Latest Case Studies & White Papers

Gardner Denver has created a new guide exploring how ATEX regulations and IECEX standards for controlling explosive atmospheres in plants and refineries can impact on compressor systems.

Available to download for free from bit.ly/2OFauGe, the guide covers the most important aspects of ATEX and IECEX certification, with an explanation of key concepts, and a list of countries where the standards apply. It also includes top tips to minimise risks and costs regarding air compressors.

For managers, it is crucial to understand what these ‘hazardous areas’ involve, to determine special precautions that should be taken, and precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment.

The International Electrotechnical Commission has published a new Technical Specification called IEC 60079-32-1: “Explosive atmospheres - Part 32-1: Electrostatic hazards - Guidance”. This Technical Specification is a guidance document which is the latest addition to the IEC series of 60079 “Explosive Atmospheres” standards that are designed to limit fires and explosions caused by electrical malfunctions within hazardous areas.

Could the recent inspections in China looking at hazardous chemicals, mining and fire safety bring about more local standards and regulations? With so many to navigate globally already, is there instead scope to for creating a common ‘EX’ language?

Flow measurement is a critical aspect of plant and process operation in many industries. Users choosing equipment to measure the flow of liquid or gas processes must consider a wide range of factors to arrive at an optimal solution. Experience has shown there are significant differences between flow meter technologies, with each type of device having its own advantages and disadvantages. The following article describes the key criteria in flow meter selection. It evaluates the most common instrument designs and offers guidance in implementing the right solution for specific applications.

Could the recent inspections in China looking at hazardous chemicals, mining and fire safety bring about more local standards and regulations? With so many to navigate globally already, is there instead scope to for creating a common ‘EX’ language?

Although static electricity can be regarded as a difficult subject to grasp, it is also vital that anyone operating in hazardous areas or with flammable materials is aware of the risks.
This case study reviews an incident where vacuuming off-spec Toluene from a sump caused the vapours to ignite from a static spark discharge. The primary cause determined through an investigation, was that the truck was not grounded, causing the build-up and eventual discharge of static electricity, causing the vapour to explode.

Ericsson is a leading provider of technology, infrastructure and services to telecommunications operators around the world. As the world’s largest supplier of mobile networks, Ericsson provide mobile and broadband connections to more than 2 billion people globally.

In the UK, Ericsson has a team of over 500 lone workers who carry out maintenance services across the country. Working around the clock and in remote locations, lone working engineers use StaySafe to check-in with their supervisors while they work.

This article is based on a paper we presented recently at BulkEx 2018, entitled ATEX and Explosion Hazards in the Materials Handling Industry. In that presentation we addressed a fundamental question: Competence v Compliance?

Gardner Denver’s Ultima compressor still sets benchmark in oil-free technology

For those seeking a best-in-class oil-free system, Gardner Denver’s CompAir Ultima compressor sets a benchmark in performance, operational efficiencies and for meeting the highest possible air quality standards. (Read More)

Static Earthing Protection for Vacuum Tankers

Vacuum tankers provide a wide range of services to the hazardous process industries, ranging from storage tank cleaning to the recovery of combustible materials resulting from leaks and spills. A key feature of this type of service is the recovery of materials in locations with potentially combustible atmospheres.

Static electricity is a well-known ignition source within the hazardous process industries and because the (Read More)