Hazardous Area Motors
As name it shows that the motor used in hazardous
environments like coal mines, chemical & gas plant. Therefore creating a
need for a very specific design suitable to such condition. The hazardous areas
is define as those where explosive atmosphere is present or is expected to
present or it is expected to be present in quantities which merit requirements
of special precautions. The construction, installation and use of equipment is
designed specifically to suit the hazardous environment. IS 5572 standard classifies hazardous areas in three zone
depending upon the frequency and duration for which dangerous concentrations
are likely to present. The classification of areas where flammable gas or vapor
risks may arise in order to permit the proper selection of electrical apparatus
for used. Following are the classification and selection of equipment’s as per
IS 5572:
Zone |
Classification of area |
Selection of equipment |
Zone 0 |
Explosive atmosphere is present continuously or
for longer periods or frequency |
|
Zone 1 |
Explosive atmosphere is present under normal
operation conditions. |
Electrical equipment must be used Flame proof
enclosure Ex (d) conforming to IS/IEC 60079-1. |
Zone 2 |
Explosive atmosphere is present only under
abnormal operation condition and for short period only. |
Equipment with type of protection Ex (e) in accordance
with IS/IEC 60079-1 may be used without any special enclosure .Equipment with
IS/IEC 60079-15 are also permitted for use. |
The area classification shall also take into consideration of
gas group and temperature classification, depending upon the properties of
material handle. For example: Zone 1 IIA
T3.
Where,
Hazardous Area Zone =
Zone 1
Gas Group = II A
Temperature Class = T3
Ø Flame Proof Motor : Type EX ( d )
These motor are used in Coal Mines , Petro Chemicals
& Chemicals industries , Fertilizer , Solvent Extraction Plant, Paints
& Varnish industry , LPG Bottling Plant , Agro Chemicals ,Drugs &
Pharmaceuticals etc. Following precaution to be taken while selection of FLP
Motors:
1.
Temperature Class: The classification of temperature class T1 to T6. This
is already discuss in previous blog . The maximum surface temperature under
worse operating condition must not exceed the ignition temperature of gas. The
maximum surface temperature is refer to that surface which is coming in contact
with the explosive gas. In case of Flame Proof
Ex ( d ) motors , this refer to external surface temperature
whereas in case of Non-Sparking EX ( nA
) motors , this refer to the internal temperature.
2.
Classification of Hazardous Gases: Hazardous
gases are classified as per IS/IEC 60079-1 and are associated with flame proof
enclosures. Hazardous gases, their group specification and ignition temperature
have been specified in IS/IEC 60079-20.
3.
Enclosure & Cooling: These motor are designed that the frame temperature
will remain below the ignition temperature of gas-air mixture involved. The
frame, end shield, terminal boxes and bearing covers of all motor made of grey
cast iron. All cast iron parts forming flame proof enclosures are subjected to
hydraulic pressure test after final machining as per IS/IEC 60079-1. Type of
cooling as per IS/IEC 60034-6.
4. Degree
of Protection: Degree of protection as per IS/IEC 60034-5. All
flanged motors are additionally provided with oil tight shaft protection on
driving end side. Drain plug is not permissible in FLP motors.
5. Paint: All motors
are given special treatment of primer and paint to internal as well as external
surface. All external surface are enclosed with epoxy polyamide base
acid/alkali resistant paint of dark admiralty Grey Shade ( No. 632 as per IS :
5 ) or as per customer requirement.
6. Name
Plate: Stainless steel name
plate is provided on each motor . Special data such as efficiency , starting
current , starting torque, gas group,temperature class & statutory approval
references are also provided with usual name plate details.
7. Cable
Entries: Motor for mining
application ( i.e. coal mines & oil mines ) provided with compound filling
sealing box. Cable entries suitable for flame proof glands ( for application in
hazardous area Gas Group II A and II B only ) can be provided
with flame proof glands. A cable sealing box is mandatory for all motors for
use in coal mines and oil mines.
8.
Statutory Approvals & Licenses: Motors used in hazardous area need
statutory approvals from various statutory authorities depending upon there
area of jurisdiction before marking. Statutory / licensing accord their approval
/License base on the test report issued by their recognized test laboratories.
Following are the Statutory Authority:
§ PESO
Approved Laboratory : For testing & certification
§ Director
General of Mines Safety ( DGMS ) : For approving Coal Mines
§ Petroleum
& Explosives Safety Organization ( PESO ) : for approving all areas where
explosive liquids / gases are stored & transported
§ Bureau of
Indian Standards ( BIS ) : for Licensing
Ø Non Sparking Motor : Type Ex ( nA )
Non sparking motor provides protection against auto ignition of surrounding gases which may be released under abnormal operating condition. These motor are designed such that the limiting temperature of all parts in continuous operation does not exceed 200 °C i.e. Temperature class T3 , as per IS/IEC 60079-15. Motor enclosure is made of Aluminum upto 80 frame motor & Cast Iron form frame size 90. Other feature i.e. degree of protections , Paint & name plate is similar to FPL motor as discuss in above.