At the last Technology Evening, Frederik Langenhoven, solutions manager from Pepperl+Fuchs, presented on the topic ‘Electrical explosion protection with focus on flameproof and increased safety enclosures’. In the field of electrical engineering, hazardous locations are defined as places where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapours, combustible dusts, or ignitable fibres/flyings present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
Mike Banda (right) thanks Frederik after the presentation.
Electrical equipment that must be installed in such classified locations should be specially designed and tested to ensure that it does not initiate an explosion due to arcing contacts or high surface temperature of equipment.
There is a broad portfolio of electrical equipment and solutions for installation and control of machinery and electrical networks in harsh environments and hazardous areas. Explosion protection is required to mitigate against damage to property, environmental contamination, financial loss, damage to corporate image and for the protection of people.
Other topics covered by Frederik included:
• Types of protection.
• Ex e – increased safety.
• Ex op –optical protection.
• Ex d – flameproof enclosures.
• Ex de – flanged pane.
Frederik’s presentation included videos which showcased the following:
• An actual and simulated explosion in a petrochemical plant.
• CSB video on fertiliser explosion.
The presentation ended an interactive Q&A session. The branch thanks Frederik for his informative material that was well received.
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