Explosive atmospheres -- Part 10-2: Classification of areas - Combustible dust atmospheres

This part of IEC 60079 is concerned with the identification and classification of areas where explosive dust atmospheres and combustible dust layers are present, in order to permit the proper assessment of ignition sources in such areas. In this standard, explosive dust atmospheres and combustible dust layers are treated separately. In Clause 4, area classification for explosive dusts clouds is described, with dust layers acting as one of the possible sources of release. In Clause 7, the hazard of dust layer ignition is described. The examples in this standard are based on a system of effective housekeeping being implemented in the plant to prevent dust layers from accumulating. Where effective housekeeping is not present, the area classification includes the possible formation of explosive dust clouds from dust layers. The principles of this standard can also be followed when combustible fibres or flyings may cause a hazard. This standard is intended to be applied where there can be a risk due to the presence of explosive dust atmospheres or combustible dust layers under normal atmospheric conditions. It does not apply to
– underground mining areas,
– areas where a risk can arise due to the presence of hybrid mixtures,
– dusts of explosives that do not require atmospheric oxygen for combustion, or to pyrophoric substances,
– catastrophic failures which are beyond the concept of abnormality dealt with in this standard (see Note 1),
– any risk arising from an emission of flammable or toxic gas from the dust.
This standard does not take into account the effects of consequential damage following a fire or an explosion.

Explosionsfähige Atmosphäre – Teil 10-2: Einteilung der Bereiche - Staubexplosionsgefährdeten Bereiche

Atmosphères explosives -- Partie 10-2: Classification des emplacements - Atmosphères explosives poussiéreuses

La CEI 60079-10-2:2009 traite de l'identification et de la classification des emplacements où des atmosphères explosives poussiéreuses et des couches de poussières combustibles sont présentes, afin de permettre une évaluation appropriée des sources d'inflammation à utiliser dans de tels emplacements. Les principes de la présente norme peuvent également être suivis lorsque des fibres ou particules volatiles et combustibles sont une source de danger. La présente norme est destinée à être appliquée lorsqu'il y a danger dû à la présence d'atmosphère poussiéreuse explosive ou de couches de poussières combustibles dans des conditions atmosphériques normales. Cette première édition de la CEI 60079-10-2 annule et remplace la première édition de la CEI 61241-10 publiée en 2004. Les principales modifications techniques apportées par rapport à la première édition de la CEI 61241-10 sont les suivantes:  - les dangers liés aux poussières ont été clarifiés;  - les groupes de poussières ont été introduits;  - l'Annexe D expliquant les niveaux de protection du matériel (EPLs) a été créée;  - l'étendue usuelle de 1 m de la zone 22 au delà de la zone 21 a été étendue à 3 m.

Eksplozivne atmosfere - 10-2. del: Razdelitev eksplozijsko ogroženih prostorov - Eksplozivne prašne atmosfere (IEC 60079-10-2:2009)

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
07-Sep-2009
Withdrawal Date
22-Nov-2017
Current Stage
9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
Start Date
23-Nov-2017
Due Date
16-Dec-2017
Completion Date
23-Nov-2017

Relations

Buy Standard

Standard
EN 60079-10-2:2009
English language
34 pages
sale 10% off
Preview
sale 10% off
Preview
e-Library read for
1 day

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Eksplozivne atmosfere - 10-2. del: Razdelitev eksplozijsko ogroženih prostorov - Eksplozivne prašne atmosfere (IEC 60079-10-2:2009)Explosionsfähige Atmosphäre – Teil 10-2: Einteilung der Bereiche - Staubexplosionsgefährdeten BereicheAtmosphères explosives -- Partie 10-2: Classification des emplacements - Atmosphères explosives poussiéreusesExplosive atmospheres -- Part 10-2: Classification of areas - Combustible dust atmospheres29.260.20Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheresICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 60079-10-2:2009SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009en,fr01-oktober-2009SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 61241-10:20051DGRPHãþD



SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60079-10-2 NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2009
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2009 CENELEC -
All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60079-10-2:2009 E
ICS 29.260.20 Supersedes EN 61241-10:2004
English version
Explosive atmospheres -
Part 10-2: Classification of areas -
Combustible dust atmospheres (IEC 60079-10-2:2009)
Atmosphères explosives -
Partie 10-2: Classification des emplacements -
Atmosphères explosives poussiéreuses (CEI 60079-10-2:2009)
Explosionsfähige Atmosphäre -
Teil 10-2: Einteilung der Bereiche -
Staubexplosionsgefährdeten Bereiche (IEC 60079-10-2:2009)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2009-06-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



EN 60079-10-2:2009
- 2 -
Foreword The text of document 31J/166/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 60079-10-2, prepared by SC 31J, Classification of hazardous areas and installation requirements, of IEC TC 31, Equipment for explosive atmospheres, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and was approved by CENELEC as EN 60079-10-2 on 2009-06-01. This European Standard supersedes EN 61241-10:2004. The significant technical changes with respect to EN 61241-10:2004 are as follows: – the hazards presented by dust have been clarified; – dust groups have been introduced; – Annex D explaining Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs) has been introduced; – 1 m of usual extent of zone 22 beyond zone 21 has been expanded to 3 m. The following dates were fixed: – latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement
(dop)
2010-03-01 – latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn
(dow)
2012-06-01 Annexes ZA and ZB have been added by CENELEC. __________ Endorsement notice The text of the International Standard IEC 60079-10-2:2009 was approved by CENELEC as a European Standard without any modification. In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated: IEC 60079-1 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-1:2007 (not modified). IEC 60079-2 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-2:2007 (not modified). IEC 60079-5 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-5:2007 (not modified). IEC 60079-6 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-6:2007 (not modified). IEC 60079-7 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-7:2007 (not modified). IEC 60079-11 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-11:2007 (not modified). IEC 60079-14 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-14:2008 (not modified). IEC 60079-15 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-15:2005 (not modified). IEC 60079-18 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-18:2004 (not modified). IEC 60079-26 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-26:2007 (not modified). IEC 60079-28 NOTE
Harmonized as EN 60079-28:2007 (not modified). __________
SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



- 3 - EN 60079-10-2:2009 Annex ZA (normative)
Normative references to international publications with their corresponding European publications
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE
When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60079-0 -1) Explosive atmospheres -
Part 0: Equipment - General requirements EN 60079-0 20092)
1) Undated reference. 2) Valid edition at date of issue. SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



EN 60079-10-2:2009
- 4 -
Annex ZB (informative)
ATEX Categories and Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs) This European Standard has been written to incorporate the concept of Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs). EPLs are analogous to the ATEX Categories, indeed the definitions are identical. Wherever there is a reference to an EPL in the text it should be equated with the corresponding ATEX Category: - EPL ‘Ga’ equates to ATEX Category 1G; - EPL ‘Gb’ equates to ATEX Category 2G; - EPL ‘Gc’ equates to ATEX Category 3G; - EPL ‘Da’ equates to ATEX Category 1D; - EPL ‘Db’ equates to ATEX Category 2D; - EPL ‘Dc’ equates to ATEX Category 3D.
SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



IEC 60079-10-2Edition 1.0 2009-04INTERNATIONAL STANDARD NORME INTERNATIONALEExplosive atmospheres –
Part 10-2: Classification of areas – Combustible dust atmospheres
Atmosphères explosives –
Partie 10-2: Classement des emplacements – Atmosphères explosives poussiéreuses
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION COMMISSION ELECTROTECHNIQUE INTERNATIONALE VICS 29.260.20 PRICE CODECODE PRIXISBN 2-8318-1037-3
® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale ® SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



