, do not exceed the stated threshold temperature required for the particular ATEX certification. The equipment supplier is responsible for ensuring their equipment is suitable for the specified ATEX area classification, but it is the end user that assumes responsibility for ensuring that any safety instrumented systems are fit for purpose, actually have the required performance characteristics and are maintained and managed correctly - and it is the end user that is liable if they fail to do so.

implement a cutting-­edge approach to the management of safety.

Requirements for compliance with functional safety standards vary depending on the relevant safety lifecycle stage(s) and also the position that a company occupies in the supply chain. A well-designed functional safety management system specifies the requirements for compliance based on these principles.

Functional safety standards are here to stay, and demonstration of compliance with the standards will continue to be

Many companies have taken measures to comply with functional safety standards, however all too often a lack of understanding of what is required (or not required) frustrates these efforts.

essential in order to demonstrate “best practice� in process plant safety. End users understand this, but frequently lack the knowledge and resources required to ensure that their operations comply.

Non-compliance not only incurs the risk of falling foul of safety regulators, but also represents a lost opportunity to

Managers should ask themselves whether they are certain that compliance is (or is not) required. If compliance is required, is it actually being achieved -- and how can this be demonstrated? Relying on an incomplete understanding of functional safety standards is no longer an acceptable option.

Finding the right solution

About the author

Peter Stabler BSc (Hons), PhD is an associate consultant at process engineering firm BPE. His career spans nearly 30 years in the process development industry. During that time he has led on national and international projects for the likes of Unilever and James Finlay Ltd. He specialises in the fine chemicals, pharmaceutical and food industries.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

30 Valves

Non-negotiable: the impo

of reliability in valve ac

F

or the optimal control of many processes, it is crucial that a valve reaches a certain position. The process of moving from one position to another is governed by the valve’s actuator, a type of drive that is responsible for moving or controlling it. For safety critical applications, the actuation of

www.hazardexonthenet.net

the valve (the ability of the system to

achieve optimal operation, including

move the valve to a safe condition in response to demand), is of fundamental importance.

unit design and the management of operating forces.

In this article, Richard Harvey of IMI Precision Engineering assesses the qualities and conditions required to

Pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are a well proven means of controlling such valves and these fluid power actuators are, in turn, predominantly operated using

Valves 31

circumstances, any failure in actuation can have catastrophic results, so reliability is non-negotiable.

Solenoid valves have many advantages.

They are flexible, being made in many designs with various ports and fluid paths.

When chosen and used appropriately they can provide safe switching, reliability,

and stiction have increased over time. The load holding the valve in the open position increases to the point where the spring force is no longer sufficient to close the valve. A dangerous failure occurs when spring force < friction + retentivity.

In order to improve performance against dangerous failures it is necessary to

durability and resistance to extreme conditions, extensive lifespan and compact design. However, historically they have often been seen as the weak link in the final element assembly as they are often chosen based on cost and not

improve the Force Friction Ratio (FFR).

This is the ratio of the spring force to the friction and retentivity within the valve. The following steps can improve the FFR: • Reduce the friction in the valve by minimising the number of dynamic

design.

seals. Dynamic seals add friction to the design, therefore using a poppet type valve rather than spool valve reduces the inherent friction • Increase the spring force. This requires improved magnetic flux, so the magnetic efficiency must be improved as the

Solenoid valves must be suitable for the environment in which the valve operates.

The valve must be able to resist corrosion, dust, water and other environmental aggression, for many years, and must have suitable hazardous area and safety

power available is typically limited by the

certification.

PLC output card

Ideal conditions

Safe failures

The reliability or otherwise of a solenoid

In safety related systems it is important to

valve is largely dictated by the forces acting within it. Chief among these are the forces of magnetic flux, retentivity, friction and

periodically test all of the final elements to prove that the safety function is working to the required performance. This means

spring force.

