Aspects regarding the applicability of ATEX directives for the evaluation of products regarding the risk of explosion

The paper presents the implementation of a feedback loop controller for the suction valves used within the gas compressors skids manufactured by Romanian Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines COMOTI. These compressors are installed at beneficiaries, in potentially explosive environments (e.g., gas extraction and transportation applications). The proposed solution addresses the problems observed due to the high suction pressures of screw compressors, which may occur at start-up or during operation, leading to failed start-ups or emergency shutdowns. An automatic sequence implemented in the control software and displayed on the operating panel, could assist the operator during high suction pressures (above 1.2 bar). These pressure conditions normally lead to alarm limits and to performing an automatic shutdown sequence for protecting the compressor. The paper herein discusses the implementation of a start-up sequence in the programmable logic controller’s software, which can be applied without critical interventions on the compressor packages, only through minor control software modifications which can safely extend the inlet pressure range and the exploitation of the compressors. Thus, since no hardware modifications are required, we also ensure maintaining the ATEX certifications of equipment and assemblies.

Section: Exposure Of the Current Problemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Control system for suction valves within gas compressors skids located in potentially explosive zones

Nechifor,

Roman,

Lale

et al. 2024

“…-classification of the hazardous area including the equipment protection level requirements where applicable; -where applicable, gas or vapour classification in relation to the group or subgroup of the electrical equipment; -temperature class or ignition temperature of the gas or vapour involved; -intended application of the equipment; -external influences and ambient temperature. Also, when selecting equipment designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the provisions of Directive 1999/92/EC (transposed in Romanian legislation by GD 1058/2006) and Directive 2014/34/EU (transposed in Romanian legislation by GD 245/2016) shall be considered [1,2,8].…”

Section: Selection Of Equipmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For an explosion to occur, an explosive atmosphere and a source of ignition need to co-exist. The second basic principle, according Directive 1999/92/EC, for prevention and protection against explosions, consists in the avoidance of the ignition of explosive atmospheres [1,2]. This principle also considers the possible ignition sources of electrical equipment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When electrical equipment is installed in areas where explosive concentrations and quantities of flammable gases, vapours or dusts may be present in the atmosphere, protective measures are applied to reduce the likelihood of explosion due to ignition by arcs, sparks or hot surfaces, produced either in normal operation or under specified fault conditions [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Specific aspects on the adequate selection of electric equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

Moldovan¹,

Magyari²,

Fotău³

et al. 2022

When using electrical equipment in installations operating in hazardous areas endangered by potentially explosive atmospheres, care shall be taken also to the selection of such equipment. The correct selection of equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must be considered in the design phase of an installation and verified in the mounting phase. Equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must be designed, manufactured and placed on the EU market considering the provisions of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. In order to adequately select the electrical equipment, the provisions of the regulations in force must be considered together with the provisions of applicable standards.

“…When installing equipment with type of protection increased safety "e" the manufacturer instructions, together with the project of installation and hazardous area plan shall be observed [5,8,10,11]. No alteration/modification of the certified equipment shall be made because it can compromise the explosion protection, and the equipment no longer meets the requirements of ATEX Directive [9].…”

Section: Practical Examples Of Deficiencies Met On Increased Safety "...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Considerations on the type of protection increased safety “e”

Moldovan¹,

Salasan²,

Moldovan³

2022

Increased safety “e” represents a type of protection applied to electrical equipment or Ex Components in which additional measures are applied so as to give increased security against the possibility of excessive temperatures and against the occurrence of arcs and sparks. This type of protection cannot be applied to equipment producing electrical arcs and sparks in normal operation. This paper aims to underline some specific aspects regarding the equipment with type of protection increased safety.