Hazardous area in reheating furnace 1

[bmsg]

We are putting up an offer for a walking beam type reheating furnace. The instrumentation part of the bid document specifies that "all instruments and equipment located in hazardous locations shall be explosion-proof or intrinsically safe".

Can anyone let me know which areas (if any) might qualify as a hazardous area for installation of explosionproof or intrinsically safe equipment?

 

[bmsg]

I forgot to add:
the fuel is mixed gas having calorific value of about 3000kCal/Nm3 and about 800mmWC pressure.

 

[unclesyd]

Your question is rather open as normally the owner/operator or a local jurisdiction classifies the locations that they consider as hazardous. We have all types of gas fired furnaces with various classifications when it comes to the controls and electrical power. It all has to do with the physical location of the equipment. I have questioned this several times as we have explosion proof wiring and controls right next to roaring external gas burners.

I would take it from your post that the owner wants all local controls to be classified as explosion proof or intrinsically safe. I would get with them and discuss the options you have available, like remote operation, or a local control booth or panel.

 

[bmsg]

Thanks for the reply

 

[heieup]

Where I work, the area immediately surrounding or attached to the furnace is classed as hazardous and all controls are currently being made intrinsicly safe or being relocated.

Certainly in Europe its all part of the AtEx regulations which will probably shed some light on what would be classified as the hazardous area in your situation

Have a look at this link on the UK Health and Safety Executive page or generally try searching for Atex regulations.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/spd/dsear.htm

o