Definition of explosion risks in Hazardous Areas
Explosion risks
In the chemical, oil and food industries, many dangerous substances in the form of gas, fumes, liquids, powders or dust are used or released during the manufacture, processing or storage of common products such as: gas, hydrocarbons, plastics, varnishes, paints, drugs, powders, cereals, cosmetics, glues …
Conditions for an explosion to occur
An explosion can occur when 3 elements come together:
Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE)
The lowest energy that is required to initiate ignition of the most highly flammable explosive atmosphere under specified test conditions.
Source of ignition
There are many sources of ignition that can cause
explosion:
- hot surfaces
- flames and hot gases
- mechanically generated sparks
- electrical installations
- of the compensation electric current
- static electricity
- electromagnetic waves (high frequency)
- cathodic protection against corrosion
- static electricity
- lightning
- optical radiation
- ultrasound
- shock waves
- exothermic reactions …
Hazardous Substances
They are separated into two main categories: gases, vapors and flammable liquids, on the one hand, layers of dust or clouds of particles, on the other hand.
The table below gives a non-exhaustive overview of the most common substances: