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hazardexonthenet.net

October 2020

the journal for hazardous area environments

Automation & Robotics How robots can reduce accidents in offshore energy asset inspection

Petrochemical

Image: ORCA Hub

How to calculate an Intrinsically Safe loop approval

UKCA marking

Bulk materials

Alarms

Understanding the use of the UKCA Mark for UK markets

Safe and economical processing of bulk materials

Understanding effective audible and visual alarm notification

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contents October 2020 Since the UK’s vote to leave the European Union back in June 2016, there have been repeated calls for clarity about what happens next. Specifically in relation to high hazard industries, one major cause for concern has been the lack of clarity surrounding regulation changes, especially the ATEX Directive and how it would be implemented in a post-Brexit UK. Clarity on the topic was finally provided on September 1 when the UK government announced that the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking will replace the CE marking on most goods, including those that are ATEX approved. The UKCA mark can be used from 1 January 2021, however, to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements, the CE marking may still be used until 1 January 2022 in most cases. More details about the announcement and what it means for individuals

14 22

and companies operating in hazardous environment industries, can be found on page 4 of this issue. The announcement that ATEX will be replaced by the UKCA mark is one of the most significant developments for the industry in many years. Fortunately, the transition period should help iron out any creases and give manufacturers time to become informed about the UKCA mark. However, the current consensus is that the UKCA mark should be employed as soon as possible from January 2021 rather than leaving it until later in the year.

The ORCA Hub is creating game-changing robotic solutions for asset inspection, maintenance and repair.

20 28

Hazardex will continue to cover the topic and bring you the latest developments regarding the UKCA mark and what it means for those doing business both in the UK and internationally. …Alistair Hookway, Editor, Hazardex alistair.hookway@imlgroup.co.uk

A look at the criteria used for specifying alarm horn sounders and warning beacons and why they can sometimes cause confusion.

in this issue 32

4 News Extra • Understanding the use of the UKCA Mark for UK markets • Pipeline explosion in Texas leaves four dead, six injured • BP and Equinor form partnership to develop offshore wind energy in US • EDF to close UK nuclear power station two years early due to cracks in reactor • One person dead, one injured after supertanker catches fire off Sri Lanka coast

21 Standards: Smart organisations in emergency mode 22 How robots can reduce accidents in offshore energy asset inspection

This article looks at how to calculate an Intrinsically Safe loop approval; including the impact of using Ex ic (Zone 2) and gas group on cable lengths.

27 Closing the Ex Engineering Loop on NEC 500 applications in the US

28 Understanding effective audible and visual alarm notification 32 How to calculate an Intrinsically Safe loop approval 36 Safe and economical processing of bulk materials 40 Specifying cable protection for pharmaceutical applications Integrated explosion safety concepts can improve process safety and save operational costs.

30 36

the journal for hazardous area environments

hazardexonthenet.net

October 2020

43 Datafiles

Automation & Robotics

How robots can reduce accidents in offshore energy asset inspection

Petrochemical

Image: ORCA Hub

How to calculate an Intrinsically Safe loop approval

UKCA marking

Bulk materials

Alarms

Understanding the use of the UKCA Mark for UK markets

Safe and economical processing of bulk materials

Understanding effective audible and visual alarm notification

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 £147; EU £215.25; Airmail £315 and single copy price is £23.10 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 Alistair Hookway alistair.hookway@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

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

Production and Events Holly Reed holly.reed@imlgroup.co.uk

Design Graham Rich Design www.grahamrichdesign.co.uk

News Extra

Understanding the use of the UKCA Mark for UK markets D

Using the UKCA Mark

UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) is a new UK product marking regulation that will be used in place of

From January 1, 2021 businesses can apply the UKCA marking to their product or to the packaging. In some cases, it

parties • Businesses must not attach other markings on the product which affect

the CE mark for goods being placed on the UK market.

may be placed on the manuals or on other supporting literature. This will vary depending on the specific regulations that apply to the product.

the visibility, legibility or meaning of the UKCA marking • The UKCA marking cannot be placed on products unless there is a specific requirement to do so in the legislation

ue to the UK leaving the EU,

Starting January 1, 2021, UKCA will be the conformity assessment marking for goods entering the UK market that are currently subject to CE marking. However, to allow time for adjustments to the new requirements, businesses will still be able to use the CE marking until January 1, 2022.

Businesses should be ready to use the UKCA marking from 1st January 2022 at the latest, although they should look to use the UKCA marking as soon as possible.

www.hazardex-event.co.uk

The following general rules apply when using the UKCA marking: • UKCA markings must only be placed on a product by the manufacturer

or form of the UKCA marking to third

UK Declaration of Conformity The UK Declaration of Conformity is a

or authorised representative (where allowed for in the relevant legislation) • When attaching the UKCA marking, businesses take full responsibility for their product’s conformity with

document which must be drawn up for most products lawfully bearing a UKCA marking.

the requirements of the relevant legislation • Businesses must only use the UKCA marking to show product conformity with the relevant UK legislation • Businesses must not place any marking or sign that may misconstrue the meaning

authorised representative (where allowed for in the relevant legislation), should: • Declare that the product is in conformity with the relevant statutory requirements applicable to the specific product • Make sure the document has the name and address of the manufacturer (or an

In the document businesses, or an

News Extra

authorised representative) together with information about the product and the

Continuing use of the CE Mark

Using both the CE and UKCA marking

conformity assessment body (where relevant)

The CE marking will be accepted in the UK until January 1, 2022 for some products such as those with certificates of conformity issued by an EU-recognised Notified Body or pre-existing stock.

Goods can carry both the CE and UKCA markings so long as they are fully compliant with both EU and UK regulations.

The UK Declaration of

Affixing the UKCA mark to a product

Conformity should be available

The information required on the Declaration of Conformity will be largely the same

Businesses will be able to use the CE marking until December 31, 2021 if any of the following apply: • The business currently applies the CE marking to their goods on the basis of self-declaration

as what is currently required on an EU Declaration of Conformity. This can vary depending on the application legislation but generally should include:

• Any mandatory third-party conformity assessment was carried out by an EUrecognised Notified Body (including a body in a country with which the EU has

actual product) until January 1, 2023 (after which the UKCA mark must be affixed directly to the product) to ease any potential burden on product labelling

a relevant mutual recognition agreement) • The certificate of conformity previously held by a UK Notified Body has been transferred to an EU-recognised Notified

changes.

• Business name and full business address or that of an authorised representative • The product’s serial number, model or

to market surveillance authorities on request.

type identification • A statement, stating the business takes full responsibility for the product’s compliance • The details of the approved body which carried out the conformity assessment procedure (if applicable)

Body

signature • The date the declaration was issued • Supplementary information (if applicable) You will need to list: • Relevant UK legislation instead of EU legislation • UK designated standards rather than standards cited in the Official Journal of the European Union

Documentation needed for a UKCA assessment Documentation that is used in the assessment process will emulate that of the CE mark in the EU market so

Very few Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) providers have the physical presence and Notified Body status in both the EU and

• The relevant legislation with which the product complies • Business’s representative’s name and

In most cases, UKCA marks need to be affixed to the product itself. A transitional measure being introduced allows for the UKCA mark to be affixed to an accompanying document (in lieu of the

UK to meet the requirements and issue the CE and UKCA marks.

Conformity assessment for the EU market Starting January 1, 2021 any mandatory third-party conformity assessment for the EU market will need to be carried out by an EU-recognised conformity assessment

the documents for CE mark should be sufficient, with appropriate amendments to include the UKCA marking. About the author CSA Group maintains both an EU-27 Notified Body (CSA Group Netherlands B.V, Notified Body number 2813), and will become a UK Approved Body (Sira Certification Service No. 0518) on January 1, 2021, ensuring we can offer UKCA and CE services. CSA Group Testing UK ltd. +44 (0) 1244 670 950 www.csagroupuk.org

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News Extra

The Coast Guard was informed of a fire in the Port of Corpus Christi Ship Channel at

Image: US Coast Guard

08:12 local time and attended the scene with support of a helicopter which hoisted two injured crewmembers to safety. Six people in total were injured with several taken to local hospital with burns. Those who died in the incident are yet to be publicly identified. A joint investigation has been opened by the US Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Pipeline explosion in Texas leaves four dead, six injured

pipeline explosion in Corpus

Christi on the southern Texas

of the vessel were rescued by the Coast

After the initial fire on the Waymon L. Boyd was extinguished on August 21, it reignited later that evening before the vessel sunk. The Coast Guard began salvage operations on August 23 to remove the vessel from the port’s shipping lane. A statement from the Coast Guard said that the Texas General Land Office, state lead for coastal oil spill response, was at the scene and was working to identify and

Guard while the bodies of two other crewmembers were recovered the following day on August 22.

protect Texas natural resources and ensure the spill was contained. Approximately 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel was been removed from the water and 680 gallons of

ruptured a submerged natural gas

diesel fuel/water was skimmed.

pipeline in the Port of Corpus Christi.

Following a comprehensive search for a further two missing crewmembers, the US Coast Guard announced that the search

After accidentally rupturing the pipeline, the dredging vessel – named the Waymon L. Boyd – became engulfed in flames, the

had been suspended. The bodies of the two missing men were discovered a few days later.

Corpus Christi Bay in the western Gulf of Mexico and processes over 80 million tonnes of cargo from over 6,000 ships

coast killed four people and injured six others on August 21. The blast occurred after a dredging vessel

US Coast Guard said. Two crewmembers

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10 News Extra

Spanish chemical plant to become world’s first to operate on 100% renewable power A

SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) chemical plant in Cartagena, Spain is set to become

sites globally by 2025, rising to 12GW by 2030.

the world’s first large-scale chemical production site to be run entirely on renewable power, following the signing of a major agreement. The polycarbonate facility is expected to be fully operational in 2024.

& Innovation and CTO and CSO at SABIC, said: “The solar PV powered plant in Cartagena demonstrates that SABIC continues to drive the sustainability agenda in the chemicals industry and that a transition on such a large scale is possible.

The deal will see Iberdrola, a Spanish utility company, invest almost ¤70m (£63m) to construct a 100MW solar PV facility with

“The new PV plant will deliver an 80kt annual reduction in indirect CO2 emissions, and further strengthens our support and

263,000 panels. The facility will be built on land owned by SABIC, making it the largest industrial renewable power plant in Europe.

contribution to wider climate change initiatives like EU 2030 and our alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Plans are also underway to install PV technology at SABIC’s global HQ in Riyadh, and a final-stage feasibility study is underway to explore a $300m,

The 25-year deal represents another step in SABIC’s ambition to transition all its global operations to cleaner energy. SABIC, a

Once the solar plant comes online, SABIC’s customers, including those in the automotive and construction sectors, will have access to

300-megawatt solar array project on the western coast of Saudi Arabia. Once complete, SABIC will take the electricity

subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, aims to have 4GW of either wind or solar energy installed for its

polycarbonate solutions produced with 100% renewable power.

generated by the plant and deliver it to local chemicals manufacturing plants.

Bob Maughon, EVP Sustainability, Technology

SABIC’s Cartagena facility - Image: SABIC

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News Extra 11 energy majors develop offshore wind

Image: BP

projects in the US. This includes the

developed renewable generating capacity from 2.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2019 to around 50GW

leases on the US East coast and jointly

by 2030.

development of existing offshore wind pursuing further opportunities for

In a statement, BP said that the new

The Empire Wind lease area, which was awarded to Equinor in 2016, is 15-30 miles southeast of Long Island and has a total area of 80,000 acres. The area will be developed in

partnership will see it purchase a 50% interest in both the Empire Wind and Beacon Wind assets from Equinor. BP has agreed to pay Equinor $1.1 billion. The partnership will leverage capability and experience from both companies, the statement added.

two phases. Empire Wind phase 1 secured an offtake agreement in the July 2019 solicitation and will have between 60 and 80 turbines. The whole Empire Wind lease area has a potential generation capacity of 2GW with a generating capacity of more than one million homes.

Equinor will remain operator of the Empire and Beacon projects in the development, construction and operations phases. The

Beacon Wind covers a total area of 128,000 acres of federal waters off New England’s coast, approximately 20 miles south of

deputy project director for Empire Wind will be nominated by BP and over time the wind assets will be equally staffed by BP and Equinor.

Nantucket and 60 miles east of Montauk Point. When fully developed it is expected to have a total generating capacity of 2.4GW, sufficient to provide power to more than a million

offshore wind in the US.

BP and Equinor form partnership to develop offshore wind energy in US

P and Equinor announced a

new strategic partnership on

September 10 that will see the two

households in the northeast US. The agreement comes a month after BP announced its new strategy, including aims

Subject to customary regulatory and other

to increase its annual low carbon investment 10-fold to around $5 billion a year and grow its

approvals, the deal is expected to close in early 2021.

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12 News Extra likely to have been caused by a short circuit in an electrical panel in the plant’s power

The Srisailam Dam - Image: Wikimedia

house. The power house is located underground, about 1.2km away from the facility’s main entrance. The only way in and out, according to TSGenco, was through a

Hydroelectric power plant fire kills nine in India A

fire at a hydroelectric power plant killed nine workers in the town

of Srisailam, south east India on August 20. The blaze broke out late at night, trapping the nine people in an underground part of the facility.

assistant engineers at the plant. The power plant belongs to Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TSGenco).

tunnel. There were 30 employees at the TSGenco plant at the time of the fire, with several workers escaping through the tunnel before it became filled with thick smoke as the fire spread. The smoke and heat of the fire trapped nine workers and prevented rescue teams from entering until the afternoon of August 21. The workers were found dead inside the tunnel.

The state of Telangana’s Chief Minister ordered an immediate criminal investigation.

Several workers who managed to escape the facility before the fire spread were taken to a nearby hospital, three in a serious condition.

On August 21, after the fire at the Srisailam Left Bank Hydel Power Station (SLBHP)

Local police and fire officials said that comprehensive efforts had been made to rescue the trapped workers, but the

The SLBHP is located on the Telangana side of the Srisailam reservoir near the Srisailam

had been extinguished, all nine bodies were discovered. Three of the dead were

dangerous conditions caused difficulties. Local media have reported that the fire is

Dam, India’s second largest hydroelectric station by capacity.

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Hunterston B nuclear power station – Image: geograph.org.uk/Thomas Nugent

News Extra 13

EDF to close UK nuclear power station two years early due to cracks in reactor E

DF Energy announced on August

that Hunterston B would continue to be

the station, the first stage of the nuclear

27 that the Hunterston B nuclear power station will be closed down in 2021, two years earlier than intended.

operational until at least 2023. On August 26, the ONR announced that it

decommissioning process. EDF said that preparations for defuelling have been underway for a long time and the process

The nuclear power station in Ayrshire, Scotland, has been closed since 2018 when 350 cracks were found in the graphite bricks that make up the

was satisfied that the reactor could operate safely despite the cracks and agreed a new limit of 700 cracks. EDF then announced on August 27 that it had received approval

is expected to start in 2025. Defuelling will involve continued use of EDF’s teams, and specialist supply chain companies, thereby helping sustain an important source of

reactor’s core. EDF has spent around £200m trying to fix the reactor since it went offline in 2018.

to start generating low carbon power again from reactor 3 for six months, however it said in a statement that due to the power

local jobs in Ayrshire and the surrounding economy.

Hunterston B went offline because the 350 cracks exceeded the operational limit

station’s age, Hunterston B would move into the defuelling phase no later than January 7, 2022. A further inspection of the cracks will

According to the BBC, there will be 125 job losses once power generation ends at the site. There are currently around 500 people

approved by the Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR). This led to a two-year inspection and investment programme to prove that the

be conducted in Spring 2021 before EDF seeks regulatory approval for a final 6 months of operation. Hunterston B first began

employed at Hunterston B and some will be kept on for the defueling process. On September 9, EDF said that it was also

station could respond safely to a range of earthquake scenarios, including a once-in10,000-year seismic event. EDF had spent

generating electricity in 1976. Once Hunterston B stops generating power,

considering the closure of its Hinkley Point B nuclear plant in southwest England earlier than planned. A decision is likely to be made

around £200m on this process in the hopes

EDF will take on the next task of defuelling

by the end of the year.

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News Extra 15

of crude oil from Kuwait to the Indian port of Paradip.

Image: Sri Lanka Navy

The Sri Lanka Navy brought in several boats and a helicopter to assist in firefighting efforts while four Indian ships and two Russian anti-submarine ships that were nearby at the time also assisted in the operation. The fire was extinguished after three days on September 6, however it reignited the following day. A preliminary investigation found that the blaze likely started in the ship’s engine room. The Sri Lanka Navy said that there was no immediate threat of an oil spill, but that if one should occur, it could be an environmental disaster.

One person dead, one injured after supertanker catches fire off Sri Lanka coast

A statement by the Sri Lanka Navy said that it managed to board the stricken ship and had successfully doused the re-ignited fire. The statement added that the onboard crude oil storage was safe, and the enormous efforts put in by damage control teams prevented the fire from spreading to the cargo, averting a “colossal maritime disaster”.

38 nautical miles (70km) off

On September 9, an oil slick occurred when the Sri Lankan navy began to

Sangamankanda Point east of Sri Lanka when it sent a distress signal to authorities at the Maritime Rescue

tow the stricken supertanker away from country’s east coast after the ship had begun to drift towards the coast. The slick,

Coordinating Center in Colombo. The New Diamond, a Panamanian-flagged tanker that had been chartered by

which grew to about one kilometre long, is thought to have been caused by leaking marine fuel oil rather than crude. An Indian

crewman was injured and taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Indian Oil Corp, had a crew of 23 people, including 5 Greek national and 18 Philippine nationals. The VLCC was

Coast Guard aircraft was was used to spray the slick with chemicals while a tug towed the New Diamond 41 nautical miles

The MT New Diamond was sailing

carrying around 270,000 metric tonnes

(76 km) off Sri Lanka’s east coast.

Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)

caught fire on September 3 off the coast of Sri Lanka and burned for three days before the flames were extinguished. One person died in the incident aboard the MT New Diamond tanker, while another

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News Extra 17

The report found that operational verification was not being carried out on the rig – a

Leviathan rig – Image: Noble Energy

major non-compliance with good oilfield practice. The report recommends that the rig implements a verification scheme and all its associated processes that clearly define and maintain the expected performance of safety critical elements. In regard to incident investigation, RPS raises concerns regarding event reporting, as well as the content and quality of the incident reporting. Staff are expected to fill out a “Five whys” report to understand the root cause

Report says Israeli gas rig staff failed to comprehend seriousness of leak that could have caused “large loss of life”

of an incident, however RPS says that these tended to stop at “apparent causes” only, rather than finding any root causes. Rig staff also failed to implement lessons learned from incident investigations into forward planning to prevent similar incidents reoccurring. RPS also found that the Leviathan rig’s management team did not appear to know much about functional safety standards and no evidence of direct compliance with

2020 and the rig was inspected between

IEC 61508, nor the associated process industry standard IEC 61511. This is a major non-conformance with Noble’s design performance standards; overall it is

Energy Ministry says that staff working on an offshore natural gas rig failed to understand the seriousness

June 22-24. The Leviathan platform began its commercial operations on January 1, 2020 and is located six miles (9.7km) off Caesarea

classed as a minor non-conformance with good oilfield practice. The report therefore recommends that Noble should carry out a

of a gas leak in May which could have caused a “large loss of life” had it ignited. The investigative report into the

in northern Israel.

stage 3 functional safety assessment, which incorporates the necessary elements of stage 1 and stage 2 functional safety assessments,

Leviathan rig was ordered after a series of malfunctions occurred in the first few months after it began commercial

probing of a gas leak at the Leviathan rig that occurred on May 2. According to the Times of Israel, Energy Ministry experts who

to ensure alignment with the design performance standards.

operations in January 2020.

visited the offshore platform on May 5 were told by staff that the incident had not been important. However, a subsequent evaluation

Other issues that the report highlights include rig staff being “almost completely unaware” of the need to check that on-board equipment

report by Noble found that the incident could have caused a “large loss of life” had it been ignited.

and systems were working properly and safely – a major non-compliance with international standards and good oilfield practice.

In its report published on August 31, RPS said it agreed with the evaluation report and added that it was a matter of great concern that the potential severity of the leak was not apparent

In a statement, Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd said, “The Leviathan partners welcome the audit performed by the Ministry of Energy during the start-up phase of the

had been inadequate in performing proper safety assessments and verification, as well as incident investigation and reporting. RPS’ report lists several recommendations for Noble to employ so that it can operate safely.

to Noble’s staff. RPS adds that at the time of writing the report, there was still no detailed investigation report into the gas leak.

Leviathan Production Platform. The audit was performed with full cooperation and complete transparency, as stated in the audit report. It is our intention to implement the report’s recommendations for improvements in accordance with the timelines set forth.”

Tests were conducted during June and July

and Functional Safety.

new report published by Israel’s

The Energy Ministry hired British engineering firm RPS to investigate the natural gas platform off Israel’s northern Mediterranean coast after more than 30 breakdowns happened in the rig’s first five months of operation, the Times of Israel reports. The report says that the rig’s operator, Texasbased Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd,

A key area for the investigation was the

The audit of the Leviathan rig focused on three topics: verification, incident investigation,

www.hazardexonthenet.net

18 News Extra

T +49 2961 7405-0 info@rembe.de Made in Germany

Your Specialist for

EXPLOSION SAFETY

Personal air sanitisers an explosion hazard on planes, New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority warns N

ew Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has warned that personal hand sanitisers being promoted as blocking bacterial or viral airborne infections are an explosion risk on aircraft. The sanitisers involve substances which can cause a chemical reaction to occur that creates a potentially explosive gas, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reports.

The personal air sanitisers which the CAA is warning against can be worn near the face or clipped onto shirts. RNZ reports that the sanitisers pose a risk when they are imported via cargo planes or when carried on board passenger aircraft after being purchased online. As well as posing an explosion risk, the chemical reaction involved in the air sanitisers can also cause respiratory issues. The CAA has said that at least one product is made of Sodium Chlorite and a natural organic substance, Zeolite. The two

Consulting. Engineering. Products. Service.

chemicals can cause a chemical reaction which produces the highly flammable and reactive gas Chlorine Dioxide at low concentration. Chlorine Dioxide does not require air to burn and can be fatal at very high exposure levels.

RNZ reports that the CAA has also been warned of the potential harm of hand sanitiser following an incident involving an aviation industry worker who suffered burns after applying an alcoholbased gel. RNZ says that the gel had not properly dried when the worker touched a metal surface which, due to a build-up of static electricity, ignited the gel and left the worker with first and second-degree burns on both hands.

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The New Zealand CAA is now warning that alcohol gels can ignite if exposed to an ignition source and has recommended that those using such sanitiser gels should make sure the gel has fully dried before touching any surfaces.

www.hazardex-event.co.uk

News Extra 19

Image: Natural Resources Wales

freight train carrying diesel fuel derailed and burst into flames

on August 26 in south Wales, UK. The incident happened in Llangennech,

Carmarthenshire and was declared a major incident by firefighters as spilt diesel

Train derailment causes diesel spill and fire in Wales, hundreds evacuated

fire and a number of its wagons also derailed. Thankfully, despite the clear danger, no injuries have been reported. The two members of railway staff operating the train were able raise the alarm and uncouple the locomotive and move it to a safe space.”

made its way into the River Loughor.

After the train burst into flames, police

Around 300 people were immediately evacuated from the village of Llangennech after a blaze was reported at about 23:20 local time. DB Cargo UK, the owner of the train, said a driver and engineer that were aboard the train at the time had managed to escape unharmed.

declared a major incident and began evacuating locals living nearby. Witnesses reported seeing dark plumes of smoke rising into the night sky and flames along the train tracks. A preliminary examination by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB)

First responders were unable to prevent the spread of the diesel spill after ten of the 25 wagons which made up the freight train

has begun and the organisation is gathering evidence. A foam tender, 14 pumps, and specialist

derailed and spilt approximately 330,000 litres of diesel. Puma Energy, which owned the fuel being transported, said that the train had been travelling from Milford Haven in south west

hazardous material officers were sent to the scene of the accident along with the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. As of September 8, all wagons have been checked

Wales to Theale, near Reading. In a statement, the British Transport Police

and removed allowing for a more thorough investigation to take place. Natural Resources Wales estimates that over half of the diesel

said: “What we know is a freight train, carrying large amounts of diesel oil, caught

that escaped into the Loughor Estuary has either evaporated or biodegraded.

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Digitalisation king Digitalisation isisking!

