In the digital transformation of workplaces handling hazardous materials and high-pressure gases, "optimizing explosion-proof areas based on precise risk assessments" is a promising approach.
However, those who are intimately familiar with the site are likely to make the calm and realistic judgment that "even if an evaluation is conducted, a process area with densely packed equipment will not be designated as a non-explosion-proof area."
The judgment is based on a deep understanding of the situation on site, but if we shift our perspective slightly and focus on the "outer perimeter of the process area" and the "tank yard," the situation changes dramatically.
■ Why is there room for improvement in the "periphery of the process area" and the "tank yard"?
There are clear reasons why these areas can be optimized.
[Peripheral area of the process area]
In the outer perimeter of process areas and tank yards, "Grade 2 emission sources" such as flanges and valves make up the majority. When these are carefully risk-assessed, it is often found that non-explosion-proof areas can be secured for many materials, or that they can be contained within an explosion-proof area of about 1 meter.
[Tank Yard]
Traditionally, the entire tank yard was considered an explosion-proof area.
However, by carefully re-evaluating the release sources within the tank itself (such as tank vents), flanges and valves in the surrounding piping, and oil-water separators, the explosion-proof area can be significantly reduced.
▼You can see the difference in the explosion-proof area before and after the risk assessment here▼
https://fpec-demo.yusei-design.com/business/hac/old-new/#hac-merit
■ Securing non-explosion-proof areas broadens the options for the entire site.
If these areas are categorized as "non-explosion-proof," the hurdles to digital transformation will be significantly lowered.
- Installation of Wi-Fi repeaters: Enables the efficient construction of a communication network that covers the entire site.
• Utilization of general-purpose devices: Regular smartphones and tablets, which were previously difficult to bring on board, can now be used for inspections and reporting while on the go or at work sites.
While it is practically very difficult to make a process area with a high concentration of equipment a non-explosion-proof area, there is a good possibility of securing a non-explosion-proof area in the "outer perimeter" or "tank yard."
The uniformly defined explosion-proof areas are being refined to an "appropriate range" through precise risk assessment.
This is a realistic step towards promoting digital transformation.
