Ex – Component Certified & Self certification (Zone 2)
Typically the most common form of a hazardous area control system designed installation used in the oil / gas industry today. The Component Certified System must be designed and installed to the same high degree of excellence as the Fully Certified System, except it does not have the added safety and security of an overall single system certificate. A true understanding and interpretation of the relevant standards is essential for safe provision and operation.
Ex e – Increased Safety (Full System Certification)
Hazardous area control systems with protection type Exe for increased safety are easy to install as fewer materials are required. Faster turnaround on maintenance means less downtime, thereby lower running costs. Most control systems use a combination of protection methods for the most cost effective solution.
Ex d
Often provided as cast enclosure which is pressure tested to ensure it is capable of containing an explosion and preventing external secondary explosions.
Ex I
Using devices to control the power in the hazardous area, here it is limited so a spark cannot be formed when correctly designed and installed.
Ex n
For use in the Zone 2 environment only, many types of protection are used in this environment and are usually provided by the integrator with a self certified certificate. This requires a true depth of knowledge and experience to provide a cost effective solution.
Ex p – Pressurization / Purged (Full System Certification)
Essentially using air or an inert gas to expel any gas within the enclosure and then having the internal pressure held just above atmosphere to prevent the migration of gas in the future. Ex p is suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 applications.
A major advantage of purged hazardous area control systems, in addition to the extended range of equipment that can be protected, is the good quality well proven standard industrial equipment which can be easily replaced at low cost in the event of failure.
Ex - Alternative (Pneumatic Control)
The Ex Pneumatic Control System is a serious alternative for those concerned about electrical control panels in a hazardous area. Offering “fit and forget” reliability for remote places and the peace of mind that on-site operators can change parts without specialist knowledge or equipment.
The Ex Pneumatic Control System is often combined with an electrical interface offering sophisticated local control with connection to remote SCADA or DCS.
Ex Pneumatic Control Systems often use our own logic components and other proven technology to monitor and control all types of equipment including automatic start / stop, dual fuel control, protection monitoring and shutdown facilities.