Räjähdysalueet

Räjähdysalueet, known in English as hazardous areas or explosive atmospheres, are locations where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dusts may be present in sufficient quantities to cause an explosion. These environments pose significant safety risks, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, and agriculture. The classification of these areas is crucial for ensuring the safe design, installation, and operation of electrical and mechanical equipment.

The primary international standard for classifying hazardous areas is the IEC 60079 series, which is adopted and adapted by many national regulatory bodies. This system categorizes areas based on the likelihood and duration of a potentially explosive atmosphere being present. For gases, vapors, and mists, areas are typically classified into zones: Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2. Zone 0 represents areas where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods. Zone 1 is where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation. Zone 2 is where an explosive atmosphere is unlikely to occur in normal operation, and if it does, it will only persist for a short time.

For combustible dusts, the classification system is similar, with zones like Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 representing increasingly lower probabilities of a dust explosion. Equipment intended for use in these areas must be specifically designed and certified to prevent ignition. This is achieved through various protection concepts, such as explosion-proof enclosures, intrinsic safety, or increased safety. Adherence to these standards and proper equipment selection are paramount to preventing catastrophic incidents and protecting personnel and property.