Hazardous area classification

You may be able to find the information you seek in this article:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/pdfs/fertili3.pdf

It's a joke, as in "The United Socialist States Of America".

Gain in my know how.

Or are there some undercurrents aiming that a goal?

kidding!

I thought it hadn't been a joke!

USSA

I would suggest p.13 after all those "Give $..." as:

13.To abolish $ along with others currencies as a class! :). What do you think of that, comrade Bricktop?

USSA forever!

We have already lost one of our good friend(USSR), That extra "S" is dangerous.

Don't forget its a classified hazardous area!!!!!

Area classification is not just a function of the chemical, but it has many other aspects.

Thus,

You may refer

http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/sragtech/techmeasareaclas.htm

Raj,

In the US hazardous areas are classified in the National Electric Code (NCE) and by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

A quick search on Google led me to this website which provides good information for classifying hazardous locations:

http://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/hazloc.html

Sir,

I have to order some installation material like cable glands tubing and fitting for my AN plant. would it require AREA CLASSIFICATION?

Raj,

Here are two links for material safety data for Ammonium Nitrate:

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/a6048.htm

http://www.agrium.com/uploads/Ammonium_nitrate.pdf

The first gives a flammability rating of 1 (slight) the second gives a flammability rating of 0 (non-flammable). Based on the data sheets I would not worry about classing the area as hazardous electrically speaking.

Based on the data sheets I would not worry about classing the area as hazardous electrically speaking. However, the health and reactivity ratings are high. Your people should probably where respitory protection when handling the material, and you should consult a Chemist about other materials that will be present to avoid using materials that could react with the Ammonium Nitrate and produce a more hazardous byproduct.

Please refer the matter to an appropriately-qualified design professional, familiar with local codes. Providing electrical equipment that will work safely in hazardous areas without introducing the risk of fire or explosion is a matter that requires appropriate training. The nature of posting so far suggests that an appropriate level of training is absent, which may not prove popular with the local fire insurance provider if continuing unchecked.....

RAJ,

I took a second look at the JT-Baker website that gives a lot of good information about the material that you asked about. In this document it warns that Ammomnium Nitrate can explode under the following conditions: "Contact with oxidizable substances may cause extremely violent combustion. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. Sensitive to mechanical impact." So, as I stated before it is very important to consult a Chemist about what types of materials could cause powerful reactions with this Ammonium Nitrate.

Also, Section 10 of the document lists the material as "shock sensitive." This means that spark from electricity is definitely a hazard.

Normally, an explosive material in powder form would get an NEC rating of Class II, and a Division rating based on how the material is to be handled in the process, but because of the very high reactivity of your material it is probably not only possible, but likely that vapors will be present as well, so you should probably go to an NEC rating of Class I and determine the division rating based on the NFPA guidelines, or whatever is equivalent in your country of origin.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/a6048.htm

Area classification is determined by NFPA code. (497 I think) you will need to purchase a subscription to view the documents.

Basically it is for flammible materials such as vapors or dusts. Class 1 is for vapor, class 2 is for dusts. It is then further divided into divisions such as division 1 where a flammible atmosphere is present normally and Division 2 which is where a flammible atmosphere is not normally present, but could be present. It is finally divided into groups which are specific to the materials present.

Class 1 Division 1 would be in places such as inside tanks, in trenches, and around tank vents for vapors. NFPA defines the radius around vents for where div. 1 stops, div 2 begins & ends. Something like 3 feet from the source for class 1 and 20 feet for class 2. I don't have the code handy, so don't really know off the top of my head.

Basically the classification determination drives what kind of design you will need to employ on your electrcial devices, whether you need to pour seal-offs in your contuit, etc.

I don't believe the OP is in The US or Europe, so, probably no rules apply at all.

It would appear that dusts are the main issue here.

Contract-out the job of determination to an appropriately-qualified specialist.

Bear in mind that if the hazardous area outside the plant is of any size, the plant has a serious process materials containment problem to address.