For a solenoid valve to be reliable, the

portance ctuation an electromagnetic solenoid valve. Many solenoids operate within systems that can stay in one position for many years, with an overall lifetime of decades. They are often used in systems that ensure safety, for example to shut off, release or distribute fluids. As such, their reliability is of paramount importance. In these

optimum factors when it is closing, and those that are ideal during opening, are quite different. The ideal parameters for closure are a high force friction ratio (FFR), i.e. low internal friction and a high return spring force, and a low dangerous failure rate.

On opening, the ideal conditions are: • Low internal friction, • High magnetic flux to spring force ratio, and • A low safe failure rate.

Understandably, these parameters are not always achieved without effort and careful design.

Dangerous failures A dangerous failure is one that prevents the solenoid valve from performing its safety function when required, on demand. This type of failure often occurs because friction

IMI Smart Solenoid 1oo1 Manifold

www.hazardexonthenet.net

32 Valves that it is essential to test the solenoid valve in addition to the actuator and process

checking the coil voltage prior to initiating a partial stroke test.

valve. Safe failures are the biggest concern when solenoid valves are tested. There are two types of safe failure: the spurious trip (which occurs during normal operation); and the failure to operate on demand, which causes a spurious trip during partial stroke testing (PST).

One way to improve safe failure rates is to improve magnetic flux as this allows higher margin of flux over spring force. Fortunately, there are several ways of promoting optimal magnetic flux. Most solenoid valves use a wet armature arrangement where the

One example of a spurious trip could be where the solenoid coil burns out, there is a loss of magnetic flux and thus the process valve closes. The safe failure rate will be improved if burn-out can be prevented, in

internal magnetic components are exposed to the instrument media. Therefore a corrosion-resistant material must be used.

Unfortunately, such hard magnetic materials reduce the maximum magnetic flux and increase retentivity. In contrast, a dry

which case the following may apply: â&#x20AC;˘ Reduce the coil running temperature. â&#x20AC;˘ Ensure efficient thermal dissipation. â&#x20AC;˘ Core tubes reduce cooling efficiency, so an integrated core, armature and coil construction may also help.

armature, where the magnetic components are isolated from the instrument media, allows for soft magnetic materials to be used which exhibit increased maximum magnetic flux and reduced retentivity.

The second type of safe failure is when

When looking to improve magnetic flux, the core design, and in particular the magnetic

valves fail to open on demand, which may be termed a pull-in failure. Over a period of time, cable damage or termination

path integrity, should also be considered.

A core tube design leaks magnetic flux as there are air gaps between the coil and

corrosion can cause an increase in resistance which subsequently causes a reduced voltage at the solenoid valve coil.

the tube, whereas an integrated design maximises flux strength.

Under such circumstances, the voltage may fall to below the required pull-in voltage of the solenoid. During a PST, the solenoid coil is de-energised and then re-

Applications

energised at the end of the test. However, whilst the coil voltage was sufficient to hold the valve in the open position, it is insufficient to pull-in (re open) the valve from its closed position. As a result, the process valve completely closes, causing

good outcomes both in PST (where it maximises the diagnostic coverage and minimises spurious trips) and in daily applications. In fact, it is in day-to-day use that reliable actuation becomes most important, ensuring safety, efficiency,

an unintended trip. This can be avoided by

product quality and productivity.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

To summarise, optimising solenoid valve design, and in particular ensuring reliable actuation, is absolutely crucial to ensure

Valves 33

About the author

Richard Harvey is an Energy Sector Product Manager at IMI Precision Engineering responsible for the ICO4PST Smart Solenoid Partial Stroke Testing system.

He has a BSc in Applied Physics and is a registered Incorporated Engineer with the Engineering Council and a Member of the Institute of Engineering & Technology.

In addition, Harvey is also a TĂ&#x153;V certified Functional Safety Professional and a member of the International Society of Automation (ISA).

www.hazardexonthenet.net

New Hazardous Area Equipment Market report â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 Jan 2017 IHS Markit is pleased to announce it has commenced a new edition of its world-wide Hazardous Area Equipment Market report. As with previous editions, the new edition will be conducted in co-operation with HazardEx and is scheduled for publication Spring 2017.

The report covers a wide range of products in terms of revenues, unit shipments and average selling prices. The company collects data and opinions from many sources including interviews with leading suppliers, enabling the general health of the market and trends to be assessed. A five year forecast and estimated market share of leading suppliers is also provided.

IHS Markit works in association with Hazardex on this report which has become an important source of information for all companies that manufacture or are associated with the supply products approved for use in explosive atmospheres.

John Morse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Snr Market Analyst IHS Markit 3-5 Huxley Close Wellingborough NN8 2UL UK t: +44 1933 408077 e: John.morse@ihsmarkit.com w: http://technology.ihs.com

Valve gas loss detection 35

Case Study: Quantification of Through

Valve Gas Losses using Acoustic Emission O

riginally developed for estimating leakage rates through valves to flare in oil refineries and offshore

method as most promising for development as a method of quantifying leakage through valves. The field development programme

become widely used in the oil and gas industry for the identification and estimation of through-valve gas losses, thus enabling

platforms, acoustic emission technology is also finding use in other process industries such as power generation, nuclear, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, says Tim Bradshaw, General Manager, MISTRAS Group, UK

lasted six years and involved removing more than 800 valves from service that had been identified as leaking, and retesting these in the laboratory to build up a correlation between physical loss and acoustic signal level.

cost effective operational and maintenance decisions to be made quickly and easily without plant disruption, and by personnel with just one hour of training.

operations.

Detection Principle

The detection of leaks by acoustic methods was used well before the technology of acoustic emission (AE) was applied elsewhere. However, the equipment that was available was susceptible to noise from sources other than leaks, such as that from normal plant operation and

Following this, a “best fit” correlation was developed so that the technology could be easily applied. Factors having a significant effect on the acoustic signal level include valve type, size, and differential pressure.

This development was followed by the commissioning of a new instrument able to make accurate field measurements

The source of the acoustic emissions should be considered initially. These are generated by a fluctuating pressure field that is associated with turbulent flow of the fluid at the leak site. The conditions for turbulent flow are met when the inertial effects of the fluid flow overcome the viscous drag; the ratio of the former to the latter is defined as the Reynolds number.

the surrounding environment. As the AE industry grew in other areas, technology became available which meant that the problems of environmental noise could be largely overcome.

to make practical use of the database.

The new instrument, the VPAC II from Mistras Group, is intrinsically safe, portable and simple to use by virtue of all the measurement functions being automatic.

Turbulence has been found to commence when the value for the Reynolds number is between 103 and 104. Acoustic Emission, therefore, is an effective method for detection of through valve leaks where the

A trials programme carried out by BP between 1982 and 1984 selected the AE

This instrument together with the “VPAC” Valve Leak Technology Package, as the quantification method is known, has

velocity across the leak is sufficiently high with respect to the size of the leak orifice to produce a Reynolds number in this region.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

36 Valve gas loss detection

Quantification The calculation to deduce the flow rate in a cylindrical orifice would be simple.

However, this is far from the real world situation where a leak is likely to be anything but a cylindrical orifice and is also likely to be made up from a number of smaller leaks around the entire valve seat. As a result, an alternative method of correlating the AE received and the flow rate through the leak was required. This was achieved empirically by testing 800 valves in the field and repeating the tests with the valves removed to a flow rig.

surface (Fig. 2), using a suitable acoustic couplant such as grease, on the valve to

to the leak and attenuate as the distance from the leak increases, these upstream

be tested.

and downstream figures will be lower if the valve is truly the source of the acoustic emission. The noted reading is then inserted into a PC spreadsheet along with the other relevant information: • valve inlet size • differential pressure across the valve • valve type

The current value of the signal level (dB) is noted. This may also be stored with a single key-press in one of the 300 memory locations. If a leak is indicated by a reading greater than normal background (12 -16dB) then readings are taken on the pipework upstream and downstream of the valve.

