FEATURE HAZARDOUS AREAS & MACHINE SAFETY
SAFELY HANDLING FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IN THE CHEMICAL SUPPLY CHAIN
detected, these lift trucks are converted to work in these conditions.
CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING During the next stage in the supply chain, raw materials are mixed or processed to manufacture specific chemicals with a whole range of uses, from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, through to the food, paints or coatings industry. Here, Hyster lift trucks are commonly
used to transport and feed chemicals in to the production line. Those operations mixing ingredients may benefit from mobile weighing systems fitted to trucks as these allow dosing to be done straight from the drum or container. Using weight information, the truck can accurately deliver ingredient quantities. While some manufacturing operations
With potentially explosive atmospheres present throughout the chemical supply chain, Mark Nailer, industry manager for Hyster Europe, discusses the 360-degree Hyster solutions that support compliant and efficient handling
“
It can only take one spark or hot surface to cause an ignition in the potentially
explosive atmospheres found across the chemical supply chain,” says Nailer. “Heat and spark control are therefore primary considerations for businesses involved in the production, storage and transport of flammable chemicals.”
RAW MATERIALS The production and delivery of raw materials to a manufacturer is the first stage of the chemical supply chain. These potentially flammable raw materials are likely to be delivered, pumped and stored in large tanks. Drums and IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) may be found indoors or outdoors, in areas where Hyster ICE diesel or electric forklifts will commonly be working, or passing through. This may be a Zone 2 hazardous area,
classified by ATEX as where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is possible, but not likely to occur in normal operation. To prevent the risk of ignition, it is vital that only explosion protected and rated lift trucks enter this area. Hyster Europe works with specialist
partners, such as Pyroban, who conduct explosion protection conversions to help
26 AUGUST 2019 | IRISH MANUFACTURING
materials handling equipment comply with local legislation. In Zone 2 applications, the Pyroban conversion of a Hyster truck combines gas detection with various explosion protection methods such as restricted breathing enclosures and surface temperature cooling. “It’s important for drivers to be aware
of the presence of a flammable atmosphere in a Zone 2 area, so Hyster trucks operating in Zone 2 areas can be converted with ‘active’ gas detection systems,” explains Nailer. “This means if certain levels of gas or vapour in air are detected, the driver receives an audible and visual warning, and if that level elevates further, full equipment shutdown may occur.” In addition to systems that alert the
driver, those using Hyster lift trucks in Zone 2 may also need to specify particular tyres, seats, batteries or other ancillary products, to reduce the risk of static causing ignition. A wide range of options is available via local Hyster distribution partners. Though more commonly found in Zone
1 operations, some applications may choose to use a ‘passive’ gas detection system in these areas. Instead of initiating a system shutdown when hazardous levels of gas or vapour are
If certain levels of gas or vapour in air are detected, the driver receives an audible and visual warning, and if that level elevates further, full equipment shutdown may occur
are Zone 2 areas, others may be classified as Zone 1, where an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation. “Unlike Zone 2 equipment which
shuts down in the presence of a flammable atmosphere, explosion protected trucks for Zone 1 must be specially converted to allow them to work through the atmosphere,” says Nailer. “This ‘passive’ protection features explosion proof enclosures and many other technologies which are essential for maintaining productivity in these Zone 1 operations.” As well as the risks from explosive
gases or vapours, chemicals in the form of combustible powders or dusts also pose a risk of ignition. To reduce risk, explosion protection modifications are available for diesel and electric Hyster materials handling equipment operating in these so-called Zone 21 or Zone 22 areas. “If dusty atmospheres are a problem,
an in cab independent air filtration system can also be fitted to certain trucks to aid operator comfort,” says Nailer. “And to help reduce non- explosive powder build up around the lift truck engine, some Hyster lift trucks can be provided with a reversible hydraