AREA CLASSIFICATION CODE FOR PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS 5.106 ‘The possibility of leakage from a flanged instrumentor valve producing a pool on the ground should be considered (see 5.11), 5.11 LIQUID POOLS DUE TO SPILLAGE Plant design should minimize the probability of liquid spills by providing tundishes or other suitable collect- ing points for sample points, drains and liquid overtiows, However, inadvertent spills can occur, and this may influence the size and area of an overall Zone 2 boundary (see 2.4). sa On each facility the positions at which spillage is credible should be identified. If they cannot be eliminated by economically practicable changes to the design. then the size and position of the likely pool should be estimated, ‘This requires information on the grading of the site, the location of collecting points for drains and the Position of bunds or collecting walls, S12 In an open area the resulting hazardous area should normally be classified as Zone 2 because plant design should not allow spillage to occur in normal operation. The size of the hazardous area should be determined from Table 57 and Figure 5.1, and is applicable to ‘Table $7. Hazardous area from liquid spills Liem Dim) Less than 5 3 Sto less than 10 7s 10 or greater 1s (Note: D i the extent of the hazardous area from the def the poo. L's egth of he poo im these Category C liquids. tt will normally be applicable to installations and depots handling Class I, IT and TI! petroleum products. For gases or Category A and B liquids the size of the hazardous area will often be Elevation determined by that of the initiating vapour release rather than the on-ground accumulation. The size of this /iazardous area should be estimated using the appropriate section of this chapter. Any resultant liquid pool, possibly not adjacent to the original source, should be considered asa Category C liquid. This is because any vapour will already have been released and therefore the liquid pool cannot be boiting, 5.12 SUMPS, INTERCEPTORS AND SEPARATORS Sz For the purposes of this Code a sump means a vessel, open or vented to atmosphere, used to collect petroteum liquid usually as 2 result of deliberate draining, Other liquids, e.g. water, can enter the sump but the petroleum liquid is normally an appreciable part of the total liquid entering. A sump is usually below ground level. In contrast, interceptors and separators are vessels, open or vented to atmosphere, used to separate petroleum liquids from other non-flammable liquids, typically water, and in which the petroleum liquids are not present in appreciable quantity Typically they are found on the main oil/water effluent system from a facility. 5122 ‘Sumps are intended to contain petroleum liquids and normally should be considered as continuous or primary grade sources depending oa the frequency with which oil is expected to enter using the guidelines in 23.2 and 54, The sump may be regarded as a secondary grade source when oil can enter only during maintenance operations which are expected to be infrequent, eg. major maintenance at intervals of about 2 years or longer. The possibility of more frequent unplanned ‘maintenance should always be considered. 5123 For a sump thatis a continuous source or where thereis possibility that, in normal operation, appreciable Figure 8.1, Liquid poot due to spillage Oo)ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR CLASSIFICATION 2one 0 Zone 1 Ground re Motes: {For secondary grade source the areas shown 2 Zonee and / would be Zones and 2. 2 Dimensions from Table 58. Figure 52. Open sump-zoning shown for primary grade source quantities of gas or oil in Category A or B can enter, then a degasser upstream of the sump or a sealed but vented sump is recommended. Otherwise the system should be designed so that normally only oil in Category C can enter. 5124 The typical layout of a sump is shown in Figure 5.2, and the space within the walls of an open sump or to ground level, whichever is higher, should be regarded, as an enclosed area, For a primary grade source it should beclassified as Zone and for a secondary grade source as Zone !. ‘The hazardous area above ground and outside the sump walls should be drawn as shown from the periphery of the sump using the appropriate distances ‘obtained from Table 5.8 in cases when it can be assumed that entry of only Classes I, If and ITT and Unclassified materials can occur, ie, fluid category C. Generally this assumption can be made only in thecase of storage and tankage areas, including installations and depots. This area should be classified as Zone f or Zone 2 depending on whether, when assessed by 5.12.2, the source is primary or secondary grade. SI2AL When there is @ possibility that hot material could center the sump in sufficient quantity to produce appreciable quantities of gas, or that Category A or B ‘material could inadvertently enter, then a horizontal ‘Table 88. Sumps, interceptor and separators {all distances in metres) L DD, mH Less than $ 3 3 3 34k Stolessthan 10 7575033 10 or greater 18 1 38 15 ‘Motes: 1. This able shouldbe used only for Category C liquids (see 5124), 2. Lis the width of the ump. The hecardous area should ‘extent from the edge of the pool inthe same direction, 6 distance D, of 1Sm should be used with the corre- sponding vertical distances of Table 5.8. Generally, a smaller hazard radius should be assumed only in storage and tankage areas, including installations and depots containing only Classes I, Ii, III and Unclassified products. 125 Interceptors and separators should normally be regarded as primary grade sources. They may be regarded as secondary grade sources when oilcanenter only asa result of equipment failure, eg failure of a cooler tube in a cooling water system or a major spillage. 512.6 The space within the walls of an interceptor or separator or to ground level, whichever is higher, should be regarded as an enclosed area. For a primary grade source it should be classified as Zone 0 and for a secondary grade source as Zone 1. The hazardous area above ground and outside the separator walls should bedrawn from the periphery of the separator, asshown in Figure 5.3, ‘These relatively large areas and the Zone 2around a Zone 1 atea are recommended because larger quanti- ties of more volatile material than normal can often inadvertenily enter an interceptor or separator. In storage facilities including installations and depots containing only Classes I, {1, If and Unclassified products the distances may be taken from Table 58. For these sources the larger Zone 2 area outside the Zone | may be omitted. 3127 Open sumps, interceptors and separators should preferably be located in an open area 5.128 For vented sealed surmps, interceptors and separators, the hazardous area should be drawn from the vent based on the expected flowrate and 5.9. iAREA CLASSIFICATION CODE FOR PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS [sm 2, obo Ground 7.8m (03) Figure 53, Separator or interceptor—primary grade sowree Open sumps and vessels covered with, e.g, remov- able concrete slabs, should not be regarded as sealed vessels but should be regarded as open sumps 5.13 PIG RECEIVERS AND LAUNCHERS 513.1 Operating procedures should ensure that pig receivers and launchers are isolated from the line and vented down to atmospheric pressure and drained before they are opened, Thus the design of the pig receiver and launcher closure should be such that it cannot be opened while under pressure; customarily this is achieved by an interlock with the vent and the provision of a properly maintained pressure gauge in accordance with the IP Pipeline Safety Code. 513.2 ‘On this basis, openings on the receiver and launcher should be regarded as sources with a hazard radius of 3m. This distance may be reduced to 1.5m if the ‘equipment is purged with nitrogen or water washed through before opening. Vents and drains should discharge toa safe location and the hazard radius from any vents, equipment drains or open sumps estimated using the appropriate section of this chapter. 