As the signal level will be highest close

Valves in the size range 1 - 18” and of a range of types were used in this exercise and a database of results was compiled from which a predictive equation was derived. It is this predictive equation that

Test Method

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by the predictive equation to calculate the loss rates. The spreadsheet is often modified to present the loss rate in convenient units such as tonnes/year, m3/ day or even product value/period.

Current Experience

allows the quantification of through valve leaks in the field.

The operation of the instrument is simple.

The sensor is held in contact with a flat

This information is used in the spreadsheet

Figure 1 - Suggested Test Points

The VPAC II system has now been licensed for use on more than 200 sites and has proved capable of quickly surveying large numbers of valves and estimating losses from the leaking valves. In one offshore survey, 20 valves were tested and the

Valve gas loss detection 37

results recorded in just over an hour.

In this one small survey, leaks totalling

instrument. A leak of only 1.5 litres/min was detected in a relief valve in an offshore gas

that relief valves that had lifted should be replaced (in case they had not properly

approximately 5,100 litres/min were identified, equating to 4,500 tonnes/year.

Other spectacular successes have been commonplace with the largest leak found to date being over 3,800 litres/minute from a single 24” valve. In one refinery, a 4-inch PRV with a signal level of 85db was found,

production platform compressor module.

The background signal level on the 5131 sensor was no higher than normal even in this “high noise” environment.

re-seated) now specify VPAC to check for reseating, thus saving the cost of replacing valves after the majority of releases.

Losses also have secondary effects. One refinery user reported that hydrogen was

The detection of through valve leakage using VPAC is not confined to gas systems.

equating to 1,100 tonnes/year.

its production bottleneck. Each tonne of hydrogen was used to make 30 tonnes of product. A control valve was identified by VPAC as losing 770 tonnes of hydrogen a year to flare. This equates to a loss of production of 23,100 tonnes per annum.

Where there is sufficient differential pressure to satisfy the conditions for turbulent flow, then liquid leakage can also be readily detected. The database of results on liquids has now been built up allowing quantification of through valve liquid losses.

These valves are now checked on a regular basis.

At present, work is ongoing to expand this database, which will further improve the liquid leak correlation to larger valve sizes.

In one petrochemical plant, four 24-inch control valves were tested using VPAC. Two of these were shown to be leaking more than 2,500 tonnes/year. One oil company identified losses of $14 million from four refineries.

Further Developments

Not all large scale losses are due to damaged valves; leaking control valves are a common problem and these often require only a minor adjustment. One particular

Of great concern to many governments is the issue of environmental damage caused by the excessive release of hydrocarbons

A programme run offshore and in the workshop extended the procedure and

one-inch valve, shown to be losing £20,000/year, was fixed on the spot by

into the atmosphere. Operators working in countries, which do not yet have strict

correlation to very large offshore Emergency Shutdown Valves, up to 48” diameter, in

simply adjusting the stop. An offshore PCV was found to be losing 500,000 mscf/day, equating to $300,000 per annum.

environmental policies, will know that it is only a matter of time before they also will have to comply with the strictest emission

both gas and liquid service, with soft and hard seats. The purpose was to replace the statutory SI1029 test requirement, which

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

regulations. VPAC offers a quick and simple solution to monitoring plants and effectively keeping emissions from through

required long period platform shutdown, with a test that could be applied rapidly during any temporary production stop,

valve losses under control. Some company operating procedures which had required

saving $400,000 per annum in the Forties field.

The system is also being widely used for operations troubleshooting and maintenance where the value of the losses may not be the most significant feature.

This is particularly true for offshore projects where the value of the gas is not high. The use of the VPAC system is now written into several maintenance procedures in the North Sea. Initial surveys will quickly highlight the large-scale losses, which may then be dealt with. It is here that the sensitivity of the VPAC system becomes a significant advantage. Losses of as little as 1 litre/ min are detectable in the field. A refinery suffering virtually no background losses is using the VPAC system to quickly track down leaks as they occur. They can achieve in a couple of hours what used to take two to three days.

Even in apparently noisy environments it is possible to detect very small leaks.

