Unexpected Sources of Energies Weeding Through Hazardous Spectrum: Copyright Material IEEE, Paper No. PCIC-2018-01

摘要

Sparks and hot surfaces are the most common sources of ignition encountered in hazardous locations. However, there is a struggle with how to deal with electronic devices such as medical devices, cell phones, tablet computers, hand-held devices, etc. in a classified area or “Explosive Atmosphere”. It is quite simple to limit the use of cell phones in an explosive atmosphere, but there is much more to consider for the use of other electronic devices. This issue has become a common concern amongst petrochemical companies. While sparks and hot surfaces bring the main risks associated with the operation of equipment in explosive atmosphere, there are also risks derived from static electricity, lightning, stray currents, radio-frequency radiations, electromagnetic waves produced by radio-frequency (RF) transmitters, and optical radiations such as laser radiation. To aid with a potential solution for this problem, this paper will explore the sources, effects, equipment, protection, and standards in Class I, Division 1 (Zone 1) or Division 2 (Zone 2) locations.