513.3 Pig receivers and launchers are likely to be opened frequently and should normally be regarded as sources of primary grade release. The hazardous area should be classified as Zone I. S134 On pig receivers and launchers without an interlock system on drains, vents and the door, and where the equipment is opened other than under a work permit, then the probability of a release is increased and a prominent warning notice against such a practice should be displayed. Nevertheless it cannot be ruled ‘out and there should be an additional provision of a Zone 2 area from the equipment door with a hazard radius of 7.5m. This distance would be inadequate if equipment ona large-diameter high-pressureline,e.g. a main crude oil line, were opened without correct isolation. 5.14 SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS 141 Drainage systems should be designed in accordance with the IP Refining Safety Code, 5142 Oily water and chemical sewers can become contami- nated with oil during normal operations and openings to atmosphere should therefore be regarded as sources of primary grade release ‘The vapour rate from the vents should normally be low and a Zone I hazardous area should be drawn in accordance with Table 54 assuming a vent rate of not more than 10m3/h at ambient conditions. ‘The possibility of abnormal releases, e.g. hot water, centering the drains and the vaporization of volatile liquids should be considered. Based on this it may be considered desirable to define a larger Zone 2 area using dimensions obtained from Table 5.4 ‘The possibility of vapour release should always be considered when manhole covers are lifted or tem- porarily removed. NOTE: For other release points not individually covered in the foregoing, eg. the opening for cleaning or changing of filters, the classification approach showed follows the principles outlined for analogous quipment. The consideration of the above example should include the question of whether the equipment is to be drained to an open or closed system, as well as the comparability of the release quantity and fluid category with those of other listed examples.6 VARIATION IN VENTILATION CONDITIONS 61 INTRODUCTION ‘The definition of ventilation, as it relates to area classification, and its different forms are outlined in Chapter I (1.7 to 1.7.5). Gas or vapour released to the atmosphere can be diluted by dispersion or diffusion in the air until its concentration is at 2 safe limit. Ventilation, ie. air movement, will promote dispersion, and the degree of ventilation, e.g, number of air changes per hour, may affect the type and extent of zones and hence the selection and location of electrical and non- electrical) equipment in accordance with Chapters 7 and 8). The different types and levels of ventilation are described below under the sections Open Area, Sheltered Area and Enclosed Area, To assist in the assessment Figure 6.1 can be used as a ‘finding tree’. In considering the effect of ventilation on dispersion pattern, the relative density to air of the gases or vapours released is an important factor (see 1.8 and Appendix C) and the cases of lighter-than-air and hheavier-than-air releases are provided for in the guidance given in Figures 6.2 to 6.10 to indicate the effect on the dimensional shape of the respective hazard zone envelopes when determined by the stepwise point source procedure of 5.5.5. (In the type examples provided in Chapters 3 and 4 the effect of buoyancy has already been inbuilt) 6.1 The Basis of the Chapter Ventilation isa complex subject and, in carrying out the assessment described above, itis necessary to consider both the type and, within the type, the level of the ventilation to be provided, its degree of reliability and the consequence of its failure In the development of 6.2 to 6.6 following, it has been found appropriate to follow, and as necessary to expand upon, the framework set out in TEC 79-10. 683 6.1.2 Type TEC 79-10 distinguishes between the following main types of ventilation: (a) natural ventilation, {b) general artificial ventilation, {c) local artificial ventifation, It also recognizes the case (d) of no (Le, inadequate) ventilation 613 In respect of ‘natural ventilation’, 1EC79-10 has cited: (2) Open air situations typical of those in the chemical and petroleum industries which com- prise open structures, pipe racks, pump bays and the like, (b) Open buildings which, having regard to the relative density of the gases and/or vapours involved, have openings in the walls and/or roof 30 dimensioned and located that the ventilation inside the building for the purpose of area classification can be regarded as equivalent to that, in an open air situation. This important category of unrestricted natural ventilation is. dealt. with under the heading “The Classification of an Open Area’ in 6.2 of this Code. It also corresponds to the circumstances that, unless otherwise stated, apply in the case ofthe type examples given in Chapters 3 and 4 and for base case point release in Chapter 5. 6.14 Obstacles (o Free Air Movement—Sheltered or Enclosed Areas TEC, under the above category, also recognizes that obstacles may impede natural ventilation, and thus may enlarge the extent of the zone and possibly increase the severity of the zone number. Also noted isAREA CLASSIFICATION CODE FOR PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS Are open ait conditions normal (wind speed rarely 20.8 m x \ ves No, ‘and frequently =2 m/s 08 in 6.2)? Any significant ‘obstructions 10 netura wing Ventilation ? —— No le Glassity os, Classity “open Area’ 02 Sheltered S262 area 6.4 and 62.5, ae AND/OR consider artificial ventilation oes enclosed crea contain source of Felease (63217 eae or 8.58 Ne feces nl Is enciosure Are there pressurized ogainst urside pressure ‘an hour? > 5ON/m*? No No ves = HAZARDOUS wwapequate Under 6.2.8. yeNTipaTign. See66.3 ond fabre 6.1 on Table 8.2 88.7 movement over the whole Grea aa in 5.5.87 Consiaer tote! or focal ertiticiar vertiigtion 6.5.3 >12 cnanges Dow space conform to pit or depression? No See 6.5.1.3, Clossity 3, inadequate ventilation Enelosed Area 6.5.7 are there sufticient air ghanges an hour foattain ves _ ‘dilution ventitation’ changes an nour turbine hoods typically 90 air changes an hour? |ves [xe 1 PUUTION ——classity op YeNrierion ROEQUAT Senses ee ation sete | Seager en ne tabi8 er Possible recheck of ventilation option (0.9. local? Of redesign of size or location of ratease Figure 6.1. Ventilation check for facilis not covered by Chapter 3 or 4 (ee 555, Step Ha) t0 (0) that, on the other hand, ‘some obstacles such as dykes and walls may limit the movement of a gaseous release and thus may reduce the extent’. (Examples of this use of 2 “deflection wall” are provided in 6.2.5) TEC also cites the situation under ‘natural venti- lation’ of a building ‘which is not an open building but which has natural ventilation, generally less than that of an open building, provided by permanent openings made for ventilation purposes. ‘Obstructed or partially obstructed situations cannot always be avoided in the layout of facilities, particu- larly where there is a space limitation, While some codes (e.g. BS $345) deal with ventilation under a basic split between ‘Outdoor’ and “Indoor Areas’ respec- tively, for the diversity of petroleum installations that occur, including offshore, such cases have been covered in 64 of this Code under the separate heading of Sheltered Areas, where the extent but not the zone number is affected, and in 6.5 Enclosed Areas, where both may be affected (see 1.72/1.7.3 and 6.3). 