PEFTEC PEFTEC

PEFTEC - Abstract


Abstract Title: IECex regulations and ATEX directives – Certified explosion protection for analytical equipment for hydrocarbons and TOC in refineries and petrochemical plants
Abstract Type: Oral
Session Choice: Online & Process Monitoring
Presenter Name: Mr Frank Zorn
Co-authors:Mr Oliver Rothe
Company/Organisation: LAR Process Analysers AG
Country: Germany

Abstract Information :

Total Organic Carbon analysers are commonly used to measure the level of organic contamination in water (steam/ return condensate, boiler feed water, cooling water, waste water). Online TOC analysers installed in refineries and petrochemical plants are located right in the middle of the process facilities. Here, incidentally, explosive gasses,vapours or mist can be present. Equipment installed and operated under hazardous or potentially explosive conditions must be especially designed and built to be used in this classified zone and thererfor must be certified by a notified body.

The zone classification depends on the type of flammable substances (gas, vapour, mist, cloud of combustible dust) and the chance that they can be present. The International Electrotechnical Commission IEC has implemented the international standard IEC 600079-2 (adopted by EN 60079- 2:2011-1) classifying hazardous areas. This is the basis of the most common regulations, the ATEX directives (ATEX 95, ATEX 137) implemented by the European Union. These include the requirements for explosion-proof equipment and protective systems as well as their operation in hazardous and potentially explosive areas.

The IECex regulations promote mutual acceptance of evaluations and define a system to classify locations with potentially explosive atmospheres. Global harmonization of codes governing the use of electronical instruments in hazardous locations is of growing importance.

This lecture will deal with the different approaches and compliances of IECex and ATEX regulations and will refer to operational experiences with ex-proof analytical equipment installed in refineries and petrochemical plants.