This is due to the sensor design, which is very effective at rejecting vibrational noise, and advanced signal processing in the

www.hazardexonthenet.net

38 Valve gas loss detection In addition to the detection of liquid through valve leaks, the system is also

valve losses of normally closed steam valves for power generation. Identifying the

being used to detect the leaks that lead to sand erosion of valve bodies. This can also be extended to detect sand erosion at vulnerable areas in pipework.

valves that are allowing the greatest loss is a critical tool in the financial management of these plants.

Leak detection using AE techniques is also being used successfully on boilers, where

Leak detection is also being carried out in nuclear applications, where AE systems are installed on various types of nuclear reactor

steam leak detection systems provide early warnings of steam leaks, which allows plant operators to manage the problem cost effectively, often running the plant for weeks following initial detection.

These systems use sensors mounted on

pipework and pressure vessels.

waveguides welded to the outside of the boiler, making installation straightforward.

prioritising of maintenance based on quantitative information; speedy and effective operations and maintenance troubleshooting; and the effective control of emissions to the environment.

Handheld AE leak detection systems are also identifying and quantifying through-

About the author

Conclusions The quantification of through valve losses allows the identification of significant cost savings through loss control;

Tim Bradshaw is the General Manager of the Mistras UK Cambridge Office. He joined Mistras Group in 2002 working on the development and operation of advanced inspection services and condition monitoring solutions in a wide range of industries and environments.

Bradshaw is a Mistras AE Level III and works with BSI and the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) on condition monitoring certification and development of codes and standards.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

Event preview 39

RECSO EnviroSpill Dates: 10-12 April 2017 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE RECSO EnviroSpill will be held from 10 - 12 April 2017 at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Comprising an international exhibition and strategic conference it will provide an opportunity to learn about the protection of the waters around the GCC by highlighting oil spill prevention, preparedness and remedial actions in case of an incident.

RECSO EnviroSpill 2017 is the leading event for oil spill protection in the Middle East and the only event

hosted by the Regional Clean Sea Organisation (RECSO) and its members which include all national oil companies in the region.

The event will facilitate mutual cooperation and knowledge-sharing for professionals from the government, private sector and response community and increase awareness of the latest technologies, services, innovation and preventative methodologies.

innovations. To get your products and services in front of thousands of industry professionals with real

The exhibition will provide a platform to highlight the causes of oil spill & environment mitigation methods,

buying power, book your stand today.

regulations and guidelines and technological

www.recsoenvirospill.com

Integrated Fire Safety of IBCs & Intermodals training course Dates: 11-13 April 2017 Location: Dordrecht, The Netherlands

with these incidents involving IBCs with flammable and combustible liquids and Intermodals containing hazardous materials.

H2K and MARSH Risk Consulting have joined forces to set up this dedicated training course for the management of Fire Safety of IBCs and Intermodals.

This 3-day JOIFF accredited training addresses options for preventing, mitigation and emergency response for incidents with IBCs containing flammable or combustible liquids and Intermodals containing hazardous materials.

This training is very useful for any person who has direct or indirect responsibility for the identification of credible incidents and control of risks associated

Among the references used during this training are,

container • Behaviour in composite IBCs during fire exposure

NFPA codes and standards 11, 15, 16 en 30.

Topics • Design and construction of warehouses and

• Behaviour of flammable liquids during a fire when fire fighting foam is applied The 3-day training will take place at Spinel

outside storage facilities for IBCs • (Semi)-fixed fire extinguishing systems • Identification of credible incident scenarios with

Safety Centre in Dordrecht, near Rotterdam (The Netherlands). It is strongly internationally oriented and conducted in English.

IBCs and Intermodals containing hazardous materials • Intermodal for UN class 3 is present during the

Peter de Roos of H2K and Jeanne van Buren of MARSH Risk Consulting are the two instructors.

training, to demonstrate safety provisions the tank

www.h2k.nl

SPE Health, Safety, Security, Environment & Social Responsibility Conference - North America Date: 18 to 20 April 2017 Location: New Orleans, USA The SPE Health, Safety, Security, Environment, & Social Responsibility Conference – North America focuses on health, safety, security, and environmental challenges facing the E&P industry.

