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Anonymous Poster #1

Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/04/2013 11:06 PM

Hello All,

Can some one please let clarify if Bitumen (or fumes from Bitumen) generate a Hazardous Zone around a potential leakage point for example flanges. Does Bitumen stored in tank generate Zone 0 up to the roof?
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SolarEagle
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#1

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 12:55 AM

This should help....

http://www.energypublishing.org/__data/assets/file/0020/26471/Pages-from-MCoSP-Part-11-Bitumen-safety-code-September-2005.pdf

http://www.energyinstpubs.org.uk/cgi-bin/search/advsearch.cgi?sessionid=1244199615&type=simple&searchstring=IP+Bitumen+safety+code&select=0

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PWSlack
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#2

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 3:21 AM

Hazardous area zoning cannot be carried out over the internet. Hire a consultant to carry out the exercise. However, some general points:

  • Zone 0 applies to the insides of closed tanks, usually.
  • In general, if there are large areas of Zone 1 then the facility has a serious process containment problem to tackle.
  • If an operator is placed in Zone 1, the facility can face prosecution on Health & Safety grounds.
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sonsan
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 4:32 AM

You are of no help mate. You have provided some age old information

Thanks for wasting your precious time anyway...
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PWSlack
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 5:01 AM

<...mate...>

How abstruse.

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#5

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 7:44 AM

Zone 0

Flammable atmosphere highly likely to be present - may be present for long periods or even continuously

Zone 1

Flammable atmosphere possible but unlikely to be present for long periods

Zone 2

Flammable atmosphere unlikely to be present except for short periods of time - typically as a result of a process fault condition.

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#6

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 1:39 PM

Bitumen (or Asphalt) produces Hydrogen Sulphide as a byproduct when heated, and as such the area in the tank and around the flanges will need to be zoned (based on your local hazardous area standards and the construction and function of the flanges).

You will need a local inspector or similar to zone the areas as the location, shape and even height of the zones depend on your site construction and layout and will probably consist of zone 0 inside the tank with areas of zone 1 and 2 around the tank and surrounding area.

Does Bitumen stored in tank generate Zone 0 up to the roof?

Without detailed knowledge of the site and building it is impossible to give an accurate answer, but I would say yes if the area is completely sealed and gas has a chance to build up and stay in explosive concentrations for extended periods of time.

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sonsan
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#9
In reply to #6

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 5:05 PM

Thanks for your efforts and your answer.
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RAMConsult
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#7

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 2:28 PM

Here we go again, see this thread to see the divergent opinions from a similar question...

The short answer is that as far as the NEC and NFPA are concerned, only areas where a flammable gas or liquid having a flashpoint at or below 100ºF are required to be classified. According to this MSDS, Bitumen has a flashpoint of 166ºC and no autoignition point, however it is flammable when heated above its flashpoint and exposed to a source of ignition.

"...

A. The hazardous Class I location requirements contained in Art. 514 only apply where a flammable liquid having a flash point below 100°F [Art. 100 Volatile Flammable Liquid] is stored, handled, or dispensed [514.3(B)]. The flash point of diesel fuel is 100°F or above; thus, the area involving diesel fuel is typically not a classified location. But if the conduit for the diesel dispenser passes through the Class I area around the gasoline dispenser, then the installation must comply with the sealing and wiring method requirements of Art. 501 ( Figure )..."

From http://ecmweb.com/qampa/code-quandaries-6

Extending this to Bitumen which is a heavier and less volatile fraction than diesel fuel, the answer to the OP's question is "No". However, as other posters will be quick to point out, only someone who is familiar with your installation (you could have a leaky flange above a 1000ºC surface, something none of can see from here) has any right/responsibility/liability to answer your question with any authority.

Protect your client and yourself, hire a professional familiar with your local codes and AHJ.

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sonsan
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#8
In reply to #7

Re: Bitumen Hazardous Area Classification

03/05/2013 5:04 PM

Thanks for the efforts and you answer.
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jack of all trades (1); ozzb (1); PWSlack (2); RAMConsult (1); SolarEagle (1); sonsan (3)

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