dan111
Mechanical
- Apr 18, 2007
- 3
I have a couple of questions regarding API RP 505 that I'm asking here in the hopes that I can avoid having to purchase the standard (which may mean the answer isn't available here but someone can tell me if the answer wouldn't also be in the standard). Hopefully this isn't a stupid question, but I'll actually probably consider it good news if it is...
I'm a product development engineer working on a kind of portable test equipment. It isn't intended for use in hazardous locations, but there is a question whether the device itself creates a hazardous location within itself. In normal operation, the device releases a small amount of spray from a pressurized can which includes a flammable gas among other ingredients. The duration of the spray is on the order of 1 sec and the frequency won't be more than one spray per minute while it's in use. Also, there are ventilation fans that are constantly forcing outward air flow. So, the gas only exists in flammable concentrations for a couple seconds at a time at most, and in a small area (the device is just about the size of a breadbox!). In the unlikely event that a spark occurred during this time, and caused an ignition, there would be so little of the gas that it would just quickly extinguish itself. So, on an intuitive level we don't think the intent of API RP 505 has a situation like our product in mind.
I guess my question is, given my description, could API RP 505 be considered to apply to my product and who ultimately is the authority on that determination?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
I'm a product development engineer working on a kind of portable test equipment. It isn't intended for use in hazardous locations, but there is a question whether the device itself creates a hazardous location within itself. In normal operation, the device releases a small amount of spray from a pressurized can which includes a flammable gas among other ingredients. The duration of the spray is on the order of 1 sec and the frequency won't be more than one spray per minute while it's in use. Also, there are ventilation fans that are constantly forcing outward air flow. So, the gas only exists in flammable concentrations for a couple seconds at a time at most, and in a small area (the device is just about the size of a breadbox!). In the unlikely event that a spark occurred during this time, and caused an ignition, there would be so little of the gas that it would just quickly extinguish itself. So, on an intuitive level we don't think the intent of API RP 505 has a situation like our product in mind.
I guess my question is, given my description, could API RP 505 be considered to apply to my product and who ultimately is the authority on that determination?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
