Chapter 12
Facilities: oil and gas, chemicals, mining, hydrogen, batteries
Published
- Lithium-ion battery energy storage (BESS) safety: thermal runaway, off-gas detection and explosion prevention
A lithium-ion cell in thermal runaway releases a flammable, toxic gas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide. How runaway develops, what the gas contains, how to detect it early, and how NFPA 855, UL 9540A, venting and ventilation prevent a BESS explosion.
- Hydrogen production and refuelling stations: hazardous areas, detection and equipment
Electrolysers, compressors, high-pressure storage and dispensers create hydrogen release sources at pressures of 70 MPa and more. How to classify the hazardous areas, select IIC or IIB+H2 equipment, and design gas and flame detection for hydrogen production and refuelling sites.
- Coal mine methane: firedamp, monitoring and Group I equipment
Firedamp is the methane released by coal seams. How mines keep it far below its explosive range with ventilation and gas drainage, the methane limits at which power is cut, how Group I equipment (M1/M2, EPL Ma/Mb) is chosen, and what major explosions taught.
- Fuel stations and LPG autogas: hazardous areas around dispensers, tanks and vents
How hazardous areas are classified at petrol stations and LPG autogas sites: typical Zone 0, 1 and 2 extents around dispensers, tank fill points, vents and tanker connections, why LPG behaves differently, and which Ex equipment is used.
- Pharmaceutical and chemical plants: solvent handling, powders and Ex equipment
Explosion protection in pharmaceutical and fine chemical plants: flammable solvents, combustible powders, hybrid mixtures when powders are charged into solvent-filled reactors, dryers, nitrogen inerting with a purge example, cleanroom constraints and Ex equipment selection.