Aspects regarding the repair of electrical equipment designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

Abstract

The characteristics providing protection to explosion of equipment designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must be preserved during their entire period of life. Repairing is defined as the action to restore faulty equipment to its fully serviceable condition complying with the relevant standard (the standard to which the equipment or parts of equipment were originally designed). Repairing of explosion-proof equipment must be performed considering the prescription of the applicable harmonized standards and the specific type of protection(s) involved. This paper is focused on some particular aspects related to repairing of explosion-proof equipment.

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

“…These units must be built according to ATEX safety standards [3][4][5][6], to be safe during use in potentially explosive areas. The safety standards that must be respected include certain specifications for construction, protection methods and testing procedures plus certification.…”

General notions regarding ex repairs

“…SR EN IEC 60079-19 sets out the general principles of repair, overhaul and modification that are common to all explosion-protected equipment, with additional clauses to provide relevant instructions for certain types of protection. [7,8] Assuming that repairs and overhauls are carried out using good engineering practice and certificate details, then the final equipment is considered to conform to the original standard and manufacturer's specifications. Where these specifications are not available, the equipment may simply be described as having been repaired in accordance with SR EN IEC 60079-19 and meeting the relevant standards for which the equipment was designed.…”