Static Earthing For Road Tankers In Hazardous Areas
When static discharge forms a risk, for instance in the event of a dust or gas explosion, truck earthing will be necessary. The product that is loaded from or onto the bulk truck is therefore an important factor in determining whether truck earthing is necessary. A non-combustible product such as salt or water, for example, will not pose a risk of being ignited by a static spark during loading or unloading.
This is different for sugar or alcohol, for example. These products can, in the right air/dust concentration (for sugar dust) or air/alcohol vapour, in combination with a static spark of sufficient energy content, result in an explosion.
In order to prevent such incidents, truck earthing should be carried out to ensure that any static charges on the truck are safely discharged before transferring the product. Truck earthing involves connecting a grounding cable from the truck to a grounding point on the loading/unloading system to allow any static charges to safely dissipate.
➡ Thorne & Derrick together with StuvEx supply static bonding, static earthing systems and grounding solutions to the hazardous area EX industries with over 35 years experience.
The transport and processing industries are extremely aware of the dangers of the static electricity. In fact, StuvEx, through various awareness campaigns, has been at the forefront in making sure that industry is aware of the dangers. The DIY approach to truck earthing – a length of cable and a couple of crocodile clips – is not a good or safe option. The TES01-V2 Truck Earthing & Grounding System with its various modifications is effectively the next word in static safety.
TES01-V2 Truck Earthing System
Static Earthing Control
The electrical charging of a bulk truck and load can take place during road transport and during loading/unloading of the load, a bulk truck can be charged up to tens of kV and give rise to electrostatic sparks up to 100mJ. Whether this energy quantity is sufficient for an explosion depends on the minimum ignition energy (MOE) of the product to be loaded.
For flammable vapours/gases, the amount of ignition energy required to provide ignition (MOE) will usually be < 1 mJ. This relatively small amount of ignition energy required to ignite a flammable gas or vapour means that truck grounding will always be a requirement in that situation in order to minimise the risk of explosion during loading. Compared to flammable vapours/gases, the values of the minimum ignition energy (MOE) for air/dust mixtures are often higher.
So the question remains is grounding required for electrically conductive products to be loaded?
The answer is simple, YES. This is because conductive products can be electrically charged and when discharging, this static charge poses a risk making truck grounding essential in this situation.
With a single yellow/green earth wire and clamp, you could already make an earth connection. However, the truck grounding systems applied nowadays in an industrial and ATEX zoned environment are subject to more requirements.
As a rule, truck earthing units are not inspected annually for proper functioning; ultimately, they are usually self-monitoring. A check on the proper functioning of the truck grounding system (depending on the type of grounding system) can usually be carried out and recorded by the end-user.
Insurance companies may, however, impose additional requirements on the end-user such as having the earthing system checked by a third party. If the earthing unit is placed in an ATEX zone, it is subject to the periodic inspection of ATEX equipment.
Thorne & Derrick are now working in partnership with StuvEx and in close client consultation to highlight awareness, education and mitigation of ignition risk associated with static electricity. Discharges of static electricity pose health and safety dangers to people and plant, contact us to discuss your concerns and how we can provide static earthing control measures.
Thorne & Derrick support the technical specification and competitive supply from stock of standard and customised static earthing solutions for the explosion protection of process operations and manufacturing applications when bulk handling combustible or flammable gases, liquids or powders.
DO YOU KNOW HOW BIG THE PROBLEM IS?
Terry’s crusade against Fake ATEX Products & Certificates continues……
Following the success of Terry’s webinar last year, where he questioned just how big the problem is, he is back again (by popular demand!) to examine and educate on the true extent of the issue.
A year later, after conducting further research and discussing the problem at international conferences including the World’s Online Dust Safety Conference (Canada), the South African Flameproof Association, and HazardEx & CompEx in the UK, Terry returns with an important message:
Don’t Let FAKE Become FATAL!
Terry’s mission is to help educate the industry and raise awareness on the issue: “People working in the industry don’t realise the problem exists. They believe the certificates and information they are being given by fraudulent organisations to be true. Everyone working in the industry needs to take this seriously and understand that the consequences will be fatal. It is only a matter of time before an explosion occurs as a direct result of fake equipment”
When: Thursday 18th April, 2024
Time: 09.30AM – 10.30AM BST
Where: Online
Sign up here – https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4756295324933216597?source=Website
⚠️ Safety and compliance should always come first but unfortunately there are companies that make cost and profit their priority ⚠️
This FREE webinar will continue to help raise awareness of the problem, and provide further real examples of fake products and fraudulent certificates. We will offer recommendations on how the industry can all make a contribution to combat this problem and improve safety.
Fake certificates and products are still widespread and growing. The question of a serious accident is not IF but WHEN!
IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE!
