How do I know if I need to Classify an area? 1

[ddrowe0217]

I have a room that is used to distribute pentaerythritol - it comes in as a powder and the room and components can get dusty. There is rarely a cloud or a cloudy situation. My question is - is there something that requires me to classify this room as Class 2 Div 1 or 2? Minimum ignition energy, or ignition temperature or Cloud Ignition temperature? We keep the room as sealed and secure as possible - but there has been a huge push to "Classify" it and I was wondering about the real need for this.

Thank you

 

[biff44]

If I were you, I would hire an explosives expert as a consultant to help you make that call. Who know what sort of advice you can get on the internet, so why trust it?

http://www.MaguffinMicrowave.com

Maguffin Microwave wireless design consulting

 

[ddrowe0217]

I guess you have a point there - why take the chance of getting it wrong.

 

[Compositepro]

A good source of advice is from a manufacturer of pentaerythitol. It sounds like no one in the decision loop is spending their own money so the deciding factor will be CYA. Peventing dust explosions is mainly an issue of good housekeeping, not electrical classification.

 

[IRstuff]

Doesn't the MSDS have information pertinent to the situation?

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[MiketheEngineer]

ANYTHING dusty can cause an explosion. Go back to the mfg for some help and sooner than later!!

 

[DRWeig]

Agree with all the above (MSDS attached). It depends on the level of dust and the likelihood of dust dispersion into the air. Manufacturer can give you guidance, and if it comes down on the "classify" side from them, find an engineer with a hazardous locations certification to guide you through the actual classification. If it were all in sealed containers, no problem. If it's dumped into that room in bulk, I'd be erring on the side of caution.

What sort of electrical equipment is (or will be) in the room?

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

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