Within the field of electrical engineering, a hazardous area is defined as an environment where a risk of explosion exists. When electrical or electronic equipment is installed in such areas, any faults or malfunctions could generate heat or sparks capable of igniting the surroundings, leading to an explosion that can cause significant damage to individuals and the environment. Mitigating such potential risks necessitates the installation of explosion-proof equipment within your commercial and industrial properties.
Explosion-proof and intrinsically safe equipment are two types of devices specifically designed to minimise the risk of explosions in such environments. While they share the common goal of preventing explosions, there are important distinctions between the two. Let’s take a closer look at the key aspects of intrinsically safe and explosion-proof equipment in Singapore.
1. Explosion-Proof Equipment
Explosion-proof equipment is engineered to contain any potential explosion within its enclosure, preventing it from igniting the surrounding hazardous atmosphere and causing further damage. This type of equipment is constructed using robust materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, or die-cast aluminium for added mass and strength.
To ensure compliance with safety standards, explosion-proof equipment undergoes rigorous testing and certification by recognised authorities. Common certifications include ATEX (Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles) in Europe and IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) for international markets.
Explosion-proof equipment in Singapore finds applications in a wide range of industries, including oil refineries, chemical plants, mining operations, and paint manufacturing facilities where there is a high presence of flammable gases, vapours, or combustible dust.
Explosion-Proof Equipment Features
The following features collectively contribute to the ability of explosion-proof equipment to operate safely in hazardous areas:
Robust Enclosure: Explosion-proof equipment in Singapore is made with durable and flame-resistant materials that can withstand the pressure and heat generated during an explosion. Lumenex explosion-proof enclosures are made of stainless steel, GRP and die-cast aluminium.
Sealing and Spark-Free Operation: All openings, joints, and connections in explosion-proof equipment are carefully sealed to prevent the entry of flammable substances from the surrounding atmosphere. Furthermore, these devices are engineered to minimise the generation of sparks. Special attention is given to electrical contacts, switches, and other components that could potentially produce sparks.
Overheating Protection: Explosion-proof equipment often incorporates temperature monitoring and protection mechanisms to prevent overheating. This helps to avoid the accumulation of heat that could lead to ignition and a subsequent explosion.
Compliance with Standards: All explosion-proof equipment in Singapore comes with ATEX or IECEx certifications, attesting that the equipment has undergone rigorous testing and meets the required safety criteria.
Intrinsically Safe Equipment
Intrinsically safe equipment takes a different approach to preventing explosions in hazardous environments. Instead of containing potential explosions, it aims to prevent them from occurring in the first place by maintaining electrical or thermal energy below ignition levels. This design principle ensures that even in the event of a fault or malfunction, the energy levels remain below the threshold required to trigger an explosion.
Certifications for intrinsically safe equipment may vary depending on the region and industry, but they are essential for verifying compliance with safety standards. These certifications validate that the equipment is safe to use in potentially hazardous atmospheres.
These devices are commonly used in environments where the presence of flammable gases or combustible dust necessitates the use of low-energy electrical and electronic equipment.
Intrinsically Safe Equipment Features
The key features of intrinsically safe equipment include:
Low Energy Levels: The risk of sparks or thermal effects that could ignite flammable gases or vapours is minimised as they operate at low energy levels.
Intrinsic Safety Barriers: In order to limit the amount of electrical energy and current flow, intrinsically safe equipment are often paired with safety barriers. Some equipment may also come with additional safety controls, such as fault detection and diagnostic features.
Sealed Design: They are designed with sealed and encapsulated components to prevent the ingress of flammable substances.
Compliance with Standards: Intrinsically safe equipment complies with industry standards and certifications and undergoes rigorous testing to meet the safety criteria for use in hazardous areas.
Conclusion
The type of device you choose will depend on your application’s unique requirements. By closely working with a certified expert, you can easily determine the best solution for your premises. Many experts recommend the installation of explosion-proof equipment in high-voltage hazardous environments that require permanent solutions, while intrinsically safe equipment is considered a suitable option for controlled environments.
Lumenex Asia – The Best Explosion-Proof Equipment in Singapore
While both explosion-proof and intrinsically safe equipment addresses the risk of explosions, their application approaches and purposes may differ. Lumenex Asia can provide you with the expertise required to mitigate the potential for explosions in your facility. By contacting our ex-proof equipment specialists, you can ensure that you select the best equipment for your industrial and commercial applications. They will take everything from zone classification, budget, and maintenance considerations into account when recommending the best explosion-proof equipment in Singapore for you. For more information on our products or services, call us on +65 62423833.
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