Since 1993, this conference has brought together HSE professionals for knowledge sharing, learning and networking. Experts from industry, government, and academia attend to share insights and best practices. The event will include presentations and discussions to help attendees address the health, safety, security, and environmental challenges facing the E&P industry.

Our industry continues to encounter new HSE issues that challenge our capabilities and technology.

Environmental concerns with potential global climate change, developing unconventional reservoirs, and accessibility to potable water are changing how we do business. Through these challenges, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to health, safety, and environment. This continued focus will help protect our most valuable assets, our people.

We must also concentrate on corporate social responsibility, which adds to corporate value and our license to operate.

This conference is designed to help you with these challenges through valuable keynote presentations, technical and poster sessions, panel discussions,

and exhibits. It provides an excellent learning opportunity for: • Health, safety, security, environment, and social responsibility professionals • Operations management with accountability for HSSESR • Governmental and non-governmental organizations • Universities and other educational institutes • Emergency response and security organizations • Stakeholders interested or affected by the E&P industry www.spe.org/events/hsse/2017

www.hazardexonthenet.net

40

Product Datafiles

Ex-rated LED Floodlight and Lowbay for hazardous areas Fully ATEX and IECEx certified for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous locations, the Gamma range combines the energy saving benefits of a LED light source with rugged industrial construction for use in the harshest of environments.

Abtech’s Gamma LED luminaire range that features both a high output floodlight and a low glare version incorporating Abtech’s patented optical light guide technology. Compact and flexible, the Gamma can be used as either a floodlight or a lowbay The high output option provides up to 13,600 lumens, whilst the LG option is designed to combat the effects of disability glare. Both feature full marine grade stainless steel construction.

Configured for area lighting, the 96W Gamma provides an even and uniform distribution of light. It generates over 13,600 lumens of crisp white light and is rated for T3 hazardous areas at 55°C ambient.

The low glare Gamma LG is designed to minimise the effects usually associated with glare by utilising a patented optical array. The Gamma LG is ideal for use in height restricted or congested areas where there is a need for higher levels of white light, such as over pumps or rotating machinery, but without introducing the potentially debilitating effect of glare.

All Gamma variants incorporate harmonic and overvoltage protection and are supplied with a five-year complete system warranty.

T: +44 (0)114 2442424, E: sales@abtech.eu W: http://www.abtech.eu/latest/gamma/

An Engineer’s 3 Step Guide to selecting a static grounding solution

Asecos Q range – proven fire resistance of 90 minutes

Hazop assessments, and the reports that follow on from them, are a great way of capturing and identifying processes and practices that could lead to the ignition of flammable atmospheres through discharges of static electricity.

What Hazop reports are not so great at doing is identifying what the grounding solution to eliminate the risk should look like.

This 3 Step Guide is about helping you get started on the right path and can be best described as a door opener to the subject of hazardous area static control.

Labtex’s Asecos Type 90 storage cabinets provide extremely safe, regulationcompliant storage of hazardous materials in laboratories and other work spaces. Each cabinet variant is furnace tested in accordance with EN 14470-1 and proven to give fire resistance of 90 minutes. Extremely robust in construction for maximum torsional rigidity and with tamper proof lock and indicators built in, every ASECOS cabinet has GS approval and CE conformity. In addition the Q range is offered in range of scratch-resistant paint colours and with extensive interior equipment options Warranty cover is available up to 10 years.

For more information please contact Newson Gale. www.newson-gale.co.uk

Tel:+44 (0)1484 600200 Please contact Greg Smith at greg@labtex.co.uk

ARCO PRIORITISES CUSTOMER COMFORT WITH NEW ‘COMFORT LIGHT’ GLOVE RANGE Arco designed a new range of gloves which are functional, protective and comfortable. The new range prioritises wearer comfort and satisfaction through ergonomic design and elasticated fabric properties.

