2 replies to this topic

[Agustin]

Currently the heater is in un-classified area. If a new BMS is installed next to it, would it turn the area sorrounding the BMS to classified?
Since the furnace (burners, air intakes, etc) presence outweighs other hazards, the BMS presence wouldn't change the classification, but I need some confirmation from experience.

[ankur2061]

Agustin,

As per 'IP 15' it is not appropriate to classify an enclosed area for controlled combustion as a hazardous area. Instead IP 15 recommends that the BMS itself be designed to prevent uncontrolled ignition of fuel by incorporating the proper safeguards.

You are advised to refer Annex G of IP 15: Area classification for Installations Handling Flammable Fluids for furhter guidance on Fired Heaters.

Regards,
Ankur

[kkala]

Currently the heater is in un-classified area. If a new BMS is installed next to it, would it turn the area surrounding the BMS to classified?
Since the furnace (burners, air intakes, etc) presence outweighs other hazards, the BMS presence wouldn't change the classification, but I need some confirmation from experience.

It is assumed that BMS=burning management system for the furnace; and the heater is some fuel oil heater feeding it.
1. BMS will not create a hazardous area itself. If located at a hazardous area, it should have intrinsic protection against potential explosion. If located at a non hazardous area, no problem.
2. The heater can create a limited hazardous are, since fuel oil is heated above flash point (usually class 3 liquid). Be sure that BMS is not located within this area.
3. Same for furnace fuel oil circuit. Even pipe parts can be welded, there are valves (and flanges to the heater) that would create islands of hazardous areas.
4. Locating the BMS onto the hazardous area layout is a good practice.
Above view complies with API RP500 and its terminology.

Edited by kkala, 25 April 2010 - 04:03 PM.