Standard

Standards 1 Standards 15 to the business. But why am I giving you Standards the independent v Standards 15 21 21 to the business. But why am I giving you the independent verifier basicBut information if, like organisation, with to thesuch business. why am I giving youmost of the the independent verifier as a “perso basicBut information if, like organisation, with the to thesuch business. why am I giving youmost of the the independent verifier as a “person or a suchreadership, basic information if,are likefamiliar most of the organisation, with the appropriate youlike with theorganisation, hazardous the applied proc suchreadership, basic information most of the with theinappropriate compete youif,are familiar with the hazardous in the applied protection readership, you are familiar with the hazardous in the applied protection methodolo areabusiness? business? responsible th readership, you are familiar with the hazardous in the applied protection methodology, area responsible for thefor verifi area business? responsible for the verification of de area business? responsible for the verification of design calculations, asse calculations, assessme calculations, assessment and testin calculations, assessment and testing who I mention these to ahighlight a issue bigare issue aredistinct separate and I mention these to ahighlight a big aredistinct separate and distinc I mention these facts to facts highlight big issue separate and by manag I mention these facts to facts highlight big issue are separate and by management formanufacturers manufacturers ofprotected explosion protected and other resourc formanufacturers manufacturers of explosion protected and other resources including financ for of explosion protected and other resources inc for of explosion and other resources including financial, from products and systems: they could come into the person or person organisation responsi products and systems: they could come into the person or organisation responsible for products and systems: they could come into the person or org products and systems: they could come into the or organisat ordertoto ensure high quality, IECEx temperature and ambient temper InInorder ensure thisthis high quality, IECEx temperature and ambient temperature o conflict with their customers. all the associated with the design, serious conflict with their customers. allactivities the activities associated with the time serious even if there areconflict no external sources Examples are war, strikes, riots, political serious with their customers. all the activities associa serious conflict with their customers. all the activities as started the Proficiency TestTest Program (PTP) -40 °C) and different explosive mixtu started the Proficiency Program (PTP) -40 °C)two and twoworker different explosiv The equipment establish atension, mobile worker common to to these concerns equipment establish mobile The common reply these concerns of income. Thereply typical worst-case scenario instability, geopolitical terrorism, manufacture orasales the of equipment.” manufacture or of sales the equipm manufacture or sales for ExTLs in 2010. The idea behind this is to (ethylene & hydrogen) selected accordin manufacture or of sa for financial ExTLs in 2010. The behind this is to (ethylene & hydrogen) ac concept for process plants,plants, including isisa– –deep don’t worry too much. Apparently, is crisis, similar toidea 2009. crime, pandemics, flooding, earthquakes, including selected don’t worry too much. Apparently, On one hand, end users will will not not accept aconcept Onthe the one hand, end users accept a for process select a type test as it is defined in a certain IEC 60079-1. hazardous areas. there will be many new jobs available for For the sake of business continuity, safety malicious computer hacking and other On the one hand, end users will not accept a select a type test as it is defined in a certain IEC 60079-1. hazardous areas. a there will On be in many new jobs available forusers the one hand, end will not situation which they can establish modern Foraccept EPL protection level) “a”, th situation in which they can establish modern For (equipment EPL (equipment protection leve people in-in the of digitalisation. A study IEC TC 31 standard (IEC 60079 – XX) and and security, itage isage important that even natural or man-made disasters. people the of digitalisation. A study IEC TC 31 standard (IEC 60079 – XX) and situation in in which they cancan establish modern For EPL (equipment pro digitalised processes andand procedures in the of the has to has be done situation which they modern For digitalised processes procedures in the evaluation evaluation ofequipment the equipment questions emerge during the work inEPL (equipme by ato US IT consultancy recently suggested under such the Conformity create standardised and calibrated testIfestablish On the basisduring of two configurations of to the If questions emerge the workconfiguration in by ato US ITcircumstances consultancy recently suggested create standardised and calibrated test On the basis of two safenew areas of their plants, but cannot by independent verifiers, for EPL “b” digitalised processes andand procedures in three the evaluation of the equipm the plant, experts or supervisors can several job profiles inprocess this brave new Assessment systems are able to operate. For the IECEx peer assessment program, safe areas of their process plants, but cannot by three independent verifiers, for E digitalised processes procedures in the evaluation of the samples for this test. The samples are than Test Sample “EP” two explosive mixtures the plant, experts or supervisors can several new job profiles in this brave new samples for this test. samples are Test Sample “EP” two explosive m apply the same technologies in hazardous two, and forassessment EPL one independent veri bethan contacted, pictures can be“c”, taken world including designer of aeroThe taxis, which covers the initial of new safe areas of their process plants, but cannot by three independent ve apply the ExTLs same technologies in hazardous two, and for EPL one independ sent tosafe the which havetaxis, to make theplants, two ambient temperatures and five ignitio be contacted, pictures can be“c”, taken world including designer of their aero areas of process but cannot by three independ and transmitted. After the job(ExCB) is done, planner ofwhat e-sport stadiums, smart–home areas because ofbeadone lack applicable modern is enough. sent to the ExTLs which have to make the two ambient temperatures and fiv However, should inofthe applicant Certification Bodies and and transmitted. After job isfor done, planner of e-sport stadiums, smart–home apply the same technologies hazardous two, and EPL areas because ofequipment a lack ofdata applicable modern is enough. type test with their and send in the each, auploaded total ofthe 40 explosion tests“c”, muston the in new data canasbe easily designer recycling specialist for case oftype a and global pandemic, when traveling Test Labs (ExTL) well asafor surveillance products due to restrictions set byand the send safety apply the same technologies hazardous two, and for EPL test with their equipment the each, total of 40 explosion tests the new data can bepaperwork uploaded easily designer and recycling specialist for data test results to a are notified authority. At IECEx, be performed by each is participant for the products due toare restrictions set by the safety areas because of a lack of applicable modern is enough. trash. Very good! But these jobs realistic to the database. No more and even social contacts prohibited? and scope extension audits of existing standards. Onto the other hand, The first twoperformed years after theeach introduction of test results a are notified authority. At be by participant areas because of a manufacturers lack ofIECEx, applicable modern is enough. Every two months, IECEx Chairman alternatives the the database. No more paperwork is trash. Very good! But these jobs realistic the German PTB is this authority, creating andto and program “Explosion Pressure”. for forklift and truck drivers or necessary, efficiency of work increases standards. On the other hand, manufacturers The first two years after the introduc Everytwo twomonths, months, IECEx Chairman Prof. Money can cure many things, but it is ExCBs Ex TLs, the following issues Every months, IECEx Chairman Prof. products due to restrictions set by the safety Every two Prof. Dr. Thorsten Arnhold, Every two months, IECEx Chairman are obliged to fulfill these safety standards, this new procedure were quite a surprise. Prof. Dr. months, Thorsten Arnhold provides the German PTBand is this and and the program “Explosion Pressure”. N efficiency of work increases alternatives forappropriate forklift truckauthority, drivers orcreating Dr. two Thorsten Arnhold provides an update Every two IECEx Chairman dramatically sources of failure are were factory hands? producing test samples and evaluating thenecessary, Every months, IECEx Chairman Prof. IECEx Chairman 2014-2019, provides anProf. update definitely not the the remedy under should be considered: products due to restrictions set by the safety Dr. Thorsten Arnhold provides an provides update are obliged to fulfill these safety standards, this new procedure quite a and sur Prof. Dr. Thorsten Arnhold an update on within developments within which are defined by the documents IECEx CB forof a failure scope on developments within organisation. Thorsten Arnhold provides an update standards. On the other hand,•removed. manufacturers The first twoextension years after andasked sources factory hands? on developments thehis organisation producing the test samples on developments within his organisation. Dr.Dr. Thorsten Arnhold provides anChairman update such circumstances. The IECEx system and evaluating Usedramatically ofthe IECEx Assessors located within are ExTLs, a Every two months, IECEx After feedback from participating test results. anon update on developments within whichstandards. areabove. defined On by the documents CBcertificates asked for were a scope developments within his organisation. his organisation the other hand, manufacturers The first twoextens year mentioned as a IECEx result, no published. removed. on developments withinIECEx his organisation. Despite these concerns, Ito cannot deny the safety the are obliged fulfill these standards, wer Every months, Chairman how efficient and effective samestatistical country asevaluation the this ExCBnew or After feedback from participating E test results. Prof. Dr. Thorsten Arnhold provides demonstrated of theprocedure resultswere is carried his two organisation mentioned above. as a result, no certificates pub During the last year, however, the situation Despite these concerns, I cannot deny the must confess that I am not totally No wonder that process industries are fact that we can expect many benefits from are obliged to fulfill these safety standards, this new procedu nfortunately, this is the third time I solutions can be found by flexible and smart ExTL may be accepted based on the Prof. Dr. Thorsten Arnhold provides statistical evaluation of the results an update developments within are defined by seven the documents IECExare CBthan asked fortoajoisis ne of on the most frequently asked out. The participants invited In thewhich meantime, the following programs During last year, the sit convinced allwrite the supposed eager tochanged introduce these new systems digitalisation the hazardous area sector. t the present time, there are few been a major concern IECEx.soAssessors Nowhowever, we must confess that I am not totally No wonder thatsignificantly. process industries arehave more factThis thathas weinIn can expect many benefits have hadofto my column under organisations. February 2020 right at for from providing a the formal declaration anhis update developments within which are defined by the documents IECEx CB asked nequestion of on the most frequently asked out. The participants are than invite In the meantime, theorfollowing seven programsworkshop organisation at IECEx conferences and in which the results are presente have been conducted are still running: mentioned above. as a result, no certificat blessings ofof digitalisation. During my into plants, and soand far,significantly. so good. the context of COVID-19. Worldwide the beginning ofinthe crisis, the Executive of their impartiality for conducting the convinced all the supposed so eager tochanged introduce these digitalisation the hazardous areaManagement sector. t the present time, there are few This years has been aatmajor concern for IECEx. we have conferences or technical trade Three ago, its annual 10 Ex CBs Ex TLsnew withsystems aNow respective sc his organisation similar eventsat is about the difference and discussed. An important part ofno this question IECEx conferences and Secretary workshop in which the results are p have beena to conducted or are still running: mentioned above. as a result, ce professional career, I have visited However, these shiny new possibilities At its most basic, keep standards 188 countries have been affected issued new Operational assessment. During the last year, how blessings of digitalisation. During my into their plants, and so far, so good. • Spark Ignition Test for Ex “I” Test Round 2010 shows that do notor have the Industrial Committee Meeting in its Theannual Hague,Management the extension a number applications. conferences technical trade Three years ago, at 10 Exand CBs and Ex of TLs with a respe workshop is training to achieve a common between ATEX and IECEx. No worries – similar events is about the difference and discussed. An important part o many manufacturers in many different can you forget that all new these ofAtsafety high throughout the whole by the pandemic and the impact on OD 060:launched “IECEx Guide •to Usemake of video to replace sitethe last professional career, I have visited these shiny possibilities its most basic, tobeen keep of do Things (IIOT) as the main organisation ain new •Committee Transmission forfor Ex “d” Test Round 2013 ye •Flame Spark Ignition Test Ex “I”for procedure Test Round 2010 tInternet the present time, there are few Document, This has astandards major concern forHowever, IECEx.communication changed significantly. N shows that not have the Industrial Meeting The Hague, the extension and aDuring number of applicat industries all over the world and smart devices are powered by electrical operational life of equipment in these understanding of the best working practice I don`t want to give a lecture about this mental and physical health has been Business Continuity – Management of visits for the scope extension application between ATEX and IECEx. No worries – workshop is training to achieve a co many manufacturers in many different can make you forget that all these of safety high throughout the whole focus. One of the most important adopt theTransmission new IECbeen 60079-33 This AIECEx. look in the IECEx online database •organisation Classification general Test Round 2013 ofAll Things (IIOT) as theare main launched new procedure •Temperature for Ex “d” Test Round 2013 tInternet the present time, there few This has aaat major concern for changed conferences or technical trade years ago, itsstandard. annual Management 10 Ex CBs Exshows TLs most of those with the highest levels energy, normally stored in batteries. Ashave a andsignifica areas, it Flame isThree necessary to conduct regular severe. 35-member countries ofthere the Circumstances or Events forto an ExCB provided the Assessors topic now. Itto is not so obvious but industries all over the world and smart devices are more powered by20 electrical operational lifeprotection of equipment in these I don`t want give a lecture about this Extraordinary understanding of the best working consequences of this trend are the covers the method “s” for “special”, that already than certificates base • Electrostatic Charge general Test Round 2015 of automation continue to employ consequence, those products have to meet inspections and maintenance. But those focus. One of the most important adopt the new IEC 60079-33 standard. This A look in the IECEx online database IECEx Committee and Affecting Certification Schemes availability of and ready access toExplosion the • Temperature Classification general Test Round 2013 shows that do not have the Industrial Committee Meeting inandThe Hague, theThe extension and are many differences. For interested workshop forinthe conferences or technical trade years ago, at its annual Management 10 Ex CBs and E most of Management those with the highest levels energy, normally stored batteries. As aPressure a numbe areas, itIECEx isThree necessary to conduct regular topic now. It is not so obvious but there drastically value chains and which was introduced towas permit the quick on IEC 60079-33 have been published, an significantshrinking numbers of manual all requirements which electrical products responsible might have to manage athe couple organisations, and persons holding Activities”. Knowing that speed ExCB’s management documentation and • Intrinsic Safety Test Round 2015 consequences of this trend are the covers the protection method “s” for “special”, that already more than 20 certificate • Electrostatic Chargelaunched general Test Round 2015Program readers IThings can recommend the IECEx 01A inspections took place in June 2018 at the of automation continue to employ consequence, those products have to meet and maintenance. But those Internet of do (IIOT) asinterested the main organisation ainnew procedure to shows that not have the Industrial Committee Meeting The Hague, the extension aPre n are many differences. For The workshop forhave thetoExplosion innovation cycles ininin every sector, adoption of newincovered technologies, new materials am that many others willand follow. workers, whether production, intended for use in hazardous areas of thousand products by ‘Ex’ or IECEx Certification more than 60and most category this event, the procedures inconfident electronic file format and •critical Explosion Pressure for Ex “d” Test Round 2017 drastically value chains and which was introduced to permit the quick on IEC 60079-33 have been publish PTB in Braunschweig, Germany, and 80 Guide: “Anshrinking Informative Guide comparing significant numbers of manual all requirements which electrical products responsible might have to manage a couple • Intrinsic Safety Test Round 2015 transport or logistics. to fulfil. functional safety standards, and when focus. One ofincontinue the important adopt the new 60079-33 standard. This A look in the IECEx onlia readers can recommend the IECEx 01A document Program took place inofJune 2018 countries to struggle with was discussed quickly amongst verify the correct preparation/operation especially the most process industries. etc. This implements a IEC practice which has Internet of IThings as the main organisation a new to •adoption Pressurised forlaunched Ex “p” est or Round 2017procedure innovation cycles(IIOT) in sector, and ofEnclosure new technologies, new materials amuse confident that areas manyhave othersjoined will f workers, whether inevery production, intended for infrom hazardous of thousand products covered by prove ‘Ex’ various elements of both IECEx and ATEX”paperwork participants international ExTLs is involved, this can often • Explosion Pressure for Ex “d” Test Round 2017 the consequences of the disease. the IECEx Executive. It provides a uniform specific tests. been field-proven in the ATEX area For IECEx, this development is recognition Guide: “An Informative Guideare comparing PTB in Braunschweig, Germany, an consequences ofmost this trend the covers the method “s” standard. forfulfil. “special”, that already more than transport or logistics. to and functional safety standards, when focus. One ofin the adopt theprotection newaand IEC 60079-33 This A years look in the IECE which be downloaded from the IECEx approach this event. In the eight the program h especially the process industries. etc.inThis implements practice whichAthas Every can day we see tens of important thousands IEC IECEx we have recognised these an impossible task. dealing with the occurrence of est • Pressurised Enclosure for Ex “p” Round 2017 In process facility safe areas, the speed since 2003. that its focus on this area has been useful f various elements of both IECEx and ATEX” participants from international ExTL drastically shrinking value chains and which was introduced to permit the quick on IEC 60079-33 have paperwork is involved, this can often prove of addition, trucksunder onthe our highways driven by specific issues and their importance for thethat the been running, we have seen qualit website Publications As an covers illustration of the program, is aSimilar short been field-proven in or the ATEXhere area For IECEx, this development ismore reco In consequences willare last much “Extraordinary Circumstances Events” solutions have been developed consequences of this trend the the protection method “s” for “special”, that already of adaptation to tens this trend is restricted the industry andhave high levels ofyears safety willpro be which can bethe downloaded from the IECExNow, this event. In the eight the Every day we see of thousands Atscheduled IEC and IECEx we recognised these an may impossible task. experienced and responsible however, thanks to digitalisation, market. Weour have established afrom special IEC innovation cycles in every sector, adoption of new technologies, new materials am confident that longer than pandemic itself.drivers. Due to speed theand that impact on operation ofofIECEx for the QAR surveillance test has risen a satisfactory level description of the one chapter the 2017 Test Inby process facility safe areas, the since 2003. that itsinitial, focus on this area has many been drastically shrinking value chains and which was introduced to permit the quick on IEC 60079-33 the innovation of the suppliers and the Under the ATEX directive, the fulfillment of maintained. of onlockdowns ourhighlight highways driven bypay specific and importance for the website under Publications running, we have seen that th As anin illustration oflaboratories, the program, hereand is arecertification short Intrucks the supermarket, I between aminhappier to equipment hazardous is working groupissues tobeen deal with questions on level extensive March and certification bodies, testinglocations audits oftheir manufacturers What I want to this is the to an excellent today. Round: especially inand the process industries. etc. This implements a practice whichthe hasbeginning offinancial adaptation to this trend isarticle restricted the industry and high levels of safety technical capabilities of the the general requirements of appendix II with the cashier directly rather than attempt becoming smart. how modern mobile digital devices can be experienced and responsible drivers. market. We have established a special IEC Now, however, thanks to digitalisation, June, and the ongoing measures in some and holding Ex equipment, for Ex service providers innovation cycles in every of new technologies, new materials amfrom confident that our test has risen a satisfactor description of personnel one chapter of the 2017 Test fact that IECEx is not athe lawsuppliers likesector, ATEX, itand isand antheand organisations For adoption thethe program “Explosion Pressure -ofTest byoperators. the innovation of Under ATEX directive, the fulfillment of maintained. been field-proven inrequirements the ATEXand area For IECEx, thisondevelop theCertification. basic health and safety is for Thegroup executive group is preparing a promot to use a checkout machine that will only safely transformed totomeet the requirements In the supermarket, I am happier to pay working deal with questions equipment in hazardous locations is countries, there has been significant damage IECEx The group defined Ex certified competent persons. All What I want toacting highlight in thisindustries. article is the beginning an excellent Round: organisation worldwide on a voluntary We atthe IECEx are so to convinced of thelevel t Round the general routineaprocedure especially in the process etc.2017” This implements practice which has and technical capabilities of thesituations the general requirements of with allow me to pay onsafe my third attempt, and One advantage the easy identification of ofIIjust hazardous area standards. obligatory, and harmonised are conference during TC 31 can spring sessio caused to the global economy. that areis beyond the controlstandards of appendix members the IECEx community quickly the cashier directly rather than attempt how of modern mobile digital devices becoming smart. In financial process facility areas, the speed since 2003. thatthe its focus onbethis are fact that IECEx is not a law like ATEX, it is an For the program “Explosion Pressure Test basis. Our Executive Secretary, Chris Agius importance and the trust-building effect of is described bymeans the standard “Explosive only when a human assistant comes individual products by of digital type been field-proven the ATEX area For IECEx, this de an organisation, commonly referred to in as adopted the newThe procedures defined OD operators. the basic health and safety requirements is executive group is preparing alebp tothen useprocess a checkout machine that will only safely transformed to meet thein requirements Many sector companies have to one way to do this. Split Croatia on 23 April 2018, to be held of organisation adaptation to this trend is restricted the industry and high acting worldwide on a voluntary We at IECEx are so convinced of th Round 2017” the general routine procedure once said that IECEx is like a franchise system. the PTP that we decided at the 2014 IECE atmospheres Part 1: Equipment protection overme to help! labels. Inspection equipment data, of 060 Furthermore, arearea making special efforts Fortunately, the IEC Conformity “Force Majeure” or plans, “Act God”.identification and soIECEx thewe system could maintain its Oneobligatory, advantage is theof easy allow to pay onsafe my third attempt, and ofjust hazardous standards. handle hazardous substances, withthe potentially in conjunction withthe the UN, and harmonised standards are conference during TC 31UNECE spring Inby process facility areas, speed since 2003. that its focus on t the innovation ofSecretary, thewell suppliers and the Under theby ATEX the fulfillment ofimportance maintained. There is aExecutive certain infrastructure and a powerful Management Committee Meeting in The e byis flameproof enclosures “d”” - IEC 60079facility layouts, inspection records, repair to intensify market surveillance. IECEx basis. Our Chris Agius and thewill trust-building described bymeans the directive, standard “Explosive Assessment systems are prepared full operability. individual products of digital type then only when a human assistant comes severe consequences for the life and health of To enable the IECEx Certification Bodies the Croatian Standards Institute. The focus Many process sector companies have to oneand waymany to do this. Split Croatia onthe 23 April 2018,and to beh offinancial adaptation to thisSimilar trend is to restricted industry Call meorganisation old-fashioned, but I can’t help protocols other important data of appendix be workingII hand intohand withit the for such a scenario. its steering the day daysystem. Hague make obligatory for all a 1,Inspection Edition 7.0. An-requirements essential characteristic once said that IECEx isbut like ato franchise the PTP weEU’s decided at ExTLs the 201 atmospheres Part 1: Reports Equipment technical capabilities of the the general with labels. plans, equipment data,andprotection over toand help! Furthermore, we arethat making special efforts the employees in their plants. and Test Labs to issue Test of this conference will be on industry and handle hazardous substances, with potentially IECEx in conjunction with the UN, U but wonder what is going to happen to are stored in special data banks. ATEX ADCO to quickly ban unsafe mobile mother organisation IEC, the Conformity During the May 2020 IECEx online All members of the business is doneinfrastructure by Certification applicant ExTLs. the testing and assessment of the byoperators. the innovation ofthe the suppliers and the Under the ATEX directive, the fulfillment maintained. There is a certain and aBodies powerful Management Committee Meeting i by flameproof enclosures “d”” - the IEC 60079facilityfor layouts, inspection records, repair to intensify market surveillance. IECEx with will the basic health and safety requirements isthe Theand executive group is based on IEC 60079-33, users ofof Ex equipment, all IEC all those people once we the areofcompletely products from global markets, a and, new severe consequences for life and health of Certificates Toexplosion enable the IECEx Certification Bodies Croatian Standards Th Assessment branch consists non-profit operational meetings and consultation withasInstitute. (ExCB) and the Test Labs (ExTL). In the IECEx protection is the ability of the IECEx community protocols and general many other important data of appendix Call me old-fashioned, I can’t help be workingII hand intohand withit the EU’s steering organisation butbut the day all day areas Hague make obligatory forthe allfre 1, Edition An essential characteristic financial and technical capabilities the requirements with equipment for use intothese Operational Document 233 standards was International Conferences, is enveloped in in the digital age with If anIECEx inspection job is7.0. due, the database working with these obligatory, and harmonised aredealing just conference during TE organisations. 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I U O IA O

22 Automation & Robotics

An autonomous drone from Imperial College London – Image: ORCA Hub

How robots can reduce accidents in offshore energy asset inspection A

s industry and academia work

together to improve safety in the offshore energy sector, the ORCA Hub is creating game-changing robotic solutions for asset inspection, maintenance and repair. Working offshore presents daily challenges for those inspecting and maintaining

recommendations. The renewables sector

academic centre in the world for research

also recognises the dangers its workers face as it strives to keep them safe offshore.

into robotics technology for offshore energy infrastructure. Its aim is to remove humans from hard to reach, hazardous and dangerous work environments by advancing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) technologies for the inspection, repair, maintenance and certification of offshore energy platforms and assets. Its solutions

To address these safety concerns, a consortium of five UK universities and more than 30 industry partners has joined together. Using ground-breaking research to inform and create industry ready technology,

assets in an unpredictable and often hazardous work environment. Changing weather patterns, falls from height, the dangers of working under the sea and on platforms combine to create significant dangers for the humans that deliver the

the solutions are designed to support those working in the field and minimise the risk posed to human life.

The Offshore Robotics for Certification

Launched in 2017 and led by the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, a partnership between Heriot-Watt University and the University

industry’s stringent health and safety

of Assets (ORCA) Hub is the largest

of Edinburgh, the consortium includes the

www.hazardex-event.co.uk

Introducing ORCA Hub

are designed for use in both the oil and gas and renewable energy fields.

Automation & Robotics 23

University of Liverpool, Imperial College London and the University of Oxford. In

minimum safe distance tests and failure responses. However, these standards are

2020 an additional 8 UK-based institutes have joined through the Partnership Resource Fund. The fund enables the Hub to expand its current work into new areas with a clearly defined industrial need.

yet to be put in place. More work needs to be done to provide a set of regulations to guide the private sector’s activity and investment. Most regulations assume that there will always be a human in the loop, where for autonomous systems, this is not

In close collaboration with industry, ORCA’s researchers are developing robotic technologies that are reliable, robust and certifiable. The innovations can inspect assets, make autonomous decisions and, in some cases, carry out repairs –

always the case.

HDT manipulator – Image: ORCA Hub

situations, where the human operator

To help achieve this, the Liverpool team is creating a new approach termed Corroborative Verification & Validation. This allows a combination of different V&V

overseen by human operators onshore. The focus of these activities is solving the challenges that are inherent in the extreme and unpredictable daily environment of the

cannot see the robotic system in operation. The offshore energy industry has both a human workforce as well as high-value

techniques to be used together to generate evidence that a particular system is safe or reliable. The evidence from each V&V technique can be corroborated by the

offshore energy workplace.

assets to protect so, by working closely with regulators, the University of Liverpool team is creating methodologies that can help to build confidence in the operation of

other V&V techniques, providing a higher level of confidence in the behaviour of autonomous robots prior to deployment in the field.

With solutions deployable in the air, on the surface, and underwater, ORCA’s goal is to create remote solutions that can readily integrate with existing and future assets and sensors. Designed specifically to operate

the proposed autonomous RAI systems. The research efforts focus on robot

At present, corroborative V&V on ORCA Hub research employs a three-pronged

and interact safely in autonomous or semi-autonomous modes in complex and cluttered environments, ORCA’s potential contribution to improving standards of

certification as part of ORCA’s wider collaboration. To certify autonomous systems, Verification and validation (V&V) is used, which is a set of methodologies that

approach, based on formal methods, simulation-based testing and real-world experiments. This allows the research team to put the robotic system through a large

health and safety offshore is significant. With the proposition being that robots will

ensures robots make correct and reliable decisions and carries out safe actions for a given task.

number of potential operational scenarios, including those that are potentially risky. This helps to create a well-rounded picture

make decisions and carrying out actions autonomously, a new problem inevitably occurs. If a robot is sent out to inspect

Any autonomous robot that is designed and built for offshore environments should be

of the capabilities of the autonomous robotic system. By following this in-depth approach, it is possible to determine with

and repair an offshore asset and ends up damaging it further, or even worse hurts a human operator, this is an unacceptable

certified before deployment. Regulations will eventually state that autonomous systems must meet specific requirements, including

higher confidence that the robots are making the right choices and that these choices result in safer actions.

risk. How can an autonomous robot be trusted to make the right decision and carry out actions safely?

A question of trust Dr Vincent Page and Dr Matt Webster from the University of Liverpool explain how they are working towards building trust in a robot’s decisions and actions. Significant question marks remain over the widespread use of Robotic and AI (RAI) solutions in the sector. A specific concern is whether or not industry and individual operators can be sure that robots will operate safely, particularly in dynamic and uncertain environments. This is particularly true for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

Verification and validation (V&V) is used to ensure robots make correct and reliable decisions – Image: ORCA Hub

www.hazardexonthenet.net

24 Automation & Robotics The real-world experiments use an autonomous unmanned rotorcraft.

The Liverpool team can answer many fundamental questions about the

Why is ORCA’s research needed?

Simulation-based testing is achieved using a distributed computer simulation of the aircraft engaged in an offshore inspection task. Finally, formal methods are used to exhaustively analyse the aircraft’s autonomous decision-making system. The use of Corroborative V&V allows the

autonomous system: Does it make safe decisions? Does it carry out safe actions? Do these answers match reality? The team can then have greater confidence that an autonomous system is ready to be deployed safely and reliably.