6.15 _ Artificial Ventilation (Enclosed Areas) ‘The TEC distinctions betweon ‘general artifciel, Yocal antficia? and ‘no (ie. inadequate) ventilation’ also form the basis of 6.5 “Enclosed Areas’, further expanded to cover the differing evels that can be selected under the sub-headings of adequate, dilution and overpressure centilation. 6.2 THE CLASSIFICATION OF AN ‘OPEN AREA’ ‘This is the fully open air situation without stagnant areas, where by natural ventilation vapours are readilyVARIATION IN VENTILATION CONDITIONS ‘Ground 2 ey 4 lt ‘Source ms “| 5 tSeurce --y- Srouna aT PI Peay ey 7 i & jource above elevated platform (im) (mj (a) (om) (a) if ie ett » 0s 3 BS 1s Sts 73s St 5 3 5 bth Is iss ts 0303s Notes: 1. is eight of soucce above ground level oF slié platform floor. 2 D, for open area by definition is equal to the 3. Hazard radius determine from tables in 5.6 {0 5.15, Sis distance from source to edge of solid platform. ard rat Hazardous areas shown shouldbe classed as Zone oF 2 depending on the grade of release (se $4 to $43). Allpitsand depressions in hazardous areas should be considered in accordance wit ine definition 65 second paragraph and 6.13. Figure 62. Hazardous area from point souree—open area—release hesvier than ait dispersed by wind, recognized by the IEC as noted in 6.13 as typical in the chemical and petroleum industries onland where most crude oil and gas processing, refining, storage and distribution plants are ‘open type structures. Typical air velocities found onland under these conditions are rarely less than 0.5 m/s and are frequently above 2my/s. 624 For this reason, except where otherwise qualified, as in the roofed atea of loading racks or in enclosed or partially enclosed noise-proofed or weather-proofed drilling rigs, mud tank systems, etc, the type examples given in Chapters 3 and 4 are based upon such open area conditions. Provided that the openness ofthe area isconfirmed, nothing further need be applied inthe use of these chapters. 622 Likewise in the alternative and more general point- source method of Chapter 5 all tabulations of the hazard radius base parameter are again, by definition, for the condition of full open area natural ventilation. In applying Chapter 5 to the area classification of point sources in open area conditions, the relationship between the read-off hazard radius and the full three- dimensional envelope of the hazard zone is directly determined as indicated in 5.5.5 Step 3{a) by the use of 65 Figure 62 0r6.3, dependent upon whether the releases lighter or heavier than air. 623 In all the assessments outlined above the degree of ‘openness of the surrounding topography of the site should also be considered, to ensure that there are not major unevenness or hollows where heavier-than-ait vapours might collect, nor sloping ground down which such vapours might run to lower levels of the installation, 624 Abnormal Topographical or Meteorological Limitations ‘Where severe limitations of topographical or meteoro- logical features occur, under what would otherwise be ‘open area (or undet 64 sheltered areas), it may be appropriate to note the [EC statement that ‘general artificial ventilation’ may be applied by the provision of suitably located fans to improve the general ventilation of the area. 625 The Use of a ‘Fire or Deflection Wall’ to Restriet a Hazard Zone Where limitation of space will not allow a source of ‘ignition (electrical or otherwise) to be located outside a hazardous area, the alternative may be considered of interposing an imperforate fire wall between theAREA CLASSIFICATION CODE FOR PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS % ee s a4 open oreo (release tighter than oir) owes: rd rads is detercined from tables in 57 2 Ground or solid floor ¥ 3 3 a i 3 x 2 = poser ae eeeeeeee caer we ma 3 rr 3 5 3 5 3 sts ts 2 Hasardous area i Zone 1 of 2 depending on grade of release (se 54 to $43) 3. Por lighter thanvaie release, height of source above ground isnot relevant (unless <3). 4 For mined lignter and heavier releases, asia @ hydroprocessng plant, see Appencix C. Figure 63. Hazardous a sources of release and potential ignition appropriately sized so that the equivalent vapour travel distance around the ends of or above the wall will be at least equal to or greater than the straight line distances derived from the standard assessment of the hazard zone dimensions. Such a deffection wall should be constructed to an adequate re resistance standard and be located so as to minimize the flame engulfment of facilities containing a significant quantity of flammable material, and may form part of the site boundary or the wall of a building, The wal should be on one side only of the facilities containing the source(s) of release, allowing free ventilation from the other three directions ‘Examples include the bund wall around a tank compound as in Figures 3.1 and 32, the reduction of separation distances asin LPG facilities (3.9 and the IP LPG Safety Code, Volume 1, the separation between power-driven equipment and process equipment by a gas-tight wall with a drive shaft seal (Chapter 8)) and ‘numerous cases in the compact circumstances of an offshore platform. 626 Liquid Ground Spills The hazard zone from a poo! of liquid in the open may be estimated from 5.1. The hazardous areas surround ing sumps, interceptors and separators in the open air are dealt with in 5.12. 63 LESS VENTILATED CONDITIONS OF SHELTERED OR ENCLOSED AREAS 634 ‘When lesser ventilarion prevails than under open area conditions air velocities are likely to be lower than will ensure turbulent diffusion, and persistence and layer- ing of vapours can occur, affecting both the extent of the hazard zone and the time for safe dispersal. 66 from point soures—open area—seleae lighter than air 632 Under these conditions, where there is @ likelihood of stagnancy of air movement, the following two situations need consideration: (a) Thecase where the sheltered or enclosed area itself contains an internal source of release. Where the sheltered or enclosed area, while not containing an internal source of release, abU\s oF Ties within an external hazard zone with which there is connection, © In both cases classification of the areas will be necessary, according to the degree of ventilation. ‘The criterion used in this Code for the assessment of the degree of ventilation is to determine whether under solely natural ventilation the concept of adequate ventilation as expressed in 6.34 will be met, in which case the facility can be treated as a sheltered area as in 6.4, or alternatively under this criterion the natural ventilation should be deemed inadequate. Where this is so, the facility should be treated as enclosed as in 6,5, and classed in accordance with the inadequave column in Table 6.1 or 62 and 65,1. Alternatively, consideration should be given to what type or level of artificial sentlation could be applied in order to attain the category of ‘artificial adequate ventilation’ as in 6.5.4, oF altematively to provide the higher ventilation levels outlined in Table 6.1 or 6.2 and 655 oF 658, 633. Preplanning in the course ofthis evaluation and atthe pre-planning stage the general principles stated in Chapter 2 should be borne in mind, These are: (a) That continuous and primary grade release in reduced ventilation locations such as a sheltered or enclosed area should where possible be avoided. A layout of facilities that by obstruction could create a sheltered area contiguous with the )VARIATION IN VENT! Table 6.1. Enclosed area with aa internal source of rele LATION CONDITIONS ase—effect of ventilation type an zone of hazardous area, ‘Type of ventilation Grade of Dilution f release Inadequate! Adequate?” attainable Overpressure Continuous Zone Zone 0" Non-hazardous Not applicable where there isan internal primary or ‘continuous grade of release, but may be applicable in Primary Zone 1” Zone J" Non-hazardous conjunction with edequate ventiaon to maintain an ‘enclose area containing only secondary grade Secondary Zone} Zone. 2.—-Now-harardous releases ws Zone 2 when surrounded by 4 Zone 0 oF area (eee 6.58) : Nous. Location of continuous ox primary grade sources within an enelved area snot acceptable practice and should be avoided 3, With adequate contacion for youtca within an enclosed are area ial 4. See 655 and 656, s With inadequate venation, fora Souree within an encased are the external zone clasieation wil be: ot continuous release, Zone 0s fors primeryrelease. Zone {fora secondary releae, Zone 2-Theextentoltheeextemal zones wil beas shown in| res 69 and 6.10, ea theexternal ote clasifcation wil be the sane a that ofthe enclosed ‘Anarea within a larger enclosure subject to local arf eentation iby extractor fan, shouldbe lasted according tothe Leal tniavion rate to that local area, ia ether dation ¢ adequate depending on which ie mel. 6 With a source of sal hazard radius, eg. «sample point the ventilation locally can somes be high enough to prevent the source Influencing the classification ofthe whole enclosure There would sl bea local Zone or? around the sure an theextent of tH zone should be greater than inthe open ar, ypiealy about vice, hazardous area of an open source of release (6.3.2, case (b)) should where possible likewise be avoided. 634 The Criterion of ‘Adequate Ventilation’? Where the design approach in 6.3.3 is not practicable and classification as a sheltered or enclosed areas to be carried out in accordance with 64 or 6.5 with their varied reliance on ventilation, it will first be desirable to understand the meaning of the term adequate venti- lation as expressed below. Adequate ventilation, natural, amtifcial or a com- bination of both, is not full ventilation as achieved in an unrestricted open area, but is a reference condition, used extensively in a number of codes worldwide and particularly offshore, having in these codes the defined meaning that it is “the achievement of a uniform ventilation rate of at least ewelve air changes an hour with no stagnant areas’, As such it will usually have air velocities lower than in an open area, and its application is to ensure that, in an area where the ‘Table 62, Enclosed area with no internal source of release but probability of release is limited and unlikely 10 be. sustained for a prolonged period, the ventilation normally is sufficient in air change to avoid persistence of a flammable atmosphere that may have developed, though insulicient to have avoided is initial form- ation. Its aim therefore is to provide a comparison standard to assist zone grading in such circurnstances, and its application is mainly to an enclosed or sheltered area which contains only secondary grade sources of release and/or openings into external Zone 2 areas (though sometimes there may be minor primary grade releases), Within this context, thata source of secondary grade release is one that is not expected to release in normal operation and, if it releases, is likely to do so only infrequently and for short periods, its use is as a “poundary criterion’ below which ventilation should be deemed deficient-—‘inadeguate’ for dispersion in respect of time—the object being to mitigate the severity of zone category (see Tables 6.1 and 6.2). Natural adequate ventilation is dealt with in 6.4.3) in connection with an outside hazard zone—effect of ventilation type on zone of hazardous area, Grade of release of external zone Inadequate Adequate Continuous, ie Zone 0 Primary, ie. Zone 1 Secondary, te, Zone 2 Zone Zone 0 Zone 1" Zone 1! Zone 1° Zone 2 “Type of ventilation Dilution Overpressure!” Not applicable Non-hazardous with source outside enclosed area, but see failure mode Not applicable (6.6.2) Not applicable Notes: &. Location of an enclosed area without overpressure protsction ia a Zone or | isnot acceptable practice and should be avoided. 2. An inadequately vemlated enclosed area within am external Zone? and not containing sowre of release may sometines be casted 48 Zone 2 when the ony aperture isa self-closing vapourtigit door. The requency of door opsting andthe sentafom lve aust be Considered 10 asses the sk 67AREA CLASSIFICATION CODE FOR PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS, for those types of sheltered conditions and artificial adequate ventilation in should be consulted. Te must be stressed that any lower level of ventilation encountered than the above must in both cases be treated as inadequate ventilation as defined in 6.5.7 and classified as in Tables 6.1 and 62. The failure of artificial adequate centilation is covered in 6.6.1 in 6.4.2), 5.4, and these NOTE: For a further background to this concept and a means of estimating clearance time by air change, reference may be made (o W. E. Gale, “Module ventilation rates quantified’, Oif and Gas Journal, 23 December 1985, pp. 39-42. 64 SHELTERED AREAS 644 There are a variety of natural ventilated situations where there is some restriction to free air circulation some associated withan otherwise open area layout but where there is an obstruction in the form of a wall, adjacent structure or open-sided roofing, which will intrude into what otherwise would be within the open area hazard zone; others where a partial restriction to natural air flow is inbuilt by design in the form of a structure that has pierced openings or louvres to give protection from the environment. ‘The term sheltered areais defined in 1.72and applies to any such part of an otherwise open area where natural ventilation is less than ina true open area but is adequate to avoid persistence of a flammable atmos- phere (sce 63.) “The procedure for the classification of the different types of sheltered area will therefore difer, as shown below. 642 Examples of the Different Types of Sheltered Areas (a) Onmany open area facilities itis often desirable to provide some kind of weather protection around some items of equipment, eg, pumps and com. pressors. Such weather protection is usually a roof, or some partial walling, For example, an onshore compressor house frequently has no walls below about 2.5m above grade with a ventilated roof space. The area below the walls is an open area, classifiable as such as in 62." “The area below the roof and between the partial Ils would be regarded as a sheltered area provided the ventilation were such that any flammable vapour was quickly dispersed by As a guideline to ie “openness” 2 rue of thumb is that such “inwallad section should havea total open length horizontally overat Teast $0% of the perimeter, equally distributed over atleast three ‘walls uch that theresa ee Now of aie. Thetotal open height should be at least 2.5m distibuted at high and low leves 68 natural ventilation with no stagnant areas, ic natural adequate ventilation, The classification of such an area is dealt with in 64:3). A similar ‘example isthe roofed-in area above the open area road tanker loading stand shown in Chapter 3 in the type diagram, Figure 36. (0) There is the second form of sheltered condition deseribed in 6.14 in which there is a building, module or similar structure which is not fully ‘open, but which has natural ventilation (generally less than that of an open building) provided by permanent openings made for ventilation purposes. ‘An example is where, instead of partial walling as in (a) above, the walls in this example continue to ground level, which is a typical offshore situation, but are provided with sufficient aper- tures on both sides to meet the ventilation requirement without any artificial ventilation. The whole area within the wals in such 2 case should be regarded as a sheltered area. “The classification ofthis type of facility is more complex than for example (a) since it is not possible to do this by inspection and simple type example, and it is necessary to check that the apertured area is sufficient to ensure a ventilation level that will meet at least the minimum criterion defined as adequate’ in 63.4 and further described in 