“Competency Validation of personnel who work on equipment for use in explosive atmospheres”
All T&D Sales Engineers hold CompEx Certificates (Hazardous Awareness Course EX F) and undertake advanced and ongoing Explosion Protection training with suppliers – we can be safely trusted to specify and supply Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment for use in hazardous areas zones and explosive atmospheres.
The CompEx Certificates were awarded following successful completion of the course and written examination at Roxby Training Solutions Ltd, a UK Approved Licensed CompEx Centre.
Details of forthcoming Hazardous Area Training courses are available here, Book A Course.
The CompEx Scheme is now the global solution for validating core competency of employees and contract staff of major users in the gas, oil & chemical sectors, both with offshore and onshore activities – designed and developed by industry for industry.
Terry McDonald (Thorne & Derrick Business Development Manager – Hazardous Area Industries) commented on the training, “The CompEx Foundation course delivered by Roxby Training Solutions Ltd was well received by the candidates.
“The course was excellently presented by a knowledgeable instructor who has a wealth of experience working within Hazardous Areas.”
“The topics covered reinforced our employees’ current knowledge and bridged the gaps where required. With candidates being certificated in the ExF unit of the CompEx scheme, it has instilled greater confidence that Thorne & Derrick can continue to provide the support to customers.”
“Overall we were very pleased with the standard of training received and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Roxby Training Solutions Ltd services.”
Roxby’s Training Solutions Limited is a UK Approved Licensed CompEx Centre based in Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire
“Hazardous area topics covered reinforced our current knowledge and filled in the gaps. Keith helped give a genuine appreciation of the dangers and consequences of failure to comply with ATEX regulations and although ultimate responsibility lies with the end user, T&D can continue to support our customers in the knowledge that we are competent to EX F Foundation in Hazardous Awareness level and have a very sound understanding of hazardous areas, protection concepts and DSEAR/ATEX regulations,” concluded Terry.
Type of Explosion Protection Ex ‘i’ is a protection type in which the energy available in the hazardous area is limited to a level below that which could ignite a flammable atmosphere.
Ex i intrinsic safety is the traditional electronic explosion protection where the power supply to electrical equipment is fed through a safety barrier (Shunt Diode Safety Barrier or Galvanically Isolated Barrier) that limits the current and voltage so that the minimum ignition energy and ignition temperature of an explosive mixture cannot be reached.
Ex ‘i’ Definition: a type of explosion protection in which additional measures are applied so as to give increased security against the possibility of excessive temperatures and of the occurrence of arcs and sparks in normal service or under specified abnormal conditions.
Temperature classifications T1 to T6 have been introduced for hazardous area equipment – the equipment is assigned to a temperature class or T Class Rating according to its maximum surface temperature. The temperature classes are:
| Temperature Class | Max Equipment Surface Temperature | Ignition Temperature Of Combustible Substances |
| T1 | 450°C | >450°C |
| T2 | 300°C | >300°C |
| T3 | 200°C | >200°C |
| T4 | 135°C | >135°C |
| T5 | 100°C | >100°C |
| T6 | 85°C | >85°C |
Type of Explosion Protection Ex ‘e’ is a protection type where the occurrence of sparks and impermissable temperatures that could act as a source of ignition is prevented through additional mechanical protective measures.
Type Ex e protection requires an Ingress Protection minimum of IP 54. Ex e increased safety equipment, conforming to the requirements of the ATEX Hazardous Area Directive, is marked to indicate conformity with the Directive. The explosion protected equipment should also be marked with the requirements of the international hazardous area standard (eg IEC 60079-7).
For more information, refer to the relevant standards, EEMUA 186 – A Practitioners Handbook.
Ex ‘e’ Definition: a type of explosion protection in which additional measures are applied so to give increased security against the possibility of excessive temperatures and of the occurrence of arcs and sparks in normal service or under specified abnormal conditions.
Type of Explosion Protection Ex ‘d’ is a protection type where electrical equipment is installed in a flameproof enclosure to ensure that possible sparks cannot escape. The electrical components that could trigger ignition are built into an enclosure that will withstand the pressure of an explosion – the openings of the enclosure are designed and manufactured to prevent the explosion from escaping the enclosure.
Ex ‘d’ Definition: a type of explosion protection in which the parts that can ignite an explosive atmosphere are placed in an enclosure that can withstand the pressure developed during an internal explosion of an explosive mixture and which prevent the transmission of that explosion to the explosive atmosphere surrounding the enclosure.
