Discussion on the Layout of the Main Control Room in Chemical Plants
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I have a project related to viscose fiber, and the main control room for the entire factory is located in the corridor between two Class C workshops. Currently, paradoxically, although both workshops are classified as Category C, some of the work areas within one of them are classified as Category A sites with explosion hazards, and corresponding Category A equipment is installed there. Some experts suggest that, in accordance with Article 3.6.8 of the building codes, the main control room for factories of Class A and B that are prone to explosions should be located separately. According to Section 5.2.16 of the petrochemical regulations, the control rooms, cabinet rooms, power distribution stations, laboratories, offices, etc. of equipment shall not be located in the same building as rooms containing Class A or Class B equipment. When the control room of the installation is built together with other buildings, an independent fire compartment should be provided. Question 1: How to understand independent setup? Does it count as a separate installation if it is located in the corridor connecting the two workshops? Question 2: From the perspective of the building, are the corridor and the two workshops part of the same building? Question 3: Are there any other regulatory guidelines regarding the setup of the main control room in chemical production? Question 4: If this setup is adopted, what specific requirements should be imposed on the main control room? I hope experienced sea travelers can offer some valuable suggestions. Thank you!
Neither building codes nor petrochemical regulations permit the main control room to be in the same building as areas with Class A explosion hazards; therefore, it must be installed separately and with adequate safety distances maintained.
Well, the key point is that actually both workshops are classified as Category C; it’s just that some of their sections are classified as Category A. So, does the entire factory building count as a \"factory building of Categories A or B with explosion hazards\"?”
If it cannot meet the requirements of Article 3.1.2 of the building codes and the accompanying explanatory provisions, then it can only be classified as Acid Class A.
If the area classified as Category A exceeds 5%, then the entire workshop is classified as Category A. The sub-control rooms of Class A and B factories that pose an explosion risk should be located separately; when placed adjacent to the exterior wall, they must be separated from other areas by non-combustible walls with a fire resistance rating of not less than 3.00 hours.