64.310), 643 The Area Classification of Sheltered Areas Where the options expressed in 6.3.3 are not feasible and classification as a sheltered area has to be carried ‘out, the following classification steps should be applied in accordance with the guidance given in 6.3.4, and in items (a) and (b) below. In either case, because the obstruction reduces ventilation, the hazardous areashould (except where the release is such that its extent, as determined from its open air hazard radius, is small compared to the size of the sheltered dimensions as outlined in note 6 to Figure 66 and note 3 to Figure 6.7) extend throughout all of the sheltered area. This applies both when the source is located within the sheltered area and also when the hazardous area from an external source impinges on a sheltered area not itself containing a source of release. The criterion of adequate ventilation in 63.4, although less than in an open area, will by definition allow the natural dispersion of a release. The zonal classification of the hazardous area should therefore be the same as for the same source in an open area, For an internal release the recommended hazardous area around a sheliered area is shown in Figures 64 to 638. Sce also 5.5.5 Step 3(b) and items (a) and (b) following: (8) Simple sheltering as in6.4.2(a). Figures 6.4 and 6.5 show the recommended hazard zoning of an uunventilated and ventilated roof installed over an unwalled open area facility as described in the second paragraph of 6.4.22).VARIATION IN VENTILATION CONDITIONS, Vapour-tight r00f osm, 03%, = a in osm, cad f 1 L Open oreo ae unwatied t wee $e Piva “Sstsitos Shostar 8 ‘Notes: 1. The ares shovn around the roof shouldbe classed as hazardous and take the same zoneclassfeation when the hazardous area fom «souree outsde oF balow the area impinges upon i 2 Asin Figures 36,39, 113 and 3.14 in Chapter 3, where the two areas do not diecly impinge, itis prudent to inl the intermediate space ASshownln these figures, where the undeeying azardaone i Zone 1 the tei mediate space, up Co and including the root area, may be classed Zone 2 for heavier-theneie gases or vapours 3. Hy 8 obtained from Figure 62 for heavier-thae-aie gases or vapours and from Figure 6.3 for lighter-thaa-air gases. 4 See also 64.49) Figure 64, Extent of hazardous area around unventiated rf producing sheltered area above an opensided area: applicable to lighter or ‘heavier thn air gas or vapaut) In these figures the dimension H; is taken for heavier-than-air gases from Figure 6.2 and for lighter-than-air gases from Figure 63 (Hy in Figure 6.2 or 6.3 will have been derived from the open area hazard radius obtained for the particu- lar release item from the appropriate section of Chapier 5). NOTE: The classification of the underlying lunwalled open area will have been carried out, as, already described in 6.4.2(a), as an open area point source of release using the procedure of 5.5.5 Steps 1, 2 and Ha). When the open area hazard zone impinges on the sheltered area, the hazard zoning shown in Figure 6.4 or 6.5 should take the same zone classification, (b) Apertured or louvred sheltered area, Figures 66 and 6.7 apply to the case as described in 6.4.2(b) of 03m, o3A {een round pr OTOL Notes: a Source cuts of below the area impinges upon i «walled building, or offshore a module containing source of release which, as an alternative to being artificially ventilated, is ventilated by permanent ‘openings or louvres. The hazard radius to be input to these figures is the open area hazard radius as tabulated in 56 to 5.14 In such a case, as noted in 6.4.2(b), judgement is required to ascertain whether the perforations) ‘openings provided are sufficient to give adequate natural ventilation to avoid persistence of a flammable atmosphere subsequent to its form ation. The criterion to be used is that, following the termination of release, this will normally be achieved by a uniform ventilation rate of at least tweive air changes an hour in accordance with the definition under 6.3.4. A specialist should confirm this and the fact that there will be no stagnant areas, open aree unwailes down to Ground tevel classified asin Figs 6.2 0F 6.3 and chopter 5 ‘The tea shown around the roof shouldbe classified as hazardous and take une same zone clasieation when the hazardous ere fom ‘Asin Figures 16,39, 3.13 and 314i Chapter 3, where the to areas do not directly impinge, it is prudent to inl the intermediate space. As shown in thes figures, where the undesiying hazard ane is Zane [then the intermediate spnee, up 1 ad incuding the rook ates, may be elasied Zone 2 for heavier-than-ir gases or vapouce, 3. His obiained from Figure 6.2 for heavie-than-ait gases or vapours and from Figue 63 for lighterthanair gases, 4 Seo also 64.101, Figare 63 Extent of hazardous area around ventilated roof (producing sheltered area above an open-sided area: applicable to lighter or heavier than air gas oF vapour)‘This distance anoule ‘not be lees thon 0.3/4, 0.3%, (min) 0.34, (mind (See nore 4) 0.34, (mia) —] upward from top ce of uppermost 7 7 Ht aperture: vopour-tight Ay (oniad) ond extending root vertically down t to ground loval—| ‘ al Sour A L t Ground ‘ oF osama} | _s_ 7 ~, [=| Notes: 1. The open rea hazard radius etermined from 5 to 514, rom his he dimensions Dy, Ds, and H, ae obtained from Figure 62. 2. The above diagram ilstrates the case whete te release i real enough forthe pen area hazerd radius to substantially filo extend beyond the confines of the apertured walls. Two cases are relevant, vz 3, Because ofthe lower ventfaion within such a sheltered area compared to open area venation asin Figure 6.2, the minimum zooal Alipensionsencept For cases sin note 6 below) shoud be those given in Figures 6406.3, but wath the horizontal 3x #7 dimension ‘beyond the apertored wall extended verially down o ground vel ason the left-hand side of Figure 6 above. This applies where the = stance ofthe source af release Uo the walls greater than the open area hazard radius distance of the sours, ie. > Dy 4 Where the open area hazard rads of the soures would extent beyond un aperture wall (D, atthe right-hand side of Figure 6.6) the Zoned area should be extended toa least this extent, both horizontally and vertically imaccordsnce with the values of Dy, Daf, and ‘Hsin dh table of Figure 62, but should not be less than the 0.3, minimum distances both vertcally and horizontally above and beyond the conlines of the veltered area 5, Theaces ofzoning asdetermined in ots} and Sis classed Zone 1 o¢ 2vhroughoutitsentre arc acording othe grade of release of the source as estabised in 5 to 543 All pits and depressions within the 2one should be Zone in accordance with 65 seoond paragraph and 6.5.13, 6, Wathasouree of smaller hazard radius eg a sample point, the vomilarion locally can sometimes be high enough to prevent the source Jnfivencng the clasifcation of the whole enelossre. There would stil be local Zone or 2 around the source and the extent of this one should be greater thon in the open ait, fyproally about twice the hazard rads in an ozen crea (see note 6 to Table 6.) Figure 66, Extcat of hazardous area around sheltered area with perforated walls containing source (ans or vapour heavier than air) and meeting the eiterion of adequate ventilation oan, wind 0.3 moni i jteniny, | | 034, (min) 7° i from top of 034, (rin) uppermost operture “| ah Vopour-tight root ‘ 4 (on) Ground fe ho + [Notee: 1. Theapen area hazard ods fetaken ftom 5Betein Chapter 5 (see alto 64.) The dimensions HD, and #7, are then obtained from the able of Figure 63. The'D 347, (in vertical zonings around the vapour-tight roof should be dreWn upwards from the top ofthe luppermost apertures, and vertially downwards as indicated inthe diagram, 2. Notes 3 and 4 t0 Figure &6 apply also to Figure 67 3. Witha source of smaller hezard radius, c a sample point, the venation locally can somtimes be