Type of Explosion Protection Ex ‘p’ is a protection type where electrical equipment and controls are installed in an enclosure that is constantly kept under slight overpressure with nitrogen or a nonexplosive gas to prevent penetration by flammable gases. The equipment enclosure in filled with an inert gas and an explosive gas mixture cannot get to the possible sources of ignition that are arranged on the inside of the enclosure.
Ex ‘p’ Definition: a type of explosion protection using the technique of guarding against the ingress of the external atmosphere into an enclosure by maintaining a protective gas therein at a pressure above that of the external atmosphere. Protection by pressurisation is subdivided into 3 explosion protection types (px, py and pz) which are selected based upon the external explosive atmosphere, the potential for an internal release and whether the electrical equipment within the pressurised enclosure is ignition capable.
T&D : UK & International – Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmosphere Experts.
ABOUT US
Stockists
Thorne & Derrick International are your single-source supplier of Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment for use in industrial, hazardous area zones and explosive atmospheres.
T&D provide an outstanding service to UK and international customers – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Electrical Heating Products
Thorne & Derrick International supply heated hoses, trace heating and heating cables for mechanical services and pipework to ensure optimum temperature maintenance is achieved and production losses are eliminated for industrial and process industries. We can design and supply electrical heat tracing systems for both process temperature maintenance and pipework frost protection in commercial, industrial and hazardous area applications – call us.
From stock we supply an extensive range of Electric Process Heating and Control Systems with IECEx, ATEX and CSA certification.
Air Warmers | Immersion Heaters | Thermostats | Water Heaters | Line Heaters | Portable Fan Heaters
Hazardous Areas | Explosive Atmospheres | Flameproof & Explosion Proof Eqpt | ATEX
VEGA – Radar Level Measurement Technology. The world’s first 80 GHz radar sensor for level measurement of liquids.
VEGA VEGAPULS 64 radar level measurement sensors are used in storage tanks, dosing and process vessels with different process conditions or hygienic requirements.
Non-contact level measurement with radar using VEGA VEGAPULS 64 :
The precursors for the manufacture of colour pigments are dissolved in the dissolving tank – the Naptha based precursors are mainly Naphtha based, and, depending on the formulation, water and sodium hydroxide solution are added as solvents for the production of the basic pigment solution. An agitator ensures uniform mixing of substances as they are added – the level measuring system is needed to ensure reliable values that are delivered to the control system.
VEGA VEGAPULS 64
VEGA VEGAPULS 64, the first radar level sensor on the market for liquids that measures at a frequency of 80 GHz. This feature allows considerably better focusing of the radar beam. With this new instrument, measuring is much easier and more reliable, even under difficult conditions, such as tanks fitted with heating coils, baffles or agitators.
Reliable maintenance-free liquid level measurement using VEGA VEGAPULS 64 Radar Level Measurement.
VEGA Sensors : Measurement of level, point level and pressure. Contact T&D for further information.
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of Hazardous Area & Explosion Proof Equipment with IECEx & ATEX Certifications to the onshore and offshore oil, gas, petrochemicals and process industries.
Key Product Categories: Control Panels | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace Cables & Systems | Gas Detection & Detectors | Fire Detection & Detectors | Heat Detectors | Electrical Heating & HeatersÂ
 Also Process Instrumentation Products: Ashcroft Pressure Gauges | ASCO Valves | Katronic Flow Meters | KROHNE Flow Meters | VEGA Level Sensors | Rotronic Temperature & Humidity Sensors | SIKA Pressure Gauges
Trace Heating | System Design & Supply
T&D Supply Gas Detection Equipment For The Monitoring Of Toxic & Flammable Gas Levels
Gas detectors, both fixed and portable, provide life saving alerts and notice of the presence of potentially fatal gases in working areas. Typically, a fixed gas detector is used as a permanent gas monitoring solution installed in a specific location such as a process area of a control or a plant room.
The area is continuously monitored measuring the concentration of a selection of gases within the air. Fixed gas detectors are used for the detection of flammable gases, toxic gases and for monitoring oxygen depletion levels.
Fixed gas detection uses the latest technology to ensure the safety of plant and personnel at all times. In the event of a gas concentration reaching a preset high level, fixed gas detectors have alarms, lights and indicators that act as a warning signal to alert the user of the gas risk hazard in both safe and hazardous area zone locations.
Portable gas detectors are, as their name suggests, portable and easy to carry around. They can be attached to clothing or overalls for continuous gas detection and monitoring when moving between zones and sites.
