Typical Problems Encountered During Ex d Inspections

Throughout any inspection campaign non-compliant issues are going to be found. Here are some common issues we have found whilst conducting inspections on flameproof equipment.

• Documentation missing or incorrect

• Certificate of Conformity not read

• Incorrect Group for hazardous area classification

• Incorrect Ambient Temperature range for local ambient temperature (and Temperature Classification not derated to allow operation at higher ambient temperatures)

• Incorrect Temperature Classification for hazardous area classification

• Incorrect Zone – Zones 1 and 2 only

• Missing enclosure bolts

• Enclosure bolts replaced with ones made of different materials, having different threads or tensile strengths – or there are different bolts on the same enclosure

• Corrosion or damage to flamepath or the equipment

• Enclosure covered opened with screwdrivers

• Incorrect or missing certification and identification labels

• Incorrect equipotential bonding and/or no earthing

• Painting over of breathers / vents / flame paths

• Cable glands and stopping plugs not appropriate

• Excessive quantity or wrong type of tape used to protect the flame path

• Breathing devices and drains uncertified

• Equipment installed with flamepath too close to an obstruction – Closer than these distances: IIA = 10mm; IIB = 30 mm; IIC = 40mm

• Incorrect grease used (check with client – they may have a preferred type: e.g. Dow Corning Compound 4)

• Cable damage

• Evidence of internal ignition

• Damaged window or terminal compartment

• Uncertified or incorrectly certified enclosures/equipment installed in the hazardous area and no Conformity Assessment Document

• Component certified enclosure has been installed with equipment installed within it, and no Fitness for Purpose or other report has been raised

• Unauthorized modification

• Flange flamepath too close, if you don t precise flange.. guys will punch threaded or cylindrical flamepath. I would also add : overloaded boxes : people often forget they have to respect Tclass/dissipated power.. they forget also basics like NPT accessories for NPT entries and ISO accessories for ISO entries…

• Used incorrect IP washer (fiber) between the Ex d encloser and cable gland in outdoor. Corrosion damage!

• Clearances (current transformers connection box, especially) experiences on Standards, un-proper IP testing and termal endurance testing, loose cable connection such as. There can be pages precaution depending on environment and application

• Migration of gas by using the incorrect cable-type and cable length

• Certificate of cable-gland doesn’t comply with certification of equipment

What others can you think of?

Source: https://www.haspecialists.com.au/blog/typical-problems-encountered-during-ex-d-inspections/ with few addings

Linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6548383114543104000

Keep up good work!

Arpad

exprofessional.com

veress@exprofessional.com