high enough to prevent the source infencing the easfeation ofthe whol enclosure, There would stil bea local Zone! or 2around the soure and the extent ofthis tne should be greater than in the open ai, {ypically about twice (see 64.3(6) and note 6 to Table 6.) Figure 67. Extent of hazardous aren around sheltered area with perforated walls. containing source (gas or vapour lighter than the ertzrion of adequate ventilation and meeting 70VARIATION IN VENTILATION CONDITIONS With such a confirmation the zonal classi- fication of the hazardous area should, as indicated in note 3 to Table 6.1, be the same as for the same source in an open area with extension externally as in Figure 6.6 or 6.7 forall cases where the hazard radius of the release derived from 5.6 to 5.14 is, significant in size relative to the dimensions of the apertured or louvred facility, in which circum- state the openings of this structure should themselves be treated as a source of release to the exterior. The notes to Figures 6.6 and 6.7 outline the case where, as in a very large covered building, the release in comparison will be dispersed prior to reaching the apertures. In the assessment of ventilation, air flow through an opening is a factor of pressure difference across it, and wind strength and incidence of wind direction. These are variable and consideration should include the lower velocity range of 0.5 m/s for onland conditions. Apertures should be distributed around the walls at both high and low levels in order to promote good mixing, having regard to higher or lower than air density. I has been stated that there is little to be gained by using a large number of apertures of very small dimensions and that for practical purposes a minimum vent size should be 200. 200 mm, One set of guidance is given in M.R. Marshall, ‘The Effect of Ventilation on the Accumulation and Dispersal of Flammable Gases’, Institution of Chemical Engineers th International Symposium, Harrogate, 1983. If the adequate ventilation criterion of 6.34 ‘cannot be assured, the building or module should be regarded as an enclosed area, with inadequate ventilation as indicated in Table 6.1, with con- sideration of augmentation by artificial ventilation as in 6.5 below. (©) Figure 63 covers the case of a wall that creates a ‘s Radius Neer as source Plan view Notes: 1. Dis obtained feom Figure 62 or Figure 63. 2. Thewal shouldextnd toa lest the fl vertical height of the hazardous area iso be used 9s a defestion wal se ners Figure 63 Extent of hzzardous area around wall producing Sheltered area (ges or vapour lighter or heavier than a) n sheltered area, It also illustrates the effects of a wall as a deflection wall, as in 6.2 (a) Piss and depressions in a hazard zone. See under enclosed areas in 6.5 and 6.5.1.3 65 ENCLOSED AREAS ‘An enclosed area is any building, room or enclosed space within which, in the absence or breakdown of artificial ventilation, the ventilation will be limited and any flammable atmosphere will not be dispersed naturally (see 6.3.4) Ic includes buildings or offshore modules that are not substantially open to the outside air and, for releases that are heavier than air, also any pits or depressions where the ventilation is likely to be less than in an open area, As a guide, a pit or depression should be regarded as enclosed when the width is less than six times the depth, ‘The enclased area should be assumed to bein contact, with an outside area unless the enclosed walls, ceilings, floors and any ducting are of vapour-tight con- struction, A vapour-tight door or hatch, locked in normal operation and opened only under permit, or air-locked doors need not be considered as apertures (Gee also 6.5.{a) and (b)) 65.1 The Area Classification of an Enclosed Area 65.11 Enclosure Containing an iniernat Source of Release (@) When a source of release is located within an enclosed area then the enclosure should be classified, depending upon the grade of release and the degree of ventilation as shown in Table 6.1 and its footnotes, both for the case where the only ventilation is navural ventilation which is inade- quate by the criterion of 63.4 and for cases where varying levels of artificial ventilation are provided. This table thus takes into account the different form and degree of artificial ventilation that may be applied, as described in 6.5.2 to 6.6.3 following. (©) Inpre-planning, note should be taken of note I to Table 6.1; continuous grade releases in enclosures are not accepted practice, unless small with local ‘artificial oF dilution ventilation, asin 6.3.4 oF 655, and primary grade releases should as far as possible be avoided or made small. Notes 5 and 6 to Table 6.1 are therefore Pertinent, as recognised in Step 3(¢) of 5.5.5 (cases {and (i). Thusin the case of a very large building with only natural ventifation relative to which there are only moderate releases, classification of the whole building would be unnecessary. Where it is unavoidable that a continuous or significant primary grade release is generated within a building or enclosure beyond the scope of local artificial ot dilution ventilation, it should notAREA CLASSIFICATION CODE FOR PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS. vapour tant walt ond roof ~~ Sround Note: 1. The vertical dimension H, ofthe external zone area is taken asf the largest source in the enlosed area were situated a the top of he aperture, beightf The valuesof Dy, tables in 58 10 514 (se also 6.3.9). 714 and Hf, shoul be iaken from Figure 6.2 using the open ic hazard us obtained from the 2, The zone numbering for bot the Ineraal and surrounding exteeal areas should be taken in accordance with the venation tvel rade of release clationships shown in Table 6.1 adits notes 3 Aitpits and depressions within & hesvir-than-ais hazardous area need special consideration (eee 65.13), Figure 69. Extent oT hazardous area around the aperture ofan enclosed area containing a source of release (gas or vapour heavier than ai) discharge internally but should be piped directly toan outside safe location through closed ducting (see 6.5.9(0) (©) Any openings in the walls or roof of the enclosure should be regarded as sources of release with respect to the area outside the enclosure. The hazardous area should be drawn from the ‘opening(s) based on the biggest hazard radius of all of the sources within the enclosure, as shown in Figures 6.9 and 6.10. The zone number of these external areasis given in notes 2and 3 to Table 6.1. 65.12 Enclosure Not Containing an Internal Source of Release ‘When thete are no sources within the enclosed area but the enclosure is sited with an opening(s) into an external hazardous area, then the enclosure should be classified with the zone determined from that of the external area and the degree of protective intemal ventilation that is provided, in accordance with Table 6.2 and its Footnotes. “Overpressure protection’ as referred to in note L of “Table 6.2is described in 6.5.8 and provision for its toss in 662. 65.13 Pits or Depressions ‘A pitor depression as defined in 6.5, second paragraph, ‘and without artificial ventilation should be regarded as inadequately ventilated, rather than asa sheltered area, and should be given a more severe zone number than the surrounding area, as in Figures 3.1 and 3.2 652. The Factors of Seleetion for the Various Forms of Artificial Ventilation ‘The artificial ventilation of an enclosed area may be cither general or local, according to circumstances, and. for both of these of differing degree according to the following orders of magnitude that can be practicable in respect of rate of air movement and replacement: {a) Ventilation rate to meet the requirements for the continuous dilution of flammable gases and vapours such that a flammable atmasphere cannot occur. (b) Ventilation rate to meet the requirements for the dispersion of an already accumulated release of flammable gases and vapours, that is related to time. (©) Ventilation rate limits to meet the general comfort requirements of acceptability to operators. ro 7 a Notes: Thedimensions H,,D, and A, ae taken from the table of Figure 63 using the open ar hazard radius forte largest Source of telease obtained from te appropriatesetion of ‘Chapter 5 (ee also 6594a), 2, Forteleaseslighter than air, Hy and Hae taken from the top and bottom of the aperture respectively. 