The July technology evening featured a presentation by Katlego Setwaba of Pepperl+Fuchs. The main focus of her talk was Ex p (purging and pressurisation). However, she started off by reminding us of the damage done by explosions, demonstrating the catastrophic effects if these are not prevented.
Ann de Beer (left) thanks Katlego Setwaba for the presentation.
The three Gas Groups (IIA, IIB,and II C) and Dust Groups (III A, III B and III C) were tabled, A being the least sensitive to spark ignition, and C the most sensitive. She went on to cover zoning – Zone 0 being the most dangerous for gases, and Zone 2 has the least chance of the hazard being present. By contrast, dusts are correspondingly grouped into Zones 20, 21 and 22.
This was followed by the different explosion prevention techniques with a focus on flame proofing (Ex d, the containment of an explosion), intrinsic safety (Ex 1, limitation of temperatures and spark energy), followed by pressurisation and purging (Ex p, filling the equipment housing with clean air or inert gas).
Pressurisation is the maintenance of a positive pressure above atmosphere, after a preliminary purge. This can obviously not be done effectively in a dusty environment, so physical cleaning is required before pressurisation. In purging, the procedure is much the same, but instead of maintaining a static pressure, Katlego explained how there is a constant flow of clean air or inert gas through the enclosure. This of course requires a dedicated controller to carry out the pre-use purge, and to maintain the internal pressure.
It was an entertaining presentation, with plenty of questions, showing just how much expertise is required to prevent explosions. The branch thanks Pepperl+Fuchs for hosting the evening.
Come and meet Pepper, the friendly humanoid robot SAIMC
News
Pepper, the friendly humanoid robot, is ready to welcome visitors at the SAIMC/SA Instrumentation & Control stand for an interactive glimpse into the future of robotics.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
he SAIMC Johannesburg March technology event was hosted by Comtest, the Fluke agent in southern Africa. The topic was Renewable Energy Resources.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch March technology evening was held on 5 March at the Premier Splendid Inn, and as is always the case with Paul Sikhakhane’s presentations, it drew a large audience.
Read more...How to claim CPD points SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Reality check SAIMC
SAIMC
“Never have so many owed so much to so few.” This phrase is a famous quote by Winston Churchill, referring to the efforts of the Royal Air Force pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain during World War II. It highlights the immense gratitude owed to the relatively small number of pilots who played a crucial role in defending the United Kingdom from the German Luftwaffe.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council started 2025 with its first event in the ‘Knowlege Sharing 4 Industry’ event series on the 19th of March.
Read more...Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
In proud partnership with Innomotics, SAIMC will be hosting the first Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event for 2025.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Quo vadis South Africa SAIMC
SAIMC
In the nineteen hundreds, South Africa built the country while strict sanctions were in place. Control instrumentation and other computer equipment were given codes to ensure the most powerful equipment ...
printer friendly version