⚠️ It is estimated that between 300,000 and 3 Million fake ATEX certified products are being used in the explosive atmosphere industry ⚠️
Join the fight against FAKE by SIGNING UP today and be part of the solution.
🔍 Did you know when Terry presented earlier this year to CompEx assessors and trainers that 30% had first hand experience fake products and certificates!
Terry McDonald delivering the presentation at HazardEx 2023
Who Should Attend?
Any person involved in the design, purchase, installation, maintenance, inspection, testing and commissioning of equipment designed for use in explosive atmospheres.
Why Attend?
Improve your knowledge and understanding. Increase awareness and create change to improve safety & compliance. A piece of fake equipment could cause the spark that kills you or your colleagues.
About The Presenter:
Terry McDonald has over 19 years’ industry experience, and has spent many years working with Tier 1 and 2 COMAH sites in the UK as well as clients around the world. He is a passionate supporter of innovation, sharing best practice & knowledge with the aim of improving safety & compliance within the industry.
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.
Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment to your UK and international projects.
Several products which have led to improved efficiency, reliability and productivity in the hazardous area and process industries.
We are thrilled to announce that Thorne & Derrick’s apprentices, Chloe and Dylan, have become official members of the Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP). Currently studying for their Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship, this prestigious membership is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to their professional development in the field of sales.
Formed by the merger of the Association of Professional Sales and the Institute of Sales Management, ISP is a government-backed professional body representing sales in the UK and around the world. The Institute of Sales Professionals is working towards getting sales recognised as a chartered profession and will continue to lobby the government on issues that concern you and your team’s success.
Chloe and Dylan are an integral part of our sales team, and during their time with us, they have consistently shown a strong passion for sales and a desire to excel in their roles. They have completed various supplier training days, attended industry conferences, and actively sought out learning opportunities to enhance their sales skills.
Becoming members of the ISP is a significant milestone in their careers, as it demonstrates their commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in sales.
The ISP is a recognised authority in the sales industry, providing its members with access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and continuous learning initiatives. As members of the ISP, Chloe and Dylan will have the opportunity to further develop their skills through specialised training programs, workshops, and certifications, alongside studying for their Level 4 apprenticeship. They will also have access to a vast network of sales professionals, enabling them to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and establish valuable connections in the industry.
Thorne & Derrick takes immense pride in supporting the professional growth of our employees. We believe that investing in our team members’ development not only benefits them individually but also strengthens our organisation as a whole.
Chloe and Dylan’s membership with the ISP validates our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence. We are confident that their membership will enhance their careers and allow them to make valuable contributions to our sales team and the wider industry. We are excited to see the great things they will achieve as members of the ISP.
As a members of ISP, Chloe & Dylan will benefit from the following:
Getting The Balance Right!
Hazardous area weighing equipment, including ATEX balances and ATEX scales, need to comply with strict safety standards to prevent explosions in potentially hazardous environments. They feature specialised design, materials, and certifications, ensuring safe operation and minimising the risk of ignition or fire hazards.
When choosing ATEX balances and scales for use in hazardous areas, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the environment, including the type of hazardous substances present, the level of protection required, and any regulatory compliance standards that must be met.
It is crucial the weighing equipment used in processes has an appropriate level of safety for the environment its being used in. Thorne & Derrick together with A&D Weighing can supply the correct scale or balance for your application.
Hazardous area balances and scales are built to meet strict ATEX regulations to ensure their safe use in hazardous locations where there may be flammable gases, vapours, or dust particles present. They are constructed using materials and components that are resistant to sparks, heat, and contact with potentially explosive substances.
ATEX weighing equipment is commonly used in industries such as chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, mining, and industrial manufacturing where the presence of flammable substances is inherent.
The equipment is a crucial tool for accurate measurement and control of materials in such hazardous environments while ensuring the safety of the operators and the surrounding area.
ATEX balances and scales often come with specific markings and certifications to indicate their compliance with the ATEX directives and standards. It is essential to choose ATEX scales that are suitable for the specific hazardous zone classification and the type and level of risk present in the environment.
HV-CEP/HW-CEP series
Sparks in potentially explosive atmospheres (like those that arise where petrol and other flammable chemicals are processed) can turn a plant floor into a raging inferno in an instant. If you perform weighing in these types of environments, your equipment must have the proper features to prevent explosions and loss of life.
The HV-CEP/HW-CEP series are intrinsically safe electronic scales complying with international standards such as IECEx and ATEX or FM requirements keeping you and your colleagues safe.
The HV-CEP series are platform scales with 1/3000 resolution, and have the triple weighing range function to select the weighing range. The scale automatically switches to small scale interval when a light sample is weighed or large scale interval when a heavy sample is weighed, depending on the sample weight (multi-interval). The HW-CEP series are platform scales with 1/10000 resolution.