3, The zone number should be determined from Table 6, owns ee fa Figure 6.10, Extent of hazardous zea around the aperture of an fnclosed area containing a source of release (gas lighter than sit)VARIATION IN VENTILATION CONDITIONS ‘There can be obvious practical fimitations toa), due to the high rates of ventilation input that would be required in other than small enclosed spaces unless the maximum possible rate of release can be positively restricted to a low order of magnitude. The second category (b) can reduce the zonal classification, eg. for secondary grade releases, where a certain time for clearance is acceptable (see adequate ventilation in 63.4), In tespect of (€) the tolerance factor of personnel comfort (sometimes quoted as six air changes an hour) can be a limitation to general as opposed to local entiation. 653 Comparison between the Types of “General” and ‘Loca?’ Artificial Ventilation and the Different Levels that can arise {@) From the foregoing items (a) and (c)in 6.5.2 it ean be seen that there can be an obvious limitation on what can be provided by means of general artificial ventilation, especially where a large area (or building) is concerned and unless any releases involved are small. As stated by IEC, local artificial ventilation (defined in TEC 79-10 a8 (i) an air/vapour extraction system applied to @ process. ‘machine or vessel which continuously or periodi- cally releases flammable vapour or (ji) a forced oF extract ventilated local area where itis expected that explosive (fammable) atmospheres may otherwise occur’) will usually be more effective than natural and general artificial ventilation in diluting gas/air mixtures. In practice, in addition to the type there is also a choice in the level of artificial ventilation, as reflected in the IEC79-10 recognition that ‘In some cases, however, the degree of ventilation. may be so good that the extent of the zone may be so small as to be negligible or the zone may have a higher number or in the limit may become non- hazardous. On the other hand, the degree of ventilation may be so poor that the zonal classification will have a larger extent and in some cases a lower zone aumber.” Such a sequence in levels ranging from high and medium to low is represented in this Code under the sub-sections dilution ventilation (6.5.5), ade- quate ventilation (6.3.4 and 65.4) and inadequate enuilation (6.5.7). In the detailed consideration of the application of artificial ventilation, which will for the reasons outlined above be usually local artificial venti- lation (ee 6,56), it will be convenient frst to give details ofthe choice of the alternatives of adequate ventilation (64) oF dilution ventilation (under 653). o 654 Adequate Ventilation of an Enclosed Area Adequate ventilation in the usage of this term in this B and other codes has been defined in 6.3.4 as being not Tull ventilation but as the achievement of a uniform tenuilarion cate of at least twelve changes an hour. ‘As such it will usually have air velocities lower than in an open area situation, and its application to the evaluation of a sheltered area with natural ventilation as outlined in 6.4.2(b) has been described in 6.4.3(b. In the case of adequate ventilation applied by artificial means, the criterion is the same. Unlike dilution ventilation (see 6.5.5, itis not related to the anticipated size or release rate of a source and, unless this latter is small, will not prevent the initial formation of a flammabie atmosphere but, normally following the termination of the release, will be sufficient to avoid persistence of that laminable level within the enclosure beyond a limited period. Specialist advice should confirm that there will be no stagnant areas, which may require some further focal artificial ventilation as dealt with in 6.5.6 in parts of the enclosed area. There should be adequate warning eg. by gas detectors, of any release so that action can be taken to stop the release, or take other appropriate measures as, in 66.1 to shut down unprotected equipment. If the above area classification criteria cannot be ‘met, the zoning should be assessed as under 6.57 for inadequate ventilation NOTE: For adequate ventilation the ventilation air should normally be drawn from a non-hazardous area, or if this is not practicable from an external Zone 2 area, but must not be drawn from an area thatis Zone O or Zone L 685. Dilution Ventilation For a given source and rate of release there can be a stage at which, by sufficiently increasing the air ventilation rate in the vicinity of the source, it may be possible to bring about a progressive reduction in the extent of the hazardous spread until its extent is negligible, Dilution ventilation is thus ventilation as recognized by IEC of an enclosed area at such a rate that the probability of the formation of a flammable atmos- phere being even initially produced following release is so low that the area may be considered non-hazardous. ‘The ventilation must be sufficient to diluteimmediately any release or production of flammable vapour. The ventilation air must be taken from outside a hazardous The estimated ventilation rate required should be based on the total release from all primary grade sources plus the maximum secondary grade release Should simultaneous release from more than one secondary grade source be likely then the total release tnust be considered. The ventilation should be designed so that the flammable concentration would generally be less than 20% of the fower flammable limit. SpecificAREA CLASSIFICATION CODE FOR PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS, rates cannot be given to cover individual cases because of the variations that can occur between equipment. For example, for gas turbine hoods containing release sources on the fuel piping, a ventiiation rate of 90 air changes per hour primarily for cooling purposes has been found to be acceptable, provided release sources within the hood are minimized (see also 87.4). A further example is a closed analyser house when 30 air changes per hour can be typical. The design of the vemilation system must ensure that there are no stagnant regions and that the immediate mixing and dilution are as required. The design of the ventilation system, including duplication as necessary of critical items, should be such that ventilation failures unlikely. The classification of such a system is shown in Table 6.1, and actions necessary in the event of ventilation failure in 6.62. NOTE: Dilution ventilation, as a form of local artificial ventilation, can also be applied to the inside of the casing of an electrical apparatus or instrument within which there is a flammable release during operation. See Chapter 7 and BS 5245 Part 5, 1983, “Installation and Maintenance Requirements for Electrical Apparatus Protected by Pressurisation “p” and by Continuous Dilution, and for Pressurised Rooms, for details, including an example calculation of the dilution requirements in its Appendix A. Having described adequate and dilution ventilation, these may be selected as indicated in 6.5.6 656 Local Artificial Ventilation Local artificial ventilation has been described in 6.5.3 03 air movement and replacement with fresh air by artificial means applied to a particular source of release or local area within a more general area, This system, which will usually be more effective than natural or general artificial veatifacion, is normally used within larger enclosed areas that are mainly non-hazardous, but as in note 6 to Table 6.1 contain one or more sources of release of small hazard radius, or with primary grade source within an enclosed area Tt may typically be a hood over the source of release with extraction of the flammable atmosphere by a fan exhausting through ducting outside the encfosed area. Fora release of small hazard radius, the ait flow can be sufficient to obtain dilution ventilation as in the examples given in 6.5.5. Alternatively, it can be used to restrict the extent of the hazardous area and avoid the need to classify all of the building as Zone 1 With local artificial ventilation the number of air cchanges in the local area therefore should be deter- mined, and the local ventilation estimated a3 either dilwsion oF adequate, in accordance with Table 6.1, The total local ventilation area must be so classified and shoud be no smaller than the hazardous area which the source would produce in an open area. Itshould be noted that while the discharge throw of " a ventilation fan can be appreciable, itseffective suction reach can be litle more than one fan diameter. 