As both fixed and portable gas detectors are available for many gases and applications, it is vital to ensure the correct product is specified. Prior to any gas detection equipment being specified, a full risk assessment must be carried out in order to determine the exact range of potential dangers and gas risk hazards that may be present.
When identifying the most suitable fixed gas detector for your application you must consider the following:
Know your site risks – Knowing the potential and existing risks can identify any potential hazards and prevent any incidents occurring. This is achieved through a risk assessment and if gas hazards are identified, gas detection is applicable as a risk reduction method.
Ask the right questions – Having identified the primary objective and the most likely gas, there are many key questions to ask which typically fall into one of 3 categories; the gases to be detected and where they come from, the location and environmental conditions and the ease of use for operators and routine servicing personnel.
Consider the environmental conditions – The performance, accuracy and reliability of any gas detector is dependent upon environmental conditions in which the gas monitor device will be operated in.
Temperature, pressure levels and humidity at the working location all have an affect on the performance of gas detection equipment and can also affect the decision of which detector should be used.
Understand product functionality – Product functionality and aspects like wiring configuration are important to consider, especially when retro-fitting into an existing application. If the gas detection equipment is to be integrated into a separate safety system, certain communication protocols may be required.
Gas detectors are used in the following industries:
Facilities within the oil and gas industry including gas compressors stations and buildings are often prone to high levels of gas exposure and leaks, spills emissions which if left undetected can damage entire facilities and halt production which can be extremely costly financially and reputationally.
Gas and flame detectors minimise these risks by providing comprehensive monitoring of equipment and work areas. Detectors should be installed overlooking compressors and pumps and detection is provided by the use of air particle and ultrasonic gas leak detection.
Two of the most common questions regarding gas detection systems are “How many detectors do I require?” and “Where should I locate them?”. These are also two of the most difficult questions to answer as they are dependent upon the individual application.
Detectors should be mounted where the presence of gas is most likely with typical application locations including gas boilers, around pressurised storage tanks, cylinders and areas where leaks are likely to occur such as valves, gauges, flanges and filling/draining connections.
There are many considerations that should be taken into account when determining the location of a gas detector including:
Portable & Fixed Gas Detection Solutions
Gas detectors are typically classified as either portable or fixed. Portable gas detectors are able to monitor gases present close to the user and can be easily connected to clothing or held in the user’s hand. For instance, Drager Pac 3500 is a compact, single-gas detector suitable for monitoring hydrogen sulphide, oxygen or carbon monoxide.
Fixed gas detectors are permanently installed in a certain area e.g plant room so they can continuously monitor the concentration of gases or vapours in the air – the Drager Polytron range of detectors provide gas monitoring for industrial and explosion-proof requirements in hazardous areas.
Most portable and fixed gas detectors trigger lights, indicators or audible alarms to alert the user/users that the preset gas and vapour concentration has been exceeded. The user can then act quickly to rectify the problem or remove themselves from the situation potentially dangerous situation.
Gas detection uses a number of different technologies to help classify the gas types. Gas detectors can identify flammable, toxic and combustible gases and can also be used to monitor oxygen levels and oxygen depletion.
Typical gases to be detected include methane, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ethane and oxygen depletion.
Both fixed and portable gas detectors can be used in a wide range of industries including the petrochemical, food and drink, manufacturing and oil and gas industry. Specific applications are dependent upon individual requirements, the level of gas present and the type of gas or gases that may present a risk.
Product batteries are tested at room temperature however if this temperature drops significantly this can reduce battery life. Excessive heat can cause damage to the whole device and battery. Each detector is supplied with standard working temperature limitations.
Yes, multi-gas detectors are available and can be configured to detect many gases. For instance, Drager Pac 7000 portable detector can monitor up to 14 single gases.
Gas Lower Explosion Limit And Upper Explosion Limit
The LEL of a gas is the lower explosion limit and this refers to minimum dilution of a gas that must be present for it to be detectable by a gas detector. The UEL is the upper explosion limit.
These limits are vital to the working of a gas detector as too little of a gas and the device will not be able to detect it, too much and the gas will also not be detectable. Each gas has its own LEL and UEL and these are typically shown by percent of total volume, with the balance as normal air.
Hazardous area industries including offshore oil/gas platforms and FPSOs, onshore oil refineries, processing plants, pipelines, storage farms and LPG/LNG plants all utilise or produce a wide range of hazardous flammable liquids and gases that can be detected using correctly specified flame and gas detectors.