As a new decade begins, the international offshore energy industry faces many challenges, including near-permanent low oil prices and expensive decommissioning commitments from historic infrastructure, particularly in the North Sea. The dangers that humans continue to face

research team to use the best features of each V&V technique to strengthen the argument that an autonomous robot is safe to use: the intuitive and powerful impact of real-world experiments, the detailed nature of computer simulation, and the

Industrial Collaboration

exhaustiveness of formal methods.

in the waters of Loch Linnhe, on a mock oil rig at a Fire Training College and, most recently, at the Offshore Renewable Energy

changing, remote solutions will help the UK to export agile products and services internationally while ensuring our energy

can be costly in terms of time and labour. However, by using Corroborative V&V, it is possible to increase the level of confidence in the results while reducing the time and effort required to certify an autonomous

Catapult test facility in Blyth.

sector remains both economically viable and globally competitive. Technology is becoming increasingly important in safeguarding humans from hazardous work environments and the UK is at the forefront

system for use in real-world deployments. The technique can also be applied in a similar way to other kinds of robotic systems

and inspection; planning control and manipulation; human-robot interaction; and robot and asset self-certification.

While essential, the certification process

and is not limited to the current case study.

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To build further confidence, the ORCA Hub regularly demonstrates the application of its robotic solutions to industry partners. These capability demonstrations have taken place

The showcases demonstrate the Hub’s four main focus areas and how they support industry: mapping, surveying

while inspecting and repairing energy infrastructure are significant, despite every effort to minimise the risks involved. Professor David Lane, director of the ORCA Hub, said: “The ORCA Hub’s game-

of this revolution.” For more information about ORCA Hub, visit www.orcahub.org

ANYmal – Image: ORCA Hub

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Regulations 27

in accidents in hazardous locations. Chapter 5 of NEC requires equipment to be constructed

Image: Shutterstock

and installed in such a way to ensure safe performance under conditions of proper use and maintenance. A separate document, NFPA 70B, the Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance 2019, is sometimes referred to, but the document lacks dedicated inspection tables and detailed guidance.

Closing the Ex Engineering Loop on NEC 500 applications in the US

At present, formal procedures and requirements for hazardous location inspections have not been officially adopted by NEC 500 users in the downstream

on gas properties. Two divisions are used to

and midstream industries with explosive (classified) locations. Software is available that notes and records the exact NEC 500 inspection requirements which can address

indicate the amount of risk in an explosive location. Division 1 is a location with a hazard likely under normal conditions and Division 2 is a location with a hazard under abnormal

these inconsistencies. By adopting more rigorous and consistent inspection criteria and improving US-based training and competency, I believe that the engineering loop for NEC 500

building that housed chemicals, in northwest Houston, Texas. Two plant workers and one local resident died later

conditions. NEC 500 electrical and electronic equipment that are acceptable protection techniques for an installation in a Division 1 or

Ex installation-maintenance-inspections can be closed. This would go a considerable way in mitigating the risk of explosions in the future.

Some homes near the facility were blasted off their foundations, whilst others had collapsed

Division 2 hazardous (classified) location include: • Explosion proof Equipment (XP): like the Exd IEC 60079-01 concept, this protection technique is permitted for equipment in

ceilings, shattered windows, and bent garage doors. Since then, the US has suffered other, similar explosions, some of which have also

Class I, Division 1 or 2 locations. • Purged and Pressurised: permitted for equipment in any hazardous (classified)

been deadly. For the last few years, it seems that there has been disproportionate amount of fires and explosions from industry throughout North

location for which it is identified. • Intrinsic Safety (IS): permitted for equipment in Class I, Division 1 or 2; or Class II, Division

America than some other parts in the world. Most companies in downstream and

1 or 2; or Class III, Division 1 or 2 locations. • Non-incendive (NI): permitted for equipment in Class I, Division 2; Class II, Division 2; or

midstream industries in explosive (classified) locations in the US follow the NEC (National Electrical Code) which is updated every three

Class III, Division 1 or 2 locations. • Hermetically Sealed: permitted for equipment in Class I, Division 2; Class II, Division 2; or

n January 24, 2020 at 4:25 a.m., I

was awoken by my garage door vibrating from the shock wave of an explosion, approximately 5 miles away. The explosion was from a manufacturing

from their injuries.

years. The 500-516 sections of the code relate to explosive locations; the rest applies to other electrical practices. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is best known for its sponsorship of the NEC. Adopted, but not a federal law in all 50 states, NFPA 70/NEC is the benchmark for safe electrical design and installation in order to protect people and property from electrical hazards. The NEC 500 parts are used for classification purposes and categorises atmospheric explosion hazards into Class I (gas) Class II (dust) and Class III (fibers and flyings). NFPA 497 tables are also used for further information

About the author

Class III, Division 1 or 2 locations. NEC 500 is more focused on the design and installation of the equipment listed above than its maintenance and inspection. A common assumption often is if the design and installation have been performed correctly and passed the end user, sometimes with the agreement by of an AHR (Authority Having Jurisdiction), the equipment is deemed acceptable for its lifetime. From my experience, I would suggest that the lack of rigorous and consistent maintenance and inspections is contributing to an increase

Tony Scott HNC BA (Hons) is the Managing Director of Global Ex Solutions. He has a wealth of experience in the design, installation, maintenance, and inspection of equipment in all sectors of the Ex industry. Tony has lead Ex teams, managed Ex projects and also taught various levels of IEC, ATEX, NEC500 and NEC505. For the last 12 years, Tony has consulted global organisations on all aspects of Ex applications, based mainly in the US but with some projects in the Middle East and Europe.

www.hazardexonthenet.net

28 Alarms

Image: Shutterstock

Understanding effective audible and visual ala W

Audible warning signals

hilst personnel are required to be in and around hazardous

The decibel unit is a precise measure

means that the ratio of output to input power is 10-3/10= 0.5 – as stated

locations the demand for effective and reliable audible and visual alarm notification will remain a primary concern for any life safety focused system. However, field devices such as alarm horn sounders or warning beacons can unfortunately be specified using criteria that may

of performance for audible warning signals but its relationship to power, distance and frequency can often mislead. One issue is an appreciation that an increase or decrease of 3dB represents a halving or doubling of the sound pressure level (SPL). However, in practice, a change of about 10dB is

above the reduction of 3dB is a 50% drop in power. The main difficulty in relating to a dB scale is visualising that large differences in power are represented by relatively small increases in the dB level. For example, going from a level of 100 dB to 110dB equates to an increase in the SPL

not accurately reflect the necessary real-world level of performance. Out of sight and out of mind until that singular moment when they are needed, the risks are obvious. So, what are these criteria and why do

required before the sound subjectively appears to have reached these levels. The smallest change we can hear is about 3dB. As a dB is by definition 10x the log of the ratio of the powers: in units of dB = 10 x log(P1/P0), an

from ten billion times the threshold of hearing to one hundred billion times the threshold of hearing; an increase of +10dB does not convey the magnitude of the change.

they cause confusion.

output power reduction of -3 dB

The perceived sound level of an alarm

www.hazardex-event.co.uk

Alarms 29

arm notification

and more recently stipulated in NFPA 72 2016 which in turn correlates with

Visual warning signals

ANSI S3.41, American National Standard Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal. The temporal pattern consists of an ‘On’ phase lasting 0.5 second, an ‘Off’ phase lasting 0.5 second for three successive ‘On’ periods followed by an ‘Off’ phase lasting

measures of performance for visual signals are numerous and even more prone to misinterpretation. The Xenon strobe warning beacon has been the standard for visual warning signalling in hazardous locations, but the next generation of LED

1.5 seconds. To normalise the frequency dependence associated with human hearing a weighting is applied. The ‘A’ weighting network weights a signal in a manner

warning beacons are now increasingly becoming the preferred choice due to their low current draw, low in-rush and longer life – this has further complicated end users’ ability to accurately compare the effectiveness of devices.

which approximates to an inverted equal loudness contour at low SPLs, the ‘B’ network corresponds to a contour at medium SPLs and the ‘C’ network to an

The required brightness of the Xenon strobe has traditionally been specified in Joules; based upon an incorrect

equal loudness contour at high SPLs. The ‘A’ weighting network is the most widely used. SPL quoted in dB(A) at a distance of 1m can be converted to an

assumption that all strobes are equivalent in output. The number of Joules is a measure of energy input rather than a reliable indication of light output. A legacy

estimate of effective distance as the SPL reduces by 6dB as the distance doubles. The effective distance of a 100dB(A) @ 1

visual warning beacon may be correctly referred to as a 21 Joule beacon yet only have an effective intensity of 355 candela

metre alarm in an ambient of 65dB(A) is the distance at which the sounder output level reduces to 70 dB(A). So, a 100dB(A) @ 1m sounder has an effective area, assuming a

whereas a contemporary 21 Joule beacon has an effective intensity of over 1,250 candela.

uniform sound distribution radius of 32m at 70dB(A). However, the output from a 121dB(A) @ 1 metre sounder does not

Unfortunately, the candela unit of measure is not a panacea when comparing beacon performance or designing warning systems

attenuate to 70dB(A) until approximately 300 metres from the source, giving the unit ten times the effective distance and, even

due to the various use of peak, calculated and effective candela values. To ensure accurate data a spectrometer should be

more importantly, 100 times the coverage area (see Figure 1).

used for measuring the average effective luminous intensity of an entire beacon lens – which is then translated into an effective

By comparison to audible signals the

tone is determined by several factors, including that the human ear is not equally

candela figure (cd). In the case of a flashing beacon such as a Xenon strobe the pulse duration is measured between the 10%

sensitive to all frequencies, preferring a range of 2kHz and 5kHz. This difference in sensitivity to different frequencies is more pronounced at lower SPLs than at higher SPLs. For example, a continuous alarm tone at 50Hz would need to be 15dB higher than a 1kHz alarm tone at a level of 70dB in order to give the same

of peak amplitude for the leading and trailing edges of the pulse. Light levels are collected during the pulse period, these are calculated using the Blondel-Rey formula. The measured effective candela (cd) is the intensity that would appear to an observer if/when the light was burning steadily. The measured peak candela is the maximum

subjective ‘loudness’. Additionally, an alarm tone with multiple frequencies and/ or a temporal pattern will be more distinct from any ambient noise than a continuous tone. For this reason, ISO8201 temporal pattern alarm tones have been adopted

intensity measured generated by a flashing device during its light pulse.

by the International Marine Organization

Figure 1

The effective luminous intensity (Ieff), expressed in candela (cd), is calculated for each pulse measured using the following Blondel-Rey formula:

www.hazardexonthenet.net

30 Alarms

Where: I(t) is the instantaneous value in candela (cd). a = visual time constant. 0.2 (night-time) or 0.1 (daytime). t2 – t1 is the light pulse duration as measured between the 10 % of peak amplitude for the leading and trailing edges of the pulse.

The relationship between effective candela and the range of the visual signal can be separated into the distance where the beacon can will provide adequate warning and that where the beacon can be

The future Life safety system designs decisions are increasingly focussed on the direct correlation between measured performance and effectiveness of audible and visual

considered as offering an effective warning. The following formula can be used to convert effective candela into effective warning distance, in other

signals. The rising demand for compliance to test standards such as UL464, UL1638 and UL1971 referenced by NFPA 72, as well as EN54-

words, to alert rather than inform: Therefore, when evaluating the output data of a visual signalling device, it is worth considering how the data has

3 and EN54-23 from the CPR directive, have highlighted the need to control the efficacy of notification devices. Fortunately for designers the next generation of

been established. Rules of thumb and calculations based on the energy of the flash tube within a Xenon strobe beacon

signals are solving the contradictory requirements of greater sound and light output for less current over an increasing

as discussed above, have customarily been used to give an indication of effectiveness. However, when comparing light outputs derived by calculations

temperature range. High output LEDs are beginning to offer true low power replacements for the traditional Xenon strobe whilst features such as automatic

based on energy alone, to measured outputs with a spectrometer or similar, the output is often overstated. The ‘calculated’ light output data is based upon the assumptions that the effective candela can be found by allocating 50 cd for every 1 Joule of energy and for the peak candela by assuming that

Where: Ieff(av) = Effective Candela d = Distance (m) The formula below may be used to convert effective candela into adequate warning distance or range, based on normal visibility in daytime conditions.

synchronisation are reducing installation and system costs. However, diligence is still very much required when considering performance data.

About the author

1 Joule of energy supplied to a flash tube assimilates to 100,000 cd of peak candela. Compliance with legacy specifications requiring light outputs of over 2,000,000 cd has necessitated the continued use of ‘calculated’ values yet, as with audible signals this focus on the ‘headline number’ has detracted from the all-important measure of realworld effectiveness. As an example, a legacy 5 Joule Xenon strobe beacon with a measured effective candela of 29 cd would have an effective warning distance of approximately 8m whereas the use of its calculated effective candela figure (5 Joule x 50cd = 250cd) would infer an effective warning distance of approximately 25m.

www.hazardex-event.co.uk

Where: Ieff(av) = Effective Candela d = Distance (feet) Lb = Foot-Lamberts background illuminance (normal day time conditions, Lb = 2919 ft-L) From the above two formulas the table below gives an indication of both warning distance and range of a visual signal given an effective candela measurement.

