When Safety Comes First...

Think All Things Intrinsically Safe

When safety comes first you need to think intrinsically safe! Intrinsically safe gives the capability of operation in Refineries, Petroleum Tank Farms, Gas Plants and Underground Coal Mines.

How It Began...

The idea of intrinsically safe, although not named as such, was originated in Britian during the years 1914 to 1916. On 14th October 1913, a serious explosion in the Senghenydd colliery Glamorganshire, South Wales, led to 439 Welsh miners losing their lives. The official report on the disaster gave the cause as an explosion of fire-damp, ignited 'sparking from electric signalling aparatus or from falling rocks'

What is Intrinsically Safe?

Intrinsically safe equipment is defined as "equipment and wiring which is incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy under normal or abnormal conditions to cause ignition of a specific hazardous atmospheric mixture in its most easily ignited concentration." (ISA-RP12.6) This is achieved by limiting the amount of power available to the electrical equipment in the hazardous area to a level below that which will ignite the gases.

In order to have a fire or explosion, fuel, oxygen and a source of ignition must be present. An intrinsically safe system assumes the fuel and oxygen are present in the atmosphere, but the system is designed so the electrical energy or thermal energy of a particular instrument loop can never be great enough to cause ignition. Intrinsically safe is therefore much more than putting an instrument in a sealed case.

Traditionally, protection from explosion in hazardous environments has been accomplished by either using EXPLOSION PROOF apparatus which can contain an explosion inside an enclosure, or PRESSURISATION or purging which isolates the explosive gas from the electrical equipment. Intrinsically safe apparatus cannot replace these methods in all applications, but where possible can provide significant cost savings in installation and maintenance of the equipment in a Hazardous area.

Some of the authorities covering IS Standards are: BASEEFA (British Approvals Service for Electrical Equipment for Flammable Atmosphere), CENELEC (Comite European deNormalisation Electrotechnique), NEC (National Electrical Code - USA) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association - Canada).

Cygnus 1 Intrinsically Safe Gauge

The Cygnus IS gauge accurately measures metal thickness to determine wastage or corrosion without removing surface coatings. It measures on rough corroded surfaces with no grinding necessary and minimum surface preparation. Providing speedy and reliable results, the Cygnus IS gauge greatly reduces inspection time and cost. Its ease of use means minimum operator training, providing time and cost efficiency. The IS Version allows use in refineries, gas plants and underground coal mines. The unit has been certified to Ex II G EEx ia IIC T2 and CSA Class 1, Group A (Division 1) by BASEEFA.

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Sontest's Soundscan I.S

Originally designed for the US Military, the Soundscan 101 Ultrasonic Inspection System is now used in many industries throughout the world for predictive maintenance, quality control, and leak detection. The Soundscan 101 Receiver converts ultrasound signals produced by industrial machinery and vehicles into easily recognizable audible sounds so the user can evaluate the condition of individual components, even in extremely noisy plant environments. Early warning signs and defects can be detected thus preventing costly repairs, safety related injuries, and downtime.  Apart from NASA having a Soundscan on the international Space Station, Soundscan comes with an iIntrinsically safe optional configuration. The unit is manufactured in compliance with the requirements of ANSI/UL 913-88, for DIVISION 1, CLASS I, Groups A, B, C and D, CLASS II, Groups E, F, G and CLASS III. It also complies with DIVISION 2, CLASS I, Groups A, B, C and D, CLASS II, Groups F, G, and CLASS III.

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Graetz's X5C Ex. Radiation Survey Meter

Apart from Industrial Radiographers, Emergency Services' personnel and the military often can be in a potentially explosive atmosphere where there is a possibility of radiation. The Graetz X C Ex has the technical features of the Graetz X5C plus and is Intrinsically Safe. The unit complies to II2GEExibBT6. The X5CEx has an IP67 rated case which allows submersion to 1m in water for 30 minutes and so is excellent in allowing wash down when decontamination is required.

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Graetz's GammaSmart V. Ex. Personal Dosimeter

Rated to 112GEEx.bIIBT4 the GammaSmart provides an excellent personal Doserate alarm unit with sensitivity that gives 1 count/minute 3 USv/hr. This unit has Lithium-polymer a rechargable accumlator.  The IP54 rated aluminimum housing is splash-proof and shields the unit from electromagnectic influence. The GammaSmart will operate at background radiation for a minimum of 2 months and recharging time is only 1 hour. This allows for multiple units to be kept charged with a single charger. Bearing the name and reputation of Graetz and having a strong clip, visible and audible alarm, the GammaSmart is a smart option for a personal dosimeter.

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RFS Stainless Steel Magnets (CTM)

Regarding Permanent Magnets, the standard states these should only be used when it's not practical to use AC Magnets for M.P.I. When we introduced the original magnets with plastic bodies they were subject to being broken. The transition to Aluminium units was a great improvement and by having them made locally, the price was brought down. However when Eddie Digby asked us about using them in a coal mine, we went OPPS! Thus came the Stainless Steel version. Yes, people can get lax when using permanent magnets but when you are in a coal mine with no power, the IS Stainless Steel Version works wonders.

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John's Desktop

April was a awesome month, good for business, a time to reflect over Easter and I finally got the 1970 Ford Capri back on the road. I pulled her off the road a decade ago, initially to convert the engine to run on unleaded fuel. I’m sure you know the rest of the story, re-bore, new balanced pistons, reworked head, warm cam, extractors, a Weber carby. New motor installed meant I needed a new tail shaft, and an overhaul of the diff and gear box and the steering and the brakes.

By now there was a tangible goal in sight, the 40th anniversary of the Mark 1 Capri to be held over Easter 2009 in Melbourne.

On 12th April this year, there she was, registered, insured and back where she belonged, on the road. She looks great, and she gets lots of looks and comments, but what is she like to drive? Frankly like a forty year old semi sporting English car - heaps of fun but a modern Hyundai Getz would run rings around her for comfort, safety, reliability, handling and even speed. Then there is the X factor, and this is the real reason old cars and motorbikes are so loved. How totally irrational!

We at RFS have been able to help keep some decades old NDT equipment on the road, but take a look at our website to see some of the best valued and productive gear available in your field.

And if you pass a Crimson Capri on the road, wave, it just might be me.

Regards,
John

Editor's Note: John's Capri is NOT intrinsically safe!

For all your NDT needs visit: www.rfsales.com.au