Detecting toxic and flammable gases requires the detectors to be classified and certified according to the specific IECEx or ATEX standard – we distribute flame and fire detectors manufactured by Spectrex to operate in the harshest environmental conditions including self-contained stand-alone devices designed for direct connection to control and alarm systems or automatic fire extinguishing systems.
Our range of Hazardous Area Fire & Gas Detection System products also includes Explosion Proof Warning Systems & Hazardous Area Lighting – comprehensive range of intrinsically safe, flameproof and explosion proof alarm sounders, sirens, bells and horns, loudspeakers and beacons.
♦ LV Power Products | Junction Boxes & Enclosures ATEX | Plugs ATEX | Control Stations ATEX | Isolators ATEX
Thorne & Derrick | Detecting Flame | Heat | Gas
Follow our Showcase Page on LinkedIn to receive hazardous area product innovations, industry news, whitepapers, videos, technical tips and training webinars for professionals involved in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager)
Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement
Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED lighting products for hazardous areas and explosive atmosphere locations.
Thorne & Derrick’s Business Development Manager Terry McDonald comments, “our expertise and knowledge of 
the market will prove invaluable in developing sales of Raytec hazardous area LED lights. We are currently supporting several clients undergoing workplace lighting upgrades – we are specifying, designing and supplying their switch out of conventional fluorescent into modern technology LED.”
Why Raytec?
“Partnering with Raytec as our key supplier for hazardous area LED lighting was an easy decision to make. Their hazardous area lighting products offer a safe and reliable solution to lighting requirements in explosive atmospheres. In truth there are also many other brand options in the market place but what makes Raytec stand out from the crowd is their modular design concept which has been done with end user maintenance in mind.”
“Clients are always impressed with the concept and even more so by the cost savings achievable in operational expenditure. Taking innovative solutions to clients is a key part of our strategy and I am sure the partnership with Raytec will be a long and prosperous one.”
“Our Technical Sales Team are product trained, CompEx certificated and looking forward to introducing the complete Raytec lighting range to new and existing customers,” Terry adds.
Why Thorne & Derrick?
“We’re delighted to partner with Thorne & Derrick for the distribution of our hazardous area LED lighting products. They hold years of experience in the market and have developed a strong client base which will be important in helping to open up new opportunities for us,” comments Barry Director of Hazardous Area Division.
We’re looking forward to working closely with Thorne & Derrick and are confident this will be the start of a long and successful journey together,” Barry concludes.
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are Approved Vendors to most Oil & Gas exploration and production companies and international EPC contractors including Bechtel, Petrofac, Saipem and Lamprell – our key sectors are the process, pharmaceutical, chemical, utility, food/beverage, renewable and oil/gas industries.
We are the Explosive Atmosphere Experts to COMAH-site operators adding regional and national supply chain value: providing innovative and often customised Ex solutions engineered to improve site safety and reliability.
Lighting Hazardous Areas
 💡 SPARTAN LED Lighting Is Highly Energy Efficient – Less Heat, More Light, Lower Cost
SPARTAN is the complete range of LED Lighting, designed and manufactured in the UK by Raytec, approved for all ATEX and IEC Ex Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area locations.
SPARTAN Floodlight, Bulkhead, High Bay and Linear Light Fittings with emergency and industrial versions are available. To combine excellent customer service with the ability to deliver from stock overnight, T&D are stocking Raytec SPARTAN bulkhead, floodlight and both standard and emergency light fittings.
Innovation In Illumination
At the HazardEx 2019 awards Raytec were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Technical Innovation category – their Intelligent Emergency Luminaire with automatic self-test function significantly improves the safety and reliability of emergency lighting installations in hazardous areas.
Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have established a solid reputation for the reliable supply of leading brands across our core product groups – we have a multi-million pound stock capacity and can supply many products next day.
Thorne & Derrick at Raytec HQ UK | The Home of Hazardous Area Lighting
Pictured Left to Right: Callum Ryder (Marketing Manager – Raytec), Natalie Lundie (Social Media & SEO Marketing – T&D), Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager – T&D), Richard Derrick (MD – T&D), Terry McDonald (Business Development Manager – T&D) and Barry Thompson (Raytec – Director of Hazardous Area Division).
Further Reading
LV HV Electrical & Process Instrumentation Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres
Specialist Distributors of Hazardous Area & Explosion Proof Equipment with IECEx & ATEX Certifications – we react with a rapid response to your enquiry to ensure downtime is minimised and reliable Power, Light & Heat is restored or provided.