All gloves in the range offer the high level of abrasion resistance, providing improved grip for the wearer, a fluid repellent liner treatment that ensures dry hands. Spandex has also been used within the design to ensure a better fit and allow worker’s hands the freedom to move.

Arco Comfort Light Grip Foam Ideal for applications such as assembly work, general

maintenance, goods picking and packing, this gloves features a foam nitrile coating with nitrile dots for increased grip and durability.

Arco Comfort Light Foam Designed to provide exceptional grip for workers in oily environments. Other features include the foam nitrile coating, which is breathable and keeps hands cool.

Arco Comfort 15g PU This tough working glove includes a lightweight liner coated with PU: that provides good abrasion resistance

whilst retaining flexibility.

This glove is ideal for handling intricate tasks.

Each glove has been tested and approved to meet EN 388:2003 Standard, which assesses glove’s ability to protect against mechanical hazards.

For further information, visit www.arco.co.uk/comfortlight.

Importance of using rupture discs in combination with burst detection systems in hazardous environments The last 50 years have seen a complete overhaul of risk and hazard management, with most companies and industry sectors adopting a more advanced safety culture. Pressure relief experts; Elfab Limited have over 80 years’ experience manufacturing rupture discs and burst detection systems for hazardous applications and industries.

Using burst detection alongside rupture discs is critical in order to quickly identify when a disc has burst. With years of experience and technical understanding of a wide range of industries and applications, Elfab developed an Exdapproved detection system, “Flo-Tel XD”; an industry-first product, providing a fail-safe, instantaneous notification of rupture disc burst within arduous enclosures.

Elfab recognised by developing its existing Flo-Tel burst detection system and supplying it with an XD enclosure, installation could be improved and costs could be reduced further. An Exd-rated enclosure makes the rupture disc detection system less susceptible to the environment, ensuring continuous reliable operation over the longer-term periods. Please visit www.elfab.com for more details.

Flo-Tel XD is ATEX-approved and re-usable, as only the disc needs replacing upon burst. Organisations can benefit from the shutdown of a process in the event of a disc burst to reduce any potential damage.

Product Datafiles 41 Press Release: New Cost-effective ATEX Level Sensors

ATEX Certified Humidity/ Moisture & Temperature Sensors

Process measurement specialists, Bell Flow Systems, are pleased to introduce our new range of Microson low cost non-contact ultrasonic level measurement sensors. The Sensors are designed for liquid and solid level measurement in the industrial, water and wastewater sectors. Ranges are available up to 15m, with ATEX approval options available. Construction options include plastic, aluminium, and stainless steel, with IP67 / 68 enclosure protections available.

Sensors offer a selection of power supply options including 24 VDC and 220 VAC, with an output signal of 4-20ma offered over a 2 wire or 4 wire electrical connection. Standard configurations of the Microson range are available for next day delivery, please contact Bell Flow Systems for further information.

Contact Details: Bell Flow Systems Ltd www.bellflowsystems.co.uk enquiries@bellflowsystems.co.uk

ROTRONIC Intrinsically Safe sensors and measurement transmitters with analogue outputs are suitable for use wherever there is a risk of explosion due to dust or gas in the environment.

They were developed for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, grain & sugar, petrochemical, and oil & gas industries. HygroFlex5-EX transmitters and probes from ROTRONIC conform to the latest international ATEX standards. The transmitter is Intrinsically Safe (secondary side) , there are two channel outputs, the housing is heavy duty. Interchangeable probes are available for all applications, including those at pressure and low dew point.