Brett Isard is the Managing Director of E2S Warning Signals. He has been involved in the manufacturing of notification devices for over 30 years – initially with Clifford & Snell prior to the launch of E2S Warning Signals in 1992.

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CALL FOR PAPERS NOW OPEN For 20 years, the Hazardex Conference & Exhibition has been the global platform for sharing key industry information and topical discussion on process safety-related topics. With the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic causing many of us to work remotely, preventing the usual networking opportunities from taking place, Hazardex 2021 will be an ideal occasion for the industry to once again come together and make up for the lost months of crucial knowledge sharing and networking. The Call for Papers for Hazardex 2021 is now open and we are seeking submissions from contributors with experience and knowledge of the process safety and high hazard sectors. Submissions must be non-commercial and could be in the form of research, industry developments, lessons learnt from near-misses, investigation findings, good practice for industry, or case studies, to name just a few of the formats we are looking for. The 2021 event will include a comprehensive conference for all those concerned with hazardous area operations, personnel, and environmental safety systems. Visit the website for how to submit: www.hazardex-event.co.uk

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ING

32 Intrinsic Safety

The November 2019 TPC Group chemical plant explosion in Port Neches, Texas – Image: CSB

How to calculate an Intrinsically Safe loop approval; including the impact of using

Ex ic (Zone 2) and gas group on cable lengths W

e all know what can happen when the correct techniques are not used when interfacing into a

a source of ignition (spark or heat). There are several protection techniques to prevent ignition. For instrumentation, Intrinsic Safety

the current by a resistor. The fuse is there to protect the Zener diode and the key to safety is the Intrinsically Safe earth – without

hazardous area. Using Intrinsic Safety (Ex i based on IEC 60079-11; IEC 6007925), the energy in the hazardous area

Ex i (electronic protection) & Flameproof Ex d (mechanical protection) are most common. Intrinsic Safety works on the

it, there is no protection. If the input voltage increases above Zener diode voltage, the Zener conducts and the fuse blows.

is limited to below the ignition energy of the gas present, thereby preventing explosions.

principle of removing the source of ignition which can be achieved by using a Zener barrier or galvanic isolator.

The Zener barrier has to be replaced. In addition, the Zener barrier has a volt drop across it under operating conditions so

For an explosion to occur, three things need A Zener barrier is a simple device where to be present: fuel (gas/dust), the voltage is limited by a Zener diode and Voltage and oxygen, current and limiting network B2

Output

(Hazardous area)

Current Limiting Resistor

R Voltage-clamping Zener diode

Certified component

Fuse protects Zener diode from becoming overstressed. Hazardous area connection

FUSE VZ

Energy-limiting

Vinput

Input

Hazardous area circuit

(Safe area)

Maximum output voltage cannot exceed VZ

Safety Segregation

Maximum output current cannot exceed VZ/CLR

careful calculation must be done to ensure there is sufficient voltage at the field device. Galvanic Isolation B3

Safe area circuit

Safe area connection

Certified transformer

Power

Figure 1 – Zener barrier

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Figure 2 – Galvanic isolator

Intrinsic Safety 33

Intrinsic safety levels of protection

Ex ia

Zones 0, 1 and 2 Zones 20, 21 and 22

Intrinsically safe with two faults

Ex ib Intrinsically safe with one fault "Faults" are those in components upon which safety of the installation depends. Note. Intrinsic safety is the only protection concept that considers failure of the field wiring.

Zones 1 and 2 Zones 21 and 22

Ex ic

Verification of safety compatibility

Transmitter Ex ia IIC T4 Ui < 30 V Ii < 100 mA Pi < 1.3W Ci Li

< 20 nF < 10µH

Zone 2 Zone 22

Interface System Ex ia IIC T4 Cable Parameters CC < 0.063 µF LC

< 4.20 mH

L/RC < 55 µH/W

Intrinsically safe in normal operation

Figure 3 – Ex i vs Zone

NOTE: Using Zener barriers without an IS earth is not safe!

[Ex ia] IIC Uo Io Po

< 28 V < 93 mA < 0.65 W

Co Lo L/R

< 0.083 µF < 4.2 mH < 55 µH/W

MTL7728+

For MTL7787+ Cable parameters are quoted for IIC unless otherwise stated

Figure 4 – Instrument located in Zone 0 (or 1)

Ex ia IIC T4. This means it can be located in Zone 0 in gas group IIC. T4 is the maximum

Based on this assessment, a system certificate or loop approval can be

surface temperature of the device (135°C).

documented.

A galvanic isolator is an active device that energy limits without the dependence on the IS earth for safety. It also has the

The barrier/isolator has maximum output parameters for voltage (Uo), current (Io),

NOTE: Inserting a barrier or isolator with a non-certified (active) field device

advantage of supplying higher voltage at the hazardous area terminals and allowing longer cable lengths. Isolators have local

and power (Po). These are maximum output values under fault conditions (known as Safety Description or entity

is not safe!

LED indication and most 4-20mA isolators transfer Hart communications.

parameters). The field device has maximum input parameters (Ui, Ii, Pi) which are the maximum values that can be applied under fault conditions and still be safe.

are defined as simple apparatus. A simple loop drawing is still required, and an assessment of power/maximum surface temperature needs to be

NOTE: Loop approvals need to be done by a ‘competent person’.

According to the Safety, Health and Welfare

completed. NOTE: For a safe loop, all three input parameters must be greater than or

at Work Act 2005, a person is deemed to be a competent person where, having regard to the task he or she is required to

equal to output parameters (Ui ≥ Uo, Ii ≥ Io, Pi ≥ Po).

perform and taking account of the size or hazards (or both of them) of the undertaking or establishment in which he or she

NOTE: Barrier/isolator safety parameters should not be confused with operational parameters.

undertakes work, the person possesses sufficient training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work to be

Some field devices like thermocouples

Ex ic for Zone 2 NOTE: IS loops certified Ex ia/Ex ib for Zone 0/1 can be used in Zone 2. Sometimes though, cable lengths are limiting.

Let’s consider the impact of Ex ic and how

To complete the system loop approval, the electrical stored energy (cabling) needs to

to handle long cable runs in IS loops. Ex nL (Energy Limiting) was a technique used for Zone 2 which was effectively ‘Intrinsic Safety

be considered. Table A.2 in IEC 6007911 lists the maximum capacitance Co against output voltage of the IS interface. IEC 60079-11 also state maximum inductance Lo. In the example in Figure 4, the maximum electrical stored energy that can be connected to the hazardous area terminals is Co 83nF Lo 4.2mH. The

in normal operation’ i.e. with no safety factor required. Ex nL has been reassigned as Ex ic in IEC60079-11 and IEC60079-25. Previously, although not spelt out in the standards, it was generally accepted practice to run Ex nL loops in the same trunking as IS loops. With the new standards, it is clear that Ex ic loops can be run in the same multi-core or trunking as other

As you can see from Figure 4, the barrier/ isolator has [Ex ia] IIC. The square brackets indicate that the barrier/isolator (mounted in safe area) can have connections to a hazardous area. In this case Ex ia i.e. Zone 0. IIC is the gas group. The field instrument

transmitter has internal capacitance and inductance, so maximum cable capacitance Cc = Co-Ci and maximum inductance Lc = Lo-Li (alternatively the cable L/R ratio can be used). The cable specification typically gives pF/m and µH/m allowing a calculation

Ex i loops. This means that single multi-core (or trunking) can be used for IS instruments in Zone 0, 1 and 2. NOTE: Shared multicore must be Type A or B in accordance with system standard IEC60079-25, that is not subject to faults.

(e.g. 4-20mA temperature transmitter) has

of maximum cable length.

undertaken. IECEx and CompEx both offer training courses to ensure competence. The principle for loop approval is the same for Zener barriers and galvanic isolators, but first let’s define Ex i and which hazardous zone they can be used in.

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Intrinsic Safety 34 Simple Apparatus

Simple Apparatus

reference curves because of some tests done in Germany. This reduced the

• What is considered Simple Apparatus? • Passive componentsSimple e.g. switches, junction boxes, potentiometers and simple • What is considered Apparatus?

allowed cable capacitance from 2002.This impacts plants built between 1995 and 2002 based on earlier ATEX standards where longer cable runs were required.

semiconductor devices • Passive components e.g. switches, junction boxes, potentiometers and simple • isSources of stored energy within well defined parameters • What considered Simple Apparatus? semiconductor devices • Passive components e.g. energy switches, junction boxes, potentiometers and 0.1A simpleor 25mW •• Sources of energy which do not exceed 1.5V, Sources of generated stored within well defined parameters semiconductor devices • Sources of generated energy whichparameters do not exceed 1.5V, 0.1A or 25mW • Sources of stored energy within well defined •IEC Sources of generated energy 5.7 whichsays:do not exceed 1.5V, 0.1A or 25mW 60079-11, Clause

• • 60079-11, “Devices need not be5.7 certified or marked” • IEC Clause says:-

For a standard 24V loop (Uo = 28V) this

• IEC 60079-11, Clause 5.7 says:• “Devices need not be certified or marked” • “Devices need not be certified or marked”

changed the Co from 130nF to 83nF, reducing the maximum cable length allowed. When these plants require a DCS upgrade and a new isolator is to be fitted, the IS loop calculation now fails.

Examples: Examples: Examples:

Figure 5 – Simple apparatus

Voltage

Permitted capacitance μF for Group IIB for Group IIA apparatus apparatus with a factor of with a factor of safety of safety of x1 x1,5 x1 x1,5

for Group IIC apparatus with a factor of safety of x1 x1,5

28,0 0,272 0,083 1,65 Figure 6 – Permitted capacitance

0,650

NOTE: Ex nL has been replaced by Ex ic for Zone 2 in the standards. This means Intrinsic Safety can easily be used in Zones 0, 1 & 2 and the wiring can be in same multi-core cable and/or trunking (IEC6007914 6.12.2.6)! Another advantage of Ex ic is that the safety factor of 1.5 (as shown in Table A.2 of IEC 60079-11) does not need to be applied to cable parameters allowing for longer cable runs. Further on this topic, the CENLEC standard and subsequently the IEC standard changed the capacitive

6,60

2,15

for Group I apparatus with a factor of safety of x1 x1,5 9,35

How can we handle this? Firstly, and importantly, there is a misconception that the Co values are defined by the design of barrier/isolator. The Co value is actually defined in IEC60079-11: 2011 Table A.2 page 96 (102 of 149). So, any barrier/isolator with 28V safety

3,76

description will have Co = 83nF (Zone 0/1; IIC). In practice this parameter will define the maximum allowable cable length.

6. 12.2.6 Cables carrying more than one intrinsically safe circuit The requirements of this sub clause are in addition to those of 6. 12.2.2 to 6. 12.2.5 Cables could contain more than one intrinsically safe circuit. Circuits which are not intrinsically safe shall not be carried in the same cables with intrinsically safe circuits except as noted in 6. 12.6. Intrinsically safe “ic” circuits are permitted to be a running together with intrinsically safe “ia” and “ib” circuits provided they are run in a cable of Type A or Type B as specified in 6. 12.2.7.

Figure 4 shows an Ex ia loop with a Co=83nF. The max cable capacitance Cc=63nF. With a typical cable capacitance of 95nF/km, this would equate to maximum cable of 660m. If the loop were Ex ic, the Co=272nF, so Cc=252nF would theoretically allow 2.5kms of cable, i.e. no longer a limiting factor (the limiting factor in this system is likely to be operating voltage at the end of the cable being high enough for the transmitter to work). In Figure 7, you can

Ex ic - Verification of safety compatibility Factors affecting max. cable lengths for IS loops Transmitter Ex ia IIC T4 Ui < 30 V Ii < 100 mA Pi < 1.3W Ci Li

< 20 nF < 10µH

Voltage

System Ex ic IIC T4 Cable Parameters CC < 0.252 µF LC

< 9.45 mH

L/RC < 124 µH/W

[Ex ia] IIC Uo Io Po

< 28 V < 93 mA < 0.65 W

Co Lo L/R

< 0.272 µF < 9.45 mH < 124µH/W

MTL7728+

Cable parameters are quoted for Uo 28V Zone 2 IIC

Figure 7 – Field instrument in Zone 2

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(IEC60079-11:2011 Table A2 pg. 96)

Interface

Note

28,0

• • • • • •

for Group IIC apparatus with a factor of safety of x1 x1,5 0,272

0,083

Permitted capacitance μF for Group IIB for Group IIA apparatus apparatus with a factor of with a factor of safety of safety of x1 x1,5 x1 x1,5 1,65

0,650

6,60

2,15

for Group I apparatus with a factor of safety of x1,5

x1 9,35

3,76

Zone 0, 1 (Ex ia or ib) requires 1.5 safety factor Zone 2 (Ex ic) does not require safety factor IIC Zone 0, 1 - 83nF Zone 2 – 272nF IIB Zone 0, 1 – 650nF Zone 2 – 1.65uF IIA Zone 0,1 - 2.15uF Zone 2 – 6.6uF Remember L/R if Lo > Li + Lc fails!

