In places where there is a danger of explosion, protective measures must be taken. This includes selecting measurement devices that are suitable for use in explosion-hazardous areas. The measurement technology from SICK is being used successfully in these areas and with a wide variety of devices for gas and dust measurement to choose from, this sensor manufacturer offers tailored solutions that can be trusted even under the most stringent measurement conditions.
When mentioning the risk of explosion accidents, everyone immediately thinks of the chemical industry. But these hazards are present not only in chemical plants but also in the processing industry, where explosive gas and dust mixtures can arise. To ensure the safety of employees and production facilities, it is essential to comply with protective measures and statutory requirements. The potential hazards posed by gases, vapors and dust are clearly defined, mandatory explosion protection measures are specified in many national and international standards, and explosion hazard areas are classified into classes and zones.
When flammable gases, vapors, and dusts combine with oxygen in a specific ratio, they become explosives. This mix ratio is characterized by an upper and lower explosive limit (UEL and LEL). To ensure there are no ignition sources when measuring process gases, only explosion-proof measuring devices can be used. SICK offers a wide range of these instruments for gas analysis, dust and flow measurement in gas ducts, filter systems, tanks and silos, as well as solutions for early warning systems, especially for lines automotive spray painting and metal strip processing lines.
More gas measurement capability
SICK now offers a new variant of the GM700 laser gas analyzer. The standard variants have been appreciated in many industrial areas where reliable, accurate and fast measurement of corrosive and aggressive gaseous components, for example, ammonia, hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride, are required. These gases can arise both in stacks and in process gas ducts. The gas streams are often hot and humid, which places strict requirements on the material and workmanship of the measurement device.
When used in the Ex zone, they must also include comprehensive safety functions. The pressurized enclosure of the GM700, as required by ATEX category 3G (Ex zone 2), prevents the explosive gases and dusts from penetrating into the measurement device. The mandatory permanent pressure in the housing is regulated using protective gas. Both the sender/receiver unit and the control unit are intrinsically safe, whereby their electrical cables are interconnected through a pressurized hose. The Ex-p control unit is attached to the signal-processing connection unit. To protect the sender/receiver equipment from contamination or aggressive gases – and, depending on the model, the reflector unit as well, the device is flushed using a filter device removed air. This prevents dust particles from settling.
Using direct laser spectroscopy with a precisely adjusted spectral line, the GM700 delivers a high-resolution measurement with reliable measurement results, even when the fuel used changes or fluctuations in the gas flow or gas concentration occur.
The product development department at SICK has responded to current needs. Because it uses the scattered light measurement method (forward scatter), the DUSTHUNTER SP100 Ex is capable of detecting ultra-low dust concentrations at low flow velocities. his technology is the result of SICK’s many years of experience in the measurement of dust. This in-situ measurement device is made even easier to work with due to its low maintenance costs, thanks to integrated self-test and control functions. The real added value of this new device generation is that it is suitable not just for explosion protection in gas applications but also, without compromise, for dust applications.