ATEX Scales – HV-CEP/HW-CEP series
EK-AEP Series
The EK-AEP series of internationally certified, intrinsically safe balances is compact, lightweight and economical, bringing ease and security to anyone who needs to perform precise weight measurement in potentially explosive and hazardous environments.
The ATEX Balances offer a variety of weighing capacities and readability options to suit different needs and applications. It also includes various functions such as counting, percentage weighing, and comparator, making it versatile for a range of weighing tasks.
ATEX Balances -EK-AEP Series
Choosing the correct balances and scales for the application is important for several reasons:
Accuracy: Different types of scales have different levels of accuracy. Choosing the correct weighing scales for the intended application ensures that the measurements are as accurate as possible.
For example, a balance that is precise to the nearest 0.1mg might be necessary for pharmaceutical applications, whereas a balance that is precise to the nearest gram may be adequate for weighing ingredients in the food industry.
Precision: Some balances are designed to measure small quantities, while others are designed to handle larger amounts. Choosing the correct balance ensures that the measurements are precise and the balance can handle the amount of material being weighed. Using the wrong balance can result in inaccurate measurements and wasted materials.
Cost-effectiveness: Choosing the correct balance also ensures that the investment in the balance is cost-effective. Investing in a high-precision balance when a lower-precision balance is adequate can be a waste of resources, while using a low-precision balance for a high-precision application can result in inaccurate measurements and costly errors.
Intrinsic Safety Classification
Accidents in hazardous areas can have dramatic consequences for businesses in terms of both human life and profit. Accurate weighing in hazardous areas including ATEX balances and ATEX scales, can play a crucial role in mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety and success of businesses.
By following the recommendations and standards set by ATEX & IECEx, organisations can ensure that their weighing equipment is intrinsically safe and compliant with regulations. This not only enhances process safety by reducing the risk of explosions in potentially explosive environments but also improves efficiency and productivity.
The equipment must be designed and manufactured specifically for the hazardous classification in which it will be used. The appropriate method of ignition protection refers to choosing weighing equipment that is designed to prevent the ignition of flammable substances.
The right classification refers to selecting weighing equipment that is certified for use in hazardous areas. Hazardous areas are classified based on the presence of flammable gases, vapours, liquids, or combustible dusts. The classification usually follows recognised international standards such as ATEX (European Union), IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission), or FM (Factory Mutual).
Intrinsic safety offers process safety and efficiency. Intrinsically safe weighing equipment and ex certification provide advantages and are globally accepted by organizations such as IECEx.
Intrinsically safe compact balances are used in the pharmaceutical industry to accurately weigh small quantities of chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients in a safe and controlled manner. These compact balances are specifically designed to meet stringent safety requirements in hazardous environments, such as pharmaceutical production areas where flammable solvents, powders, and volatile substances are present.
The intrinsic safety classification for weighing equipment involves several key aspects:
1. Selection and installation: Equipment must be chosen based on the hazardous-area classification and certified accordingly. Professional installation by trained specialists is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of the ATEX scales.
2. Inspection and maintenance: Weighing equipment can suffer damage or degradation over time, so regular inspections and maintenance are necessary. The IEC 60079-17 standard requires detailed inspections at installation and following repairs, along with periodic visual inspections to ensure safety.
3. Repair: If inspection reveals the need for equipment repair, it should be carried out by experienced technicians using suitable spare parts. Repair procedures must adhere to hazardous-area and equipment-repair specifications. By proactively maintaining intrinsically safe weighing equipment, organizations can create a safer workplace and ensure continuous performance.
IEC 60079-17:2023 applies to users and covers only those factors directly related to the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations specifically designed for hazardous areas, where the hazard is caused by explosive atmospheres.
It does not include:
– other fundamental installation and inspection requirements for electrical installations;
– the verification of electrical equipment;
– protection or ventilation of rooms;
– gas detection systems;
– the repair, overhaul and reclamation of explosion protected equipment (see IEC 60079-19).
This can be achieved by following the guidelines and recommendations provided in the IECEx standards. Globally, organisations recognise the significance of intrinsic safety and the benefits it provides.
The acceptance and adoption of intrinsically safe weighing equipment and ex certification by organisations such as IECEx demonstrates the understanding and commitment to process safety and efficiency in potentially explosive environments.
In conclusion, accurate weighing in hazardous areas is crucial for mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and maintaining the overall safety and success of businesses. By investing in suitable weighing equipment and implementing robust weighing practices, companies can proactively address the unique challenges posed by hazardous environments, protecting both their personnel and their bottom line.
➡ Thorne & Derrick together with A&D Weighing can supply the correct intrinsically safe scale or balance for your application.
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| ATEX Balances -EK-AEP Series | ATEX Scales – HV/HW-CEP Series |
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