XD Solutions / Explosion Proof Protection for Industrials’ Hazardous Environment

The use of explosion-proof lighting is crucial for any business operation that is classified as a hazardous environment. Explosion-Proof Lighting is specially designed for use in areas where explosive and flammable gases such as hydrogen, methane, propane and other hydrocarbons are present. These harsh and hazardous environments potentially contain explosive gases and vapors which increase the risks for explosions that may occur if proper precautions are not in place. Thus, the explosion-proof lighting solution is significant in reducing the risk of explosion which will undoubtable damage equipment or injure people.

Featuring the industry's broadest range of LED luminaires for harsh and hazardous environments, Eaton's Crouse-Hinds can deliver a lighting solution that performs reliably in even the worst operating conditions. The solution is not only limited to safety, but will also help to reduce your energy, maintenance and manpower costs.

Customer Challenges:

A light switch may cause a small, harmless spark when switched on or off. In an ordinary household this is of no concern, but if a flammable atmosphere is present, the arc might start an explosion. In many industrial, commercial, and scientific settings, the presence of such an atmosphere is common, or at least a commonly possible occurrence. Protecting against fire or explosion is of interest for both personnel safety as well as reliability reasons.

In an industrial plant, such as a refinery or chemical plant, handling of large quantities of flammable liquids and gases creates a risk of explosion. Coal mines, grain mills, elevators, and similar facilities likewise present the risk of a dust cloud. In some cases, the hazardous atmosphere is present all the time, or for long periods.

In other cases, the atmosphere is normally non-hazardous, but a dangerous concentration can be reasonably predicted such as operator error or equipment failure. Locations are thus classified by type and risk of release of gas, vapor, or dust. Various regulations use terms such as Class, Division, Zone, and Group to differentiate the various hazards.

The other challenge that industrial segments constantly face is operation cost that impacts the working capital significantly.   High replacement cost due to the lifespan of conventional lighting is shorter compared to LED explosion proof lighting. Moreover, the high power consumption from conventional lighting will increase the utility bill and will become a burden for the industrial plant.

XD Solutions: HPLN LED Hazardous Area Light Fixtures

Crouse-Hinds series HPLN LED fixtures are designed and approved for mid bay and high bay downlighting in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. Multiple versions of the HPLN LED are available in 8 models ranging from 3,000 lumens to 25,000 lumens, providing a lighting solution for areas with mounting heights from 8 feet (2.5 meters) to 40 feet (12 meters). Crouse-Hinds provides a single solution for a wide range of lighting applications.

HPLN LED luminaires are engineered to provide maintenance-free operation, while delivering long life and high lumen performance.  A compact, high-efficacy design provides up to 136 lumens per watt, and custom narrow, medium or wide optics ensure ideal light distribution and intensity. Multiple mounting options, including stanchion, pendant, ceiling, wall and trunnion, provide installation flexibility.

HPLN LED fixtures are ideal for indoor and outdoor general area lighting in oil & gas refineries, drilling rigs, loading docks and tunnels, petrochemical or pharmaceutical facilities, and other industrial applications where flammable or explosive vapours or gases are present.

Benefits

Installing Explosion-Proof lighting reduces explosive risks by preventing the ignition of flammable gases and vapours in enclosed environments. Explosion-Proof lighting are designed to isolate sparks within the unit to prevent explosions from escaping. During an explosion, this greatly minimizes the risk of the explosive reaction from spreading or igniting volatile substances in the area. The products feature a thick casing that covers the lights, though it should be noted that the units are not airtight. The design of the light forces gas to take a long, complex route through various pathways and channels, as it cools down the gas to a safer temperature.

Explosion Proof LEDs are energy efficient because they use up to 90% of the energy to power up the light with no heat or conversion loss. This results in a lot less power to function and low wattage consumption.

As explosion proof lighting fixtures are often built with sturdier and heavier materials, they are able to withstand harsher working environments. This means that explosion proof lighting will not be as easily damaged as standard lighting fixtures. Therefore, the high durability of explosion proof lighting fixtures helps to reduce maintenance and replacement cost.