Technical datasheet available Tel: 01293 571000 Email: instruments@rotronic.co.uk Web: www.rotronic.co.uk

DA-720-DPP: X86-Computer for Energy, Transportation, Marine, Oil and Gas

Smiths Connectors Introduces Vortex Connector Series

Moxa´s DA-720-DPP series of rackmount computers enables reliable system operation in specialized automation applications, not least due to its compliance with IEC-61850-3-, IEEE 1613-, and IEC 60255. The x86 2U 19-inch high density 14 gigabit Ethernet platform with 6th generation Intel® Core™ i7 CPU offers 2 isolated RS-232/422/485 ports, USB, VGA, and 2 PCIe ports for expansion modules, including 4-port and 8-port 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN modules The standard 19-inch 2U rack-mountable case with a robust design is ideal for specialized industrial automation applications, including power substations, transportation and shipping, and oil and gas production and supply.

The computer is IEC-61850-3, IEEE 1613 and IEC 60255 compliant.

Moxa Europe GmbH Telephone: +49-89-37003-99-0 Email: europe@moxa.com Web: www.moxa.com

High pressure, high temperature hermetically sealed single –way connector and boot kit Smiths Connectors, a leading provider of high reliability interconnect solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry, is unveiling its innovative high pressure, high temperature Vortex Connector Series, specifically designed for MWD, LWD and wireline applications.

The Vortex Series provides exceptional protection of critical electronics in the harsh environment that is typical of the Oil and Gas applications allowing customers to exploit more demanding geographies and geologies with deeper drilling and fracking capabilities.

For more information on the Vortex Single-Way Connector Series or our other products used in Oil & Gas Applications, please visit the Smiths Connectors website, http://www.smithsconnectors.com/us/markets/oil-gas.

Putting the latest hazardous area news, legislation & products at your fingertips

Download the new HazardEx App today for free!

42 Buyers Guide

For a complete range of hazardous area solutions Intrinsic Safety Isolators • Zener Barriers • Zone 1&2 Remote I/O • Fieldbus Exe Enclosures • Exd Control Panels • Ex Lighting • Purge Solutions • Zone 1 & 2 HMI’s PC’s

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Tel.: 0161 6336431

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sales@gb.pepperl-fuchs.com

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Powerful New ATEX-Approved Batteries

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Your Source Onshore For Everything Electrical Offshore R&M is the UK’s largest independent electrical group serving the Oil and Gas industries.

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Advanced batteries and protection whatever the environment

www.rd-electrical.com email: mail@rd-electrical.com

Call 0161 727 3860 for further details

SAFETY PLUGS PROTECT FROM ARC FLASH

Control Panels Cable Glands

Instrumentation Trace Heating Electrical Control Panels Leak Detection ATEX Inspections

Explosion protection

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J.B. Systems Ltd EExd & EExe enclosures Custom built panels, terminal boxes & control stations

DECONTACTOR™ Switch Rated AC-23 Socket ATEX/IECEx rated up to 200 A Compliant to ISO OHSAS 18001

Tel: 01296 489967 Fax: 01296 393515 Email: sales@jbsystems.co.uk Website: www.jbsystems.co.uk

Tel: 03330 124 048 sales.uk@marechal.com

Explosion Proof Cranes

Conventional venting Flameless venting Explosion isolation Explosion suppression Testing services Expert advice

Contact us today!

Fike UK, 35 Earl Street Maidstone, Kent ME14 1PF, UK T: +44 (0) 1622 677081 E: info@fike.co.uk www.fike.co.uk

Hazardous Area Specialist

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09/01/2017 18:28

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Specialist in design and custom build of a wide range of high-quality, hazardous area enclosures, terminal boxes & control stations

We flash test as standard, we also offer injection testing & more

Delivery All around the world, Packaging to suit your Circumstances

Install & Commission Our engineers are fully qualified and we have carried out successful works in over 50 countries On & Offshore

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COURSES SCOTLAND Forth Valley College is the ONLY approved centre for CompEx in the central belt.

We pride ourselves in offering a wide range of essential Electrical Safety and Hazardous Areas Training CompEx courses.

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BOOK TODAY Various start dates through the year at our Falkirk Campus.

Visit - www.forthvalley.ac.uk/compex Call - 01324 403173 Email - businessdevelopment@forthvalley.ac.uk © Forth Valley College 2017. All information was correct at time of publishing, but may be subject to change. CM441