Key Product Categories: Control Panels | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes |Â Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace Cables & Trace Heating Systems | Gas Detection & Detectors | Fire Detection & Detectors | Heat Detectors | Electrical Heating & Heaters | Process Instrumentation
Electrical Power LV HV | Heating | Lighting | Process Instrumentation | EX Specialists
uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales/Marketing Manager
The Submersible Underwater LED Light for Hazardous Area LightingÂ
Zone 1 (Gas) & Zone 21 (Dust)
Abtech are leading manufacturers and innovators of Electrical Equipment & Hazardous Area Lighting designed and certified to the latest international (IECEx) and European (ATEX) standards.
Electrical Product Overview from Abtech
The NIMO is a unique new product launch from Abtech – an LED submersible luminaire with Ingress Protection to IP68 and Hazardous Area Classification to Zone 1.Â
NIMO provides submersible lighting for onshore and offshore hazardous area applications where flammable fuels, fluids or gases present a potential risk of explosion in Zone 1 locations according to the ATEX Directive – the light fittings manufactured from corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel provide safe and reliable submersible lighting with ingress protection to IP68 for subsea, ROV, marine and offshore renewable energy applications.
The performance requirement for IP68 in a Zone 1 hazardous area arises when there is the potential for temporary submersion of the light fitting – this could include lighting applications prone to flooding, tidal shift or unforeseen events. NIMO lights are not designed or specified to be permanently submerged – the submersible light fittings are therefore primarily installed where temporary submersion is required in a potentially explosive gas atmosphere classed as Zone 1 according to the ATEX Directive.
The IP68 Ingress Protection requirement is so that the light fitting will continue to emit light and function when the water level has receded – applications include refuelling jetties, exposed costal location or intermittent flood plain locations.
NIMO was developed to provide hazardous area lighting to FPSO turrets – depending on turret design these areas can become flooded if the FPSO is disconnected and moved away from the sub-sea connections.
| Light Fitting Type | Zone 1 Submersible LED Luminaire |
| Ingress Protection | IP68 to 30m in accordance with EN60529 |
| Material | 316 stainless steel with toughened glass diffuser and stainless steel fasteners |
| Distribution/Output | ∼1000 lm |
| Lamp Types | Pure white LED 5700K |
| LED Life | 50,000 hours L70/B10 @ 25°C |
| Cable Entry | 1 x M20 threaded entry |
| Terminals | Terminal block for up to 6mm² |
| Control Gear | HF electronic drive |
| Supply | 110 to 250V 50/60Hz ac dc |
| Hazardous Area Certification | |
| Hazardous Area Classification | Zone 1 Gas and Zone 21 Dust |
| Type of Explosion Protection | Ex eb ib qb op is (increased safety, intrinsic safety, quartz filled, optical radiation) |
| Apparatus Coding | II 2 GD Ex eb ib qb op is IIB T4 |
| Certificate Number | CML 16ATEX3345, IECEx CML 16.0120 |
Pictured: Semi-submersible Offshore Crane Vessel Sleipnir
Credit: Sembcorp Marine
NEWS Sembcorp Marine has completed the semi-submersible crane vessel Sleipnir for Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) – the vessel can accommodate 400 persons and will be deployed globally for installing and removing jackets, topsides, deepwater foundations, moorings, wind turbines and other offshore structures. It is also the world’s first crane vessel with dual-fuel engines running on Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). News via May 27, 2019 via Offshore Energy Today
| Product Reference | Lamp Type | Lamp Cap | Power (W) | Temperature Rating | Ambient Temperature | Weight (kg) |
| Abtech NIMO LX1NIMO | LED | N/A | 6W | T4 | -20°C to 55°C | 8.9 |
Marine, Naval & Submarine Hazardous Area Lighting
Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of Hazardous Area & Explosion Proof Equipment with IECEx & ATEX Certifications to the onshore and offshore oil, gas, petrochemicals and process industries.
Key Product Categories: Control Panels | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace Cables & Systems | Gas Detection & Detectors | Fire Detection & Detectors | Heat Detectors | Electrical Heating & HeatersÂ
➡ Also Process Instrumentation Products: Ashcroft Pressure Gauges | ASCO Valves | Katronic Flow Meters | KROHNE Flow Meters | VEGA Level Sensors | Rotronic Temperature & Humidity Sensors | SIKA Pressure Gauges
Trace Heating | System Design & Supply
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