– 2 – 60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 CONTENTS FOREWORD.3 INTRODUCTION.5 1 Scope.6 2 Normative references.6 3 Terms and definitions.7 4 Area classification.9 4.1 General.9 4.2 Area classification procedure for explosive dust atmospheres.10 5 Sources of release.11 5.1 General.11 5.2 Dust containment.11 5.3 Identification and gradation of sources of release.11 6 Zones.12 6.1 General.12 6.2 Zones.12 6.3 Extent of zones.13 6.3.1 General.13 6.3.2 Zone 20.13 6.3.3 Zone 21.13 6.3.4 Zone 22.14 7 Dust layer hazard.14 8 Documentation.14 8.1 General.14 8.2 Drawings, data sheets and tables.15 Annex A (informative)
Area classification application.17 Annex B (informative)
Risk of fire from hot surface ignition of dust layer.22 Annex C (informative)
Housekeeping.23 Annex D (informative)
Introduction of an alternative risk assessment method encompassing ‘equipment protection levels’ for Ex equipment.25 Bibliography.30
Figure 1 – Identification of zones on drawings.16 Figure A.1 – Bag emptying station within a building and without exhaust ventilation.18 Figure A.2 – Bag emptying station with exhaust ventilation.19 Figure A.3 – Cyclone and filter with clean outlet outside building.20 Figure A.4 – Drum tipper within a building without exhaust ventilation.21
Table 1 – Designation of zones depending on presence of dust.12 Table D.1 – Traditional relationship of EPLs to zones (no additional risk assessment).27 Table D.2 – Description of risk of ignition protection provided.28
SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 – 3 – INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION ___________
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 10-2: Classification of areas –
Combustible dust atmospheres
FOREWORD 1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations. 2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all interested IEC National Committees. 3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user. 4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter. 5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication. 6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication. 7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications. 8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is indispensable for the correct application of this publication. 9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. International Standard IEC 60079-10-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 31J: Classification of hazardous areas and installation requirements, of IEC technical committee 31: Equipment for explosive atmospheres. This first edition of IEC 60079-10-2 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 61241-10 published in 2004. This edition constitutes a technical revision. The significant technical changes with respect to the first edition of IEC 61241-10 are as follows: • the hazards presented by dust have been clarified; • dust groups have been introduced; • Annex D explaining Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs) has been introduced; • 1 m of usual extent of zone 22 beyond zone 21 has been expanded to 3 m. SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



– 4 – 60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 The text of this standard is based on the following documents: FDIS Report on voting 31J/166/FDIS 31J/168/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on voting indicated in the above table. This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. A list of all parts of the IEC 60079 series, under the general title Explosive atmospheres, can be found on the IEC website. The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed, • withdrawn, • replaced by a revised edition, or • amended.
SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 – 5 – INTRODUCTION Dusts, as defined in this standard, are hazardous because when they are dispersed in air by any means, they form potentially explosive atmospheres. Furthermore, layers of dust may ignite and act as ignition sources for an explosive atmosphere. This part of IEC 60079 gives guidance on the identification and classification of areas where such hazards from dust can arise. It sets out the essential criteria against which the ignition hazards can be assessed and gives guidance on the design and control parameters which can be used in order to reduce such a hazard. General and special criteria are given, with examples, for the procedure used to identify and classify areas. This standard contains an informative Annex A giving practical examples for classifying areas. SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