Figure 8 – Co values

Intrinsic Safety 35

see that the system is Ex ic certified.

of cable, i.e. no longer a limiting factor. If the Gas Group were IIB, the Co=650nF which

For new installations requiring long cable runs, classifying the area as Zone 2 (if possible) offers significant benefit. For upgrading existing plants where the new loop approval fails, reclassify the hazardous area as Zone 2, use Ex ic, and make use

also eliminates capacitance as a limiting factor.

of the higher Co value. Ex ic offers some flexibility and for upgrades allows for upgrades of old control systems improving safety. Now let’s consider the impact of Gas Group

protection for higher voltage (110Vac, 220Vac) applications and requires mechanical planning and preparation. For 24V systems, Intrinsic Safety offers a simple & flexible solution for Zone 0, 1 and 2. Intrinsic Safety is the only

on cable lengths for IS loops. If it is not possible to use Ex ic (i.e. Zone 0 or 1), note that Gas Group also offers an option. Gas Group classification impacts Co parameter,

protection that considers faults of the field wiring and offers live working without the need for a gas clearance certificate. It does require some design and planning

as per Figure 8.

to ensure that the system loop analysis is acceptable.

Remember Figure 4: Ex ia loop with a Co=83nF; Cc=63nF; typical cable

About the author

Conclusion Flameproof (Ex d) offers hazardous area protection for Zone 1 and 2 and offers

For installations requiring long cable runs,

capacitance of 95nF/km = maximum cable of 660m.

classifying the area as Zone 2 (if possible) offers significant benefits. Alternatively, if there is an option for IIB (or IIA)

If the loop was Ex ic, the Co=272nF, so Cc=252nF would theoretically allow 2.5km

classification, this is another way of allowing longer cables lengths.

SafeEx Moves Maintenance Forward

Gary Friend CEng MIET, Director at AGL Automation, graduated with BSc Eng in 1990 in South Africa. He moved to UK in 1992 and worked at MTL Instruments (Now Eaton MTL) for 11 years from 1995 to 2006 in various technical roles. He manages Extech Safety Systems (since 2006) in South Africa and in April 2020 launched AGL Automation Limited with Luke Thomas and Angus McCarter to supply products & services to UK & Irish hazardous area & biotech markets.

Our passion is smarter maintenance

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Bulk handling

Figure 1 – Standard equipment of a facility for the bulk material processing

Unloading the bulk material The respective bulk material is usually transferred into bulk containers from a truck or freight wagon. This is where organisational/preventive actions are mostly sufficient – the risk of combustion from hot brakes or exhaust systems is effectively countered through a wait and cooling time of 15 minutes before the discharge. Grounding systems additionally protect against spark discharges. For moving objects such as trucks or wagons, the staff must work carefully and have received the appropriate training. In addition, agreements should be made with suppliers to ensure that the raw material is delivered without any glowing embers.

Mechanical conveyors There is no standard concept for explosion safety on conveyors, as the designs and functions are highly diverse. However, there are actions that avoid explosions – without the need to install protective systems. These include limited conveying speeds, suitable material pairings and safetycompliant designs.

Safe and economical processing of bulk materials D

Open belt conveyors are relatively uncritical. The material is not swirled up and does not come into contact with any hot surfaces. This is different with chain and screw conveyors. Depending on the degree of fineness, moisture content and dust formation probability of the bulk material, the conveying principle and conveying speed of the connected system parts, there could be a need to implement explosion protective systems such as explosion pressure venting devices. It must be ensured that if an explosion was to occur in a neighbouring part of the system, then it is prevented from propagating through to other connected conveyors. For this

uring the processing of combustible bulk materials, there is always a risk of explosions. In most cases, each piece of equipment at a plant is considered separately in

Each facility has its own special features when it comes to bulk material processing. However, there are usually standard machines and equipment installed in most plants, just in different

purpose, isolation systems such as ATEXcertified rotary valves, chemical barriers, quench valves or quick-acting slide valves are used.

order to derive suitable measures for explosion safety. However, it is more effective to look at a facility as a whole and to develop integrated explosion safety concepts. This both improves process safety and saves operational costs.

arrangements. This includes equipment for bulk material unloading, conveyors, elevators, silos, screens, mills and filters (Figure 1). Suitable actions and measures for explosion prevention and explosion protection must be provided for each equipment individually but aligned.

Tubular screw conveyors have a special advantage. Depending on the fluidity of the bulk material, they can be converted into an isolating protection system in-house with the help of expert guidance. One and a half or two flights are removed from the screw for this purpose. These actions will cause

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Bulk handling 37

the conveyed product to fill the entire pipe cross-section in this area, which will then

remains a special case and requires an assessment from technical experts.

form a plug comprised of the product. It refills automatically during normal operation and serves as an isolation element in the event of an explosion.

Dangerous combinations with screens

Chemical barriers are usually required

Especially in combination with upstream dryers, such as spray dryers in the dairy industry, drum dryers in the wood industry

for trough screw conveyors. These are controlled by pressure or infrared detectors, which detect a resulting explosion or flames, and trigger the extinguishing agent container. The extinguishing agent, which is then discharged, will stop the flame.

or ring dryers in the starch industry, screens can often be extremely endangered equipment. Glowing embers in bulk materials that “survive” in mechanical conveyors and do not ignite there may subsequently be broken open by tumbling

Figure 2 – A flameless explosion vent designed specifically for elevators

Especially in the outdoor area, however, it can often be more useful and cost-effective to install approved explosion venting devices.

combustion which is caused by a possible ignition source entry from upstream facility components. Outdoor silos must therefore be protected with explosion vents, and

or vibrating movements and can then trigger an explosion. Explosion protection is therefore necessary, but not always easy to implement within buildings. The solution:

Explosion safety for bucket elevators

mostly individual, vibration-isolated systems based on a flameless explosion venting device (Figure 4).

Bucket elevators represent a special source

silos inside buildings with flameless venting devices or explosion suppression systems. Depending on the type of bulk material, preventive actions can also be

of risk because they facilitate the negative explosion prerequisites (explosive mixture and ignition sources) through their function

implemented, such as the installation of spark detectors in combination with spark extinguishing systems or quench valves.

Mills and grinder systems

and design. Additionally, pressure waves and flames can propagate across several floors through unprotected elevators and cause severe damages. VDI Guideline 2263,

The omission of explosion protection always

components and oxygen – a mill offers

Dust, a closed container, effective ignition sources due to metallic, rapidly interacting

Sheet 8 (8.1 and 8.2), describes explosion safety measures and provides information on the dimensioning of explosion venting devices and the design of explosion suppression systems. Some manufacturers offer flameless explosion vents specifically developed for the protection of bucket elevators. The particular challenge with elevators is that the protective systems installed must be as light as possible and at the same time achieve the maximum venting efficiency. Flameless venting devices or conventional explosion panels are installed at critical points of the elevator. These include elevator foot and elevator head. The shafts could also be protected with chemical barriers.

Risk of an ignition source entry into silos Silos usually do not contain their own ignition sources. This eliminates a decisive parameter that can trigger a dust explosion (Figure 3). However, there is a danger of

Figure 3 – The “ingredients” for an explosion

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Bulk handling

are pulse-cleaned. The very fine dust can then spread evenly in the filter, and in

About the author

combination with an ignition source, can lead to an explosion. Indoor area filters are therefore protected with a flameless venting devices, outdoor filters with explosion vents. If transport or traffic routes are located in the vicinity of the explosion

Figure 4 – Protection for screens with a flameless explosion venting

all the prerequisites for a dust explosion. Several manufacturers have devices which offer an explosion-pressure resistant design (up to 10 bar). Depending on the

venting, add-on modules for explosion vents are used to deflect the flames and pressure wave into non-critical areas (Figure 5 and 6).

The overall situation is decisive Each piece of equipment in a facility must be considered separately. However, a generic safe and economical concept

size of the facility operator, this represents a cost-intensive investment. Above and below the mill, explosion isolation should always be provided in order to protect

can only be achieved with a holistic view of the facility, which takes into account the interaction of the equipment and the individual arrangement of the respective

other facility components. Some devices are designed for the suction opening of the mill. Through this, the mill can suck in air

production plant.

during normal operation, which is routed through a stainless steel mesh filter without any problems. If an explosion occurs, the stainless steel mesh filter protects the

safety has its price, unprofessional over engineering or poor protection can be much more expensive in the long run. Not just in terms of money. In the worst-case, people

environment from flames and pressure by removing the heat.

will pay with their lives. Independent experts therefore recommend plant operators to work with experienced professionals who

Filter: Increased danger during the pulse-cleaning

Even though professional explosion

The risk of explosion is particularly high

establish a holistic view of the situation, and create a comprehensive, individual protection concept for the facility. Even

in filter systems. Many manufacturers therefore offer products with integrated explosion safety devices. The reason is that

the purchase of turnkey plants never relieves the future operator from the duty to implement sufficient explosion safety.

in addition to dust extracted from other parts of the system, sparks or glowing embers can also be introduced. It becomes

Cooperation with experts is therefore a logical step right from the very beginning, for example, during the initial planning

particularly critical when the filter elements

phase.

Figure 5 and 6 – An add-on module for explosion vents

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Dr.-Ing. Johannes Lottermann, Chief Business Development Officer, Explosion Safety, REMBE GmbH Safety + Control, has spent most of his life studying, researching and developing new concepts and approaches to combustible dust explosion protection. In addition to his doctoral thesis, “Approaches to Integrated Fire and Explosion Safety…”, Johannes has worked for notified bodies charged with certifying compliance with ATEX certifying requirements in Europe, governmental regulatory bodies equivalent to OSHA, standards associations equivalent to NFPA, as well as conducting risk analyses in manufacturing facilities. As Chief Business Development Officer Explosion Safety, Johannes spends most of his time on the road, visiting manufacturing facilities, evaluating their risks and recommending solutions to best protect against the potentially catastrophic consequences of combustible dust explosions.

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C & C Technical Support Services is an accepted course provider of the TÜV Rheinland Functional Safety Training Program. We also run in-house training on request. Please contact us for more details or to register for an existing or future course: Email: info@silsupport.com Or Tel: +44 (0) 13398 86618

View our full Global schedule at: www.silsupport.com

40 Cables

Image: Flexicon

Specifying cable protection for pharmaceutical applications P

harmaceutical applications demand stringent hygiene and contamination control to avoid downtime and maintain

Why flexible conduit?

quality standards across the entire supply chain. Processors are investing heavily in automation solutions and equipment to deliver these objectives, resulting in an increasing reliance on the continuity of power and data cabling.

overcoming traditional installation challenges while delivering unrivalled product performance too. To understand the importance of selecting the appropriate conduit specification for the application(s) in question, it is necessary to first establish the reasons why quality standards are deemed so critical in the industry – and how the appropriate

of contamination, the pharmaceutical industry’s key aim must be to safeguard public health during the manufacture of products.

equipment can help to mitigate against the risks of downtime, product recalls and the likelihood of expensive financial penalties.

agents, including cleaning and disinfection products and any foreign bodies that may come in to contact with the pharmaceutical product during manufacture.

EU legal framework

Robust hygiene considerations

As a result, it is vital that essential cabling is protected appropriately with flexible conduit solutions that perform safely and adhere to stringent hygiene and safety requirements. Alex Smith, Flexicon Technical Director discusses the areas to consider when specifying flexible conduit systems to protect critical power and data cabling from multiple and diverse hazards in hygienic applications. This will include practical advice on the areas to consider when specifying a conduit system, including the choice between nonmetallic or metallic systems.

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Flexible conduit provides an inherent mechanical barrier for cabling,

The production and distribution of pharmaceutical and medicinal products for human consumption is governed by regulations designed to guarantee high standards of quality and safety.

Similar to the food processing industry, where there are strict controls around hygiene standards to prevent the risk

As a result, there are a number of common, potential hazards to be managed effectively. These include biological agents, such as pathogens or micro-organisms, chemical

Operators should specify systems that prioritise hygienic design to stop bacteria from spreading, taking the following nine areas into account:

Cables 41

1. Corrosion resistance

opportunity for matter to stick. The processing method used to achieve a

the opportunity for soil and how this will be managed needs to be considered.

leading to serious issues with equipment. From pitting corrosion to crevice corrosion and deposit attack, its impact should not be underestimated. For this reason, stainless steel is often used in the industry due to its high levels of corrosion

material’s surface finish – whether it’s turning, milling, mechanical polishing or casting – can also affect the rate that contaminants build up.

The benefits of flexible conduit for increased hygiene standards

6. Fatigue

Flexible conduit used for cable protection allows efficient cleaning while providing

resistance. However, this resistance can be compromised when exposed to chlorides, which are prevalent in supply waters and detergents. Furthermore, the grade of stainless steel will also dictate its effectiveness, with Grade 316 often

Materials can suffer symptoms of fatigue, such as cracking and brittleness, if constantly moving. This needs to be considered carefully at the specification stage.

system integrity in hygienic applications. Cleaning regimes are an important and essential process to ensure the safety and quality of a company’s output and goods. However, while machinery is being cleaned or maintained, production to service output

specified where there is risk of pitting and crevice corrosion.

7. Chemical composition

is zero.

Elastomeric materials are commonly used

Materials and coatings need to be durable, resist damage and abrasion, and be easy to clean.