65.7 Inadequate Ventilation (a) Where a source of release is within an area of emulation that is ess than adequate, as defined in 6.5.4, the classification given in Table 6.1 should be applied to the whole of the enclosure. Thus a continuous grade will, and a primary grade may, lead to Zone 0, and a secondary grade to Zone 1, unless there are special factors such as. very infrequent and small release, and/or monitoring of the release with an alarm, when a higher zone ‘number may be considered. It is, however, good practice, as stated in 65.1.1(b} to avoid having a continuous or primary grade release within an enclosed area unless the releases are minor and appropriate artificial ventilation can be provided. In a big building, the volume of which is large compared with the hazardous area around the source of release, the building 2s a whole need not necessarily be considered to have no ventilation {see note 6 to Table 6.1). For an inadequately ventilated enclosure not containing a source of release see Table 62, including note 2. © © 638 Overpressure Vent (Pressurization) ‘This is artificial ventilation of an enclosed area so that the enclosed area is maintained at 2 pressure above atmospheric and at a pressure sufficiently above that of the surrounding area to prevent possible ingress of a flammable atmosphere from an outside source.* The ventilation air must be taken froma non-hazardous area and proved to be gas free by gas detectors. Its use is to maintain as non-hazardous an enclosed area not containing a source of release but located in a ‘hazardous area. [tcan also be used, in conjunction with adequate ventilation, to maintain an enclosed area containing only secondary grade sources as Zone 2 when surrounded by an area classified as Zone 0 of Zone |. ‘The pressure differential between the areas should be controlled to at least Simm water gauge (50 N/m?) Warning, preferably audible and visual, should be provided for a loss of pressure differential. See also actions in the event of ventilation failure in 6.6.3, If access exists between an external Zone J and an overpressure protected non-hazardous area, then an ait lock should be installed to prevent direct connection, Because the pressure differential can drop momentarily during use of the air lock, some delay on activation of any shutdown of electric equipment may be considered. "Where there are adjacent nomhacardous Zane 2and Zone J areas, which isdesized to Keepseparate by this means, then the pressure in the norchasardous area must be grester than in the Zone 2 area, ‘which must have a greater pressure than the Zone / area.VARIATION IN VENTILATION CONDITIONS, Enclosed Enclosed ‘ree 2 Figure 6.11, Vent from more than one encloted sea vented with parallel ai flows Such a delay following an audible alarm should typically not need to exceed 30 seconds. NOTE: Overpressure protection as a form of local artificial ventilation can also be applied direct to the enclosed casing of electrical apparatus in which thereis an incendive potential (see again. BS 5345 Part 5). In such cases air or an inert gas may be used and may serve other purposes also, such as @ coolant for motors (see also Table 7.1, Appendix F and the IP Blecirical Safety Code, 1990 revision). (Both pressurization and continuous dilution permit electrical apparatus of these categories to be installed in hazardous areas where other types of protection are impracticable or uneconomic.) 659 Vents and Other Openings from an Enclosure (@) Any openings in the walls, roof or floor of the enclosure containing a source of release should be regarded as a source with respect to the area outside the enclosure. The hazardous area should be drawn from the opening based on the biggest hazard radius of all of the sources within the enclosure, as shown in Figures 69 and 6.10. {b)_ The following openings need not be considered as sources of release in the boundary between adjacent areas: () Airlock doors, provided that the enclosed or sheltered area contains the source of release or is pressurized, (ii) Vapour-tight doors or hatches which are locked in normal operation and opened only under permit or for escape of personnel. (ii) A self-closing door between Zone J and Zone 2 hazardous areas. (6) Vents from artificial ventilation systems (other than with dilution ventilation) should also be regarded as sources of release. When the vent is from a single enclosure then the hazardous area should be based on the largest hazard radius of the individual sources as derived from Chapter 5, When the vent is from more than one enclosed area ventilated with parallel air fiows, as in Figure 6.11, and there are no continuous or primary grade sources, then some dilution of any flammable _aimosphere would have taken place before release, ‘The hazardous area from the combined vent may then be based on a hazard radius one level lower 8 than the largest, Le. with a hazard radius of 75m the hazardous area may be based on a radius of 3m, 6.6 THE EFFECT OF LOSS OF VENTILATION ON THE AREA CLASSIFICATION OF AN ENCLOSURE In enclosed areas with artificial ventilation, the classification guidance given in Tables 6.1 and 6.2 has assumed that the nentilation indicated is in operation, since this will be the normal situation on which it is, based, If this ventilation were to become inoperable the classification situation would revert to that of ‘inadequate’ in these tables, and it is necessary 10 consider what provision should be made against the risk of this occurring Thus the ventilation system should be designed to be reliable, with, for example, automatic startup of a standby fan in the event of fan failure. Power for the main and standby fans should rot be from a common supply. However, whilst total ventilation failure is unlikely it could occur and the actions required are considered below. 66.1 Provisions for Loss of Adequate Ventilation An enclosed area classified as Zone 2 by virtue of adequate ventilation normally contains only secondary grade sources of release andjor openings into Zone 2 areas. It may sometimes contain small primary grade sources. On loss of adequate ventilation and in accord with the definition of a secondary grade of release in 63.4 there will nt necessarily bean immediate development of a flammable atmosphere and it may be considered acceptabie, subject to monitoring of the atmosphere and of plant conditions, to continue for a period without electrical isolation of equipment not suitable for use in Zone I ‘Nevertheless, there should be an audio-visual alarm to indicate ventilation loss and a written procedure to cover both the degree of monitoring necessary and the action to be taken when any development of a fammable atmosphere is anticipated. Fixed gas de- ‘ectors should normally be provided. Equipment not