– 6 – 60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 10-2: Classification of areas –
Combustible dust atmospheres
1 Scope This part of IEC 60079 is concerned with the identification and classification of areas where explosive dust atmospheres and combustible dust layers are present, in order to permit the proper assessment of ignition sources in such areas. In this standard, explosive dust atmospheres and combustible dust layers are treated separately. In Clause 4, area classification for explosive dusts clouds is described, with dust layers acting as one of the possible sources of release. In Clause 7, the hazard of dust layer ignition is described. The examples in this standard are based on a system of effective housekeeping being implemented in the plant to prevent dust layers from accumulating. Where effective housekeeping is not present, the area classification includes the possible formation of explosive dust clouds from dust layers.
The principles of this standard can also be followed when combustible fibres or flyings may cause a hazard. This standard is intended to be applied where there can be a risk due to the presence of explosive dust atmospheres or combustible dust layers under normal atmospheric conditions. It does not apply to – underground mining areas, – areas where a risk can arise due to the presence of hybrid mixtures, – dusts of explosives that do not require atmospheric oxygen for combustion, or to pyrophoric substances, – catastrophic failures which are beyond the concept of abnormality dealt with in this standard (see Note 1), – any risk arising from an emission of flammable or toxic gas from the dust. This standard does not take into account the effects of consequential damage following a fire or an explosion. NOTE 1 Catastrophic failure in this context is applied, for example, to the rupture of a storage silo or a pneumatic conveyor. NOTE 2 In any process plant, irrespective of size, there can be numerous sources of ignition apart from those associated with equipment. Appropriate precautions will be necessary to ensure safety in this context, but these are outside the scope of this standard. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 – 7 – IEC 60079-0, Explosive Atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, terms and definitions given in IEC 60079-0 and the following apply. NOTE Additional definitions applicable to explosive atmospheres can be found in IEC 60050-426. 3.1
area three-dimensional region or space 3.2
atmospheric conditions
(surrounding conditions) conditions that include variations in pressure and temperature above and below reference levels of 101,3 kPa (1 013 mbar) and 20 °C (293 K), provided that the variations have a negligible effect on the explosive properties of the combustible dust 3.3
hybrid mixture mixture of flammable substances in different physical states, with air
NOTE An example of a hybrid mixture is a mixture of methane, coal dust and air. 3.4
dust generic term including both combustible dust and combustible flyings 3.5
combustible dust finely divided solid particles, 500 μm or less in nominal size, which may be suspended in air, may settle out of the atmosphere under their own weight, can burn or glow in air, and may form explosive mixtures with air at atmospheric pressure and normal temperatures NOTE 1 This definition may also include dust and grit as defined in ISO 4225. NOTE 2 The term ‘solid particle’ is intended to address particles in the solid phase and not the gaseous or liquid phase, but does not preclude a hollow particle. 3.6
explosive dust atmosphere
mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of dust, or flyings in which, after ignition, permits self-sustaining flame propagation 3.7
conductive dust combustible dust with electrical resistivity equal to or less than 103 m
3.8
non-conductive dust combustible dust with electrical resistivity greater than 103 m
SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



– 8 – 60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 3.9
combustible flyings solid particles, including fibres, greater than 500 m in nominal size, which may be suspended in air, may settle out of the atmosphere under their own weight, can burn or glow in air, and may form explosive mixtures with air at atmospheric pressure and normal temperatures NOTE Examples of fibres and flyings include rayon, cotton (including cotton linters and cotton waste), sisal, jute, hemp, cocoa fibre, oakum, and baled waste kapok. 3.10
hazardous area (dust) area in which combustible dust, in the form of a cloud is present, or may be expected to be present, in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment NOTE 1 Hazardous areas are divided into zones based upon the frequency and duration of the occurrence of explosive dust atmospheres (see 6.2 and 6.3).
NOTE 2 The potential of creating an explosive dust cloud from a dust layer also needs to be considered. 3.11
non-hazardous area (dust) an area in which combustible dust in the form of a cloud is not expected to be present in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment 3.12
dust containment process equipment housing which is intended to handle, process, transport or store materials inside of it, while preventing the release of combustible dust to the surrounding atmosphere 3.13
source of dust release point or location from which combustible dust can be released into the atmosphere NOTE This can be from a dust containment or a dust layer. 3.14
continuous grade of release release which is continuous or is expected to occur frequently or for long periods 3.15
primary grade of release release which can be expected to occur periodically or occasionally during normal operation 3.16
secondary grade of release release which is not expected to occur in normal operation and, if it does occur, is likely to do so only infrequently and for short periods 3.17
extent of zone distance in any direction from the edge of a source of release to the point where the hazard associated with the release is considered to exist no longer 3.18
normal operation operation of equipment conforming electrically and mechanically with its design specification and used within the limits specified by the manufacturer NOTE Minor releases of dust which may form a cloud or layer (e.g. releases from filters) can be part of normal operation. SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 – 9 – 3.19
abnormal operation
process-linked malfunctions that occur infrequently 3.20
equipment (for explosive atmospheres) general term including apparatus, fittings, devices, components, and the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation in an explosive atmosphere 3.21
ignition temperature of a dust layer lowest temperature of a hot surface at which ignition occurs in a dust layer of specified thickness on a hot surface NOTE The ignition temperature of a dust layer may be determined by the test method given in IEC 61241-2-1. 3.22
ignition temperature of a dust cloud lowest temperature of the hot inner wall of a furnace at which ignition occurs in a dust cloud in air contained therein NOTE The ignition temperature of a dust cloud may be determined by the test method given in IEC 61241-2-1. 3.23
verification dossier set of documents showing the compliance of electrical equipment and installations NOTE Requirements for a ‘verification dossier’ are given in IEC 60079-14. 4 Area classification
4.1 General This standard adopts the concept, similar to that used for flammable gases and vapour, of using area classification to give an assessment of the likelihood of an explosive dust atmosphere occurring. Dusts form explosive atmospheres only at concentrations within the explosion range. Although a cloud with a very high concentration may not be explosive, the danger nevertheless exists that, should the concentration fall, it may enter the explosion range. Depending on the circumstances, not every source of release will necessarily produce an explosive dust atmosphere. Dusts that are not removed by mechanical extraction or ventilation, settle out at a rate depending on properties, such as particle size, into layers or accumulations. It shall be taken into account that a dilute or small continuous source of release, in time, is able to produce a potentially hazardous dust layer. The hazards presented by dusts are as follows: – the formation of a dust cloud from any source of release, including a layer or accumulation, to form an explosive dust atmosphere (see Clause 5); – the formation of dust layers, which are not likely to form a dust cloud, but may ignite due to self-heating or exposure to hot surfaces or thermal flux and cause a fire hazard or over-heating of equipment. The ignited layer may also act as an ignition source for an explosive atmosphere (see Clause 7). Since explosive dust clouds and dust layers may exist, any source of ignition should be avoided. SIST EN 60079-10-2:2009



– 10 – 60079-10-2 © IEC:2009 Subsequent to the completion of the area classification, a risk assessment may be carried out to assess whether the consequences of ignition of an explosive atmosphere requires the use of equipment of a higher equipment protection level (EPL) or justify the use of equipment with a lower equipment protection level than normally required. The EPL requirements may be recorded, as appropriate, on the area classification drawings to allow proper assessment of ignition sources. NOTE 1 If this cannot be done, then measures should be taken to reduce the likelihood of dust and/or ignition sources so that the likelihood of coincidence is so small as to be acceptable. NOTE 2 In some cases, where the risk of explosion cannot be completely avoided, it can be necessary to employ some form of explosion protection such as explosion venting or explosion suppression. NOTE 3 In this standard, explosive dust atmospheres and dust layers are treated separately. In this clause, area classification for explosive dust clouds is described, with dust layers acting as one of the possible sources of release. The hazard of dust layer ignition is described in Clause 7. NOTE 4 Additional information on EPLs is given in Annex D. 4.2 Area classification procedure for explosive dust atmospheres Area classification is based on a number of factors and may require informed input from a number of sources. These factors include: • Whether the dust is combustible or not. Dust combustibility can be confirmed by laboratory tests to the future IEC 60079-20-2. • Material characteristics for the process concerned. These should be obtained from a process specialist. • Nature of release from particular items of plant. Specialist engineering knowledge may be required for this information. • Operational and maintenance regime for the plant, including housekeeping. • Other equipment and safety information. Close co-operation is necessary from specialists in safety and equipment. Although the definitions for zones deal only with the cloud risk, layers that can be disturbed to form a dust cloud shall also be considered. The procedure for identifying zones is as follows. a) The first step is to identify whether the material is combustible and, for the purpose of assessment of ignition sources, determine the material characteristics, such as particle size, moisture content, cloud and layer minimum ignition temperature and electrical resistivity, and the appropriate dust group, Group IIIA for combustible flyings, Group IIIB for non-conductive dust, or Group IIIC for conductive dust.
b) The second step is to identify where dust containment or sources of dust release can be present, as given inClause 5. It may be necessary to consult process line diagrams and plant layout drawings. This step should include the identification of the possibility of the formation of dust layers as given in Clause 7. c) The third step is to determine the likelihood that dust will be released from those sources and thus, the likelihood of explosive dust atmospheres in various parts of the installation as given in 5.3. It is only after these steps that the zones can be identified and their extents defined. The decisions on the zone types and extent and the presence of dust layers shall be documented, usually on an area classification drawing. These documents are used subsequently as the basis for the assessment of ignition sources. The reasons for the decisions taken should be recorded in notes of the area classification study,
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.