Non-metalic equipment installed in Hazrdeous area

Ex
1

Hi,

We have a pneumatic panle installed in Zone 2 area. The panel has a flexible pneumatic hose simiar to the one in the link below.

https://www.cejn.com/products/pneumatics/hose/series-958-spiral-hose/

The MOC if the hose as given as

Hose material:FDA approved, Ester-based polyurethane

Does this require any Ex-certification to be used in hazrdeous area? Does it need to be anti-static? If there is not much flow through the hose will be develop much static sufficient to generate a spark?

Thanks in advance.

2

Hi,

According to EN ISO 80079-36:2016 Annex F, air flow is not listed as a electrostatic charge mechanism, like manual rubbing, streaming liquids or particles.

As the hose can be subject to manual rubbing, the requirements of non conductive materials in IEC 60079-14:2016 pt. 6.5.2 b) and table 6 gives maximum diameter or width of non-conductive tubes. In Zone 2 (EPL Gc) the maximum diameter value for IIA and IIB gases is 30 mm. So if the hose has a smaller diameter than this, it does not need to be of conductive material.

4

Thanks for the detailed answer that clarifies the issue.