Do workshops using sodium chlorate need to be explosion-proof?
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Dear experts, I have a question: Since sodium chlorate is used for oxidation reactions in the workshop, and the fire classification of this workshop is Category A, is it possible to omit explosion-proof measures for the electrical equipment? Can the workshop itself also be without explosion-proof features? According to GB50058, this standard is not applicable in environments with strong oxidizing agents. Additionally, there are no flammable gases or liquids in this workshop either. Please provide an answer; I would be very grateful
What is the basis for this? I mainly want to find the specific provisions
It’s better to add an explosion-proof feature. The provisions are unclear, but the additional investment in this area is very limited, and it can ensure safety to a certain extent. So it’s better not to get stuck on it.
It’s not that I’m being overly pedantic; the approval process suggests that it’s not necessary to use explosion-proof measures, so I’m quite conflicted. I’m trying to find convincing regulations – previously, explosion-proof measures were required for Class A areas in the workshop
If the workshop is classified as a Class A fire hazard due to the use of sodium chlorate, then according to the requirements of Chapter 3 of GB50058, it is not considered an explosion-hazardous area; therefore, non-explosion-proof electrical equipment can be used. Of course, if flammable liquids of Class A or B are used as solvents, or if combustible gases are released during the production process, the workshop should be classified as an explosion-hazardous area. Electrical appliances should be of explosion-proof type. Just take a look at the design of your safety facilities and see if the workshop is designated as an explosion-hazardous area.
If the workshop is classified as Category A for fire hazards due to the use of sodium chlorate, and no other Category A or B solvents are used, nor are any flammable gases generated during the reaction process, then according to G Standard 50058, the workshop does not need to be designated as an explosion-hazardous area. Take a look at the safety facility design.
It’s similar to your approach; I’m still waiting for the owner’s safety assessment
The fire hazard has nothing to do with whether explosion protection is required or not; the standards applicable in each case are different. If a reaction does not produce flammable gases and there is no risk of explosion, then explosion protection is not necessary. It is unrelated to whether the facility falls into Category A or B; some facilities in Category C still require explosion protection measures.
At present, there are no flammable gases or liquids, and the reaction products do not include those two substances either. So, should building explosion protection measures be considered for the possibility of sodium chlorate exploding due to intense heat or as a result of collisions?
The key lies in the severity of your reactions and the emergency measures required in extreme situations. In cases of severe reactions due to high temperatures, it might be necessary to install emergency shutdown systems, rupture disc venting systems, quenching systems, as well as various safety interlocks related to temperature and pressure. As for explosion prevention, I don’t think it’s necessary to focus on making the building explosion-proof; rather, the emphasis should be on selecting equipment with sufficient pressure resistance. If you are really worried, you can consider separating this reaction area into a separate compartment, using explosion-proof walls for separation.