Hydrogen, biogas and biomethane need Ex equipment for the right gas group, IIC for hydrogen. Maffioletti supplies certified products and custom builds.
In the hydrogen chain, hazardous areas are found around electrolysers, compressors, storage, loading points and refuelling stations. Hydrogen is gas group IIC, temperature class T1: it has a very wide flammable range and a very low minimum ignition energy, and because it is lighter than air it tends to collect under roofs in enclosed spaces. Zones 1 and 2 are typical.
Biogas and biomethane are mainly methane (IIA, T1), with zones around digesters, gas holders, upgrading units and compressors; any H2S is also toxic. Pellets and biomass produce combustible dust. In battery energy storage systems a fault can release flammable and toxic gases, so the risks are assessed case by case.
As an authorised Pepperl+Fuchs partner we supply intrinsic safety components. We design and assemble custom enclosures and electrical panels in-house; junction boxes and control stations are also available with our 72-hour Express service. You can set up your enclosure with the online configurator.
Through Atex Italia we also offer consulting on area classification, training and inspections. Contact us for a proposal.
You need equipment certified for group IIC (or IIB + H2 for some flameproof enclosures), cable glands certified for the same group and gas detectors mounted high up. For instrumentation, intrinsic safety is a widely used solution.
Hydrogen is much lighter than air, so it rises and collects under roofs and ceilings. Detectors are therefore placed above potential release sources, taking the ventilation airflow into account.
As a rule, yes: around digesters, gas holders, upgrading units and compressors there are areas classified for methane, group IIA, T1. The type and extent of the zones are defined by area classification to IEC/EN 60079-10-1.