Determining the maximum surface temperature for non-electrical equipment aiming at explosion prevention at protection

Abstract

Non-electrical equipment has been used for over 150 years in industries with potentially explosive atmospheres and great experience has been gained with regard to the application of protective measures to reduce the risk of ignition down to an acceptable safety level. The use of non-electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres required the development of specific requirements with regard to the concept of protection against the ignition of explosive atmospheres, which to clearly define protection measures and to include the experience gained and extended over the years. The practical studies, laboratory research and methods for assessing and testing the hazard of ignition by hot surfaces presented within the paper have as main purpose the improvement of ignition hazard assessment in different operating conditions.