With this in mind, it is clear that cleaning time should be swift and effective,

for seals and gaskets, but performance properties can vary depending on the compound mix. Chemicals present in cleaning agents and processing fluids

While manufacturers typically publish data demonstrating a material’s relative performance against attack from one

alongside ease of installation and maintenance, without compromising product safety and quality. Manufacturers offer a wide range of solutions to facilitate

can also determine the performance of elastomeric materials and their resistance to corrosion.

chemical, should a combination or greater concentration of chemicals occur, then this needs to be taken into account. The

this, ensuring critical power and data cabling in hygienic environments are well protected. The benefits offered by using

impact elevated temperatures can have on chemical composition is another important consideration.

flexible conduit solutions include:

2. Temperature

Materials can often fail due to corrosion,

High temperatures can cause materials to degrade faster and significantly reduce

Speed of installation By grouping cables into one hygienic and

service lifespan, while low temperatures can make materials brittle and even potentially lead to cracking. Elastomeric materials,

8. Colour

in particular, can expand or contract depending on the ambient temperature, requiring special consideration if used in

order to identify foreign bodies that might be present.

installation time for flexible conduits is reduced against other options, with less holes to drill, fewer fittings to terminate and

conjunction with metallic products.

9. Soil

3. Impact

‘Soil’ defines any material that is out of place, which might occur during cleaning.

minimal enclosure entry points to maintain. Furthermore, a flexible conduit system provides easier access for cleaning and

Processing plants often need to move goods via lifting equipment, manual handling or other machinery, and the material composition needs to be able to withstand impact – to avoid piercing protective coatings, deforming profiles and or crushing cables.

For plastic materials, the colour blue is generally used to offer increased visibility, in

Whether a material is cleaned manually or soaked, spray-washed or steam cleaned,

flexible conduit, there is only one system to route and fix, as opposed to multiple cables with alternative systems. This means

maintenance.

Image: Flexicon

4. Wear and abrasion For equipment that might be moving or contain moving components, abrasion resistance is key to limit any damage to protective coatings or the potential compromise of ingress protection.

5. Surface finish Rougher surfaces are generally more complex to clean and there is greater

www.hazardexonthenet.net

ety

Data Files/Buyers Guide 27

42 Cables

ATEX Zone 2 iPhone 11 (Pro Max) – Increased Intrinsically Safe Apple Smartphone Reduced maintenance In addition to the specific installation and future proofing can all be achieved by

Measurement and Control – benefits Ex Special Interest Group Any manufacturer will want to futureproof of a flexible conduit system, it is using hygienic conduits to group and protect

uring, the Netherlands. The Apple iPhone 11 Features: in hazardous locations. The explosion proof • Explosion safety level: II 3G ; Ex ec ic IIC T4 Gc tured by Apple than converted certiﬁ • Charger 110-240VAC equipment asand much asedfeasibly possible, to also important for operators to select the cables from end to end. es by Atexxo Manufacturing. This makes Ex-SIG the • Charger 50/60Hz The InstMC won the Best User appropriate engagement at athe professional level. cope with changing demands and offer a material for application, se in gas /vapor zone 2 hazardous areas. (zone Applications: Hazardous material storage, petro award at theA Hazardex e installed by the end-userApplication themselves. competitive advantage over time. flexible 2020 typically selecting between hygienic nonWith multiple and diverse hazards, cabling chemical plants and oil and gas extraction sites. Awards for Excellence, The metallic qualifi cation is based on peer review in the fieldprotection to maintain system and egulations is achieved by modifi cation of be the conduit system can replaced orwhich addedtook metallic and Atexxosystems. Manufacturing is market leading in needs ally safe electrical circuit, which makes the Hazardex Conference & of usermanner friendly and to install explosion proof place at the the same as easy IEng/CEng, with a similar to with minimal effort and disruption. Should process functionality. The correct specification azardous locations. All features of the original equipment. Exhibition in Harrogate, UK on February application process, and is overseen by the face scanner can be used safelyneed at hazardous more circuits to be installed in the Non-metallic systems of flexible conduit can help save time and For more information or custom solutions 26.can ThebeHazardex designedWith no exposed Institute’s Professional Registration Committee. please contact our sales or visit while meeting the stringent hygiene future, this achieved awards using theare existing metallic content, non-department money pro max) comes with a black finish and is our website www.atexxo.com to case recognise excellence in the hazardous conduit system – as long as the space is metallic conduits do not rust or corrode thus demands of the pharmaceutical industry. rsions. Beside safe use as a phone all versions ement and or area and hashaving become theout Theperformance Institute has aand range of Special Interest lly safe camera RFID scanner. available insidesector – rather than to drill maintaining appearance

About the author ospheres new entry benchmark forenclosure. those supplying Groups, which members Institute can join points in the This alsoproducts, over time. They are often quicker of to the install -SIG) aims eliminates services and systems. More details canthan be metallic for free as a membership benefit,and including: having to purchase new hygienic options as they are easier The EVL series lighting fixtures innovated and enhanced and support cable glands found at www.hazardex-event.co.uk. • Explosive Atmospheres or create new fixing and routing faster to cut. Non-metallic fittings will typically The EVL series of LED lighting fixtures, launched by evelopment inforthe • Functional new cabling, or even having to purchase be one piece and simplySafety push on and twist to Cortem Group in 2015 and available in four sizes,

nge of activities The Institute of Measurement andhas Control also • Flow to offer an even been innovated larger enclosures. secure.and enhanced safer and more performing• product. up is producing offers a professional level qualification in Ex Cybersecurity • New “Ex op is” certificate o help informFixingmatters: ‘Registered Explosive Atmospheres • Digital Transformation • New multi-LED plate and routing The conduit and fitting interface must be • Newmembers range of the ambient temperature to -40°C + 60°C and temperature hese are firstA flexibleEngineer’. This is available to InstMC • Measurement conduit system is not only easier able to withstand tensile stress caused by classes colder (T5) with gas group IIB+H2 and IIC e SIG beforeto clean,who are registered with the onto Engineering Council • Standards but easier to fix and route the weightrange of the or dynamic loads •aNew supply voltages fromcabling, 12 to 277V

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a rapid and a timely replacement of the old generation discharge lighting fixtures

avoided to allow sufficient space for cleaning. systems installed directly on a pole. info@cortemgroup.com Multiple cables mean multiple surfaces towww.cortemgroup.com Metallic systems are ideal for applications clean and maintain, posing a serious risk. that require a very high compression or pullGuide EEMUA Publication 186 -A Practitioner’s

at @HazardEx yers

for Alex Smith is Technical Director at at @HazardEx for off for strength, or where there is the need to Handbook potentially explosive atmospheres Flexicon. Having graduated from the and discussions Data files Control Panels Explosion protection protect cables from exposure in hazardous University of Warwick with an MEng in and discussions EEMUA 186 offers guidance for safe installation, inspection afety in the worlds Mechanical Engineering, Alex joined As well as ensuring hygiene standardsand aremaintenance environments. These systems typically work in potentially explosive atmospheres. afety in the explosion worlds Flexicon initially as Development EEMUA 186 focuses on ignition caused by electrical maintained, protection is also have a higher level of crush resistance, high zard industries and mechanical sources and interprets relevantCONTROL parts Engineer, before becoming Engineering MATION & TECHNOLOGY AUTOMATION & TECHNOLOGY zard CONTROL industries a key concern; particularly resulting from mechanical strength and can provide excellent of international and European standards, directives and

Manager and latterly, Technical Director. the presence of airborne fine dust particles regulations. EMC screening properties. tal Solutions Provider Your Total Solutions Provider Holding an MBA, he has responsibility EEMUA 186 covers application design engineering and from ingredients and chemicals used during s in design and custom build of a wide range of in design and custom build of a wide range for of new product development, duties of the Responsible Specialists Person (IEC standards). It includes manufacture. Users should ensure that In on conclusion s Area Equipment Areahazardous Equipmentareas in separate chapters fuel Hazardous filling stations, specification and quality, with a passion water and waste water, and mechanical ignition sources. electrical cables are protected adequately Hygienic flexible conduit systems can offer for integrating digital technology OEM for and Technor Marechal red OEM for Technor Marechal Closely associated withRegistered the CompEx® training competency assessment and terminated using appropriately rated numerous benefits for pharmaceutical scheme, this easily navigable resource is available to purchase at: and software to drive continuous Southampton https://www.eemua.org/Products/Publications/Print/EEMUAarea fittings such as Ex e or Ex d installations to protect critical power and data SO40 9AH improvement. azardous hazardous area environments Publication-186.aspx +44 (0) 2380 665544 cabling. Time saving, simplicity of installation azardous rated areafittings. environments enquiries@trant.co.uk

Buyers Guide

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Training Training 11/10/2019 15:08 11/10/2019 15:08

Communications Control Panels

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Hazardous Area Equipment Kathryn Startin

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kathryn.startin@imlgroup.co.uk +44 (0) 2380 665544 enquiries@trant.co.uk trant.co.uk

Data Files 43

Atexor launches revolutionary SEMIC fixed, portable and semi-portable Ex work lights Atexor’s SEMIC SP and SEMIC SF work lights features a novel modular construction leveraging the same high quality, nocompromise components to serve multiple application. From portable and “semi-portable” to fixed applications, these costeffective yet extremely rugged and reliable work lights. SEMIC lights are exceptionally tough, featuring IP68 and T5 ratings in a fully encapsulated unit. High quality LEDs provide 650 tested lumens output, safe for optical radiation (op is), with CRI 85 and support 24-42VAC and 110-230VAC power sources. SEMIC ATEX & IECEx certification is ongoing, and production starts November 2020. Atexor Oy has decades of Ex lighting experience. All our products are designed and manufactured in Finland. Atexor Ltd. UK

Tel:+44 1224 640777

Web: www.atexor.com

Process Design Management Ltd - experts in occupational & process safety Process Design Management Ltd provides bespoke and independent engineering safety consultancy services within the area of process and design safety, in particular DSEAR. PDM Ltd offers: • DSEAR risk assessment • Hazardous area classification drawings & identification and classification (BSEN60079-10/EI15) • Ignition assessments of hazardous areas and installed/proposed equipment • Identification & development of emergency procedures • Development of maintenance schedules and records for ATEX equipment • DSEAR/ATEX training, advice and assistance, auditing and compliance Datafile 4 Rotronic Repeat Please Datafile 5 Labtex Repeat Please

Datafile 6 P&F

PDM Ltd is experienced in various engineering/industrial locations & design offices covering ‘process’ and ‘technical’ safety within a variety of industries.. Contact: pdmltd@gmail.com Tel: 07432118559

Asecos Q range – proven fire resistance of 90 minutes

ATEX Certified Humidity/Moisture and Temperature Sensors

Labtex’s Asecos Type 90 storage cabinets provide extremely safe, regulation-compliant 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.

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. 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.

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

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

Tab-Ex® Pro: World’s First 10” Android Tablet for Hazardous Areas from ECOM

New on-vehicle data connector from Amphenol improves vehicle diagnostics

The new Tab-Ex® Pro from the Pepperl+Fuchs brand ECOM is the world’s first 10-inch Android tablet for Zone 2/22 and Div. 2 hazardous areas. With a 10-inch display and 15 hours of runtime, the tablet is perfect for remote support, viewing web-based content, displaying AR applications, and other industry 4.0 tasks in demanding applications. Whether plant management, inventory management, process automation, maintenance, or applications in transport and logistics, the Tab-Ex® Pro simplifies processes and minimizes risk in industrial environments. It supports applications for lone worker protection and enables workers to easily transition from the field to the office and back. The tablet is lightweight and easy to use despite its large screen and rugged construction.

Amphenol Industrial Operations now offers industry-standard, on-vehicle data plug connectors that are designed for vehicle diagnostic and data communication. The AT circular connector (ATC) series will perform in the most demanding applications in heavy duty trucks and buses. The new 3 and 5 pole standard electrical plugs will improve the quantity and quality of options offered by the ATC series. While the 9 pole provides a J1939 solution of receptacle/contacts/accessories. SAE J1939 is a specified type of controller area network (CAN) that defines the communication pathways for vehicle networks. For more information, please visit http://www.amphenol-industrial.com or e-mail cfrance@amphenol-aio.com

Web: www.ecom-ex.com Email: sales@ecom-ex.com

ATEX/IECEx Zone1 Explosion Proof Wireless Access Point (WAP) & Cellular Router/WAP Solexy recently launched a family of Explosion Proof connectivity solutions with the goal of easing such deployments, further enabling the connected operator, and process monitoring. Feedback from the industry has suggested that the size, weight, and costs of existing solutions have hindered deployment proliferation. With so much new technology such as tablets, cameras, and wearables like smart goggles, Solexy’s goal is to enable hazardous areas with connectivity at a cost-effective price level. The Ethernet/WAP can be used to provide connectivity where a network already exists by extending wired Ethernet, or as a remote AP to most any existing network.

The Cellular/Ethernet/WAP is ideal for allowing Ethernet or WiFi connectivity in an area where there is no existing infrastructure, or where a service company needs to be connected without accessing their customers network. It is quite ideal for portable, or temporary connectivity needs, as well as providing network redundancy. Whether Ethernet/WAP or Cellular/Ethernet/WAP, the solutions are made safe using Solexy’s patented RX Series Explosion Proof and Intrinsically Safe RF antenna couplers, and compact explosion proof enclosure. The RX couplers make the signal Intrinsically Safe, allowing the user to direct mount, or remote mount the antennas. The user is also afforded the ability to choose most any* passive antenna (Yagi, or Omni), with a variety of gains, optimizing the RF topology; again, without concern. (*respecting local EIRP regulations) The enclosures are available as PolyCoated Aluminum or Stainless Steel; weighing only 4 Kg and 9 Kg respectively. Tel: +39-030-787.0.787 Email: sales@solexy.net Web: www.solexy.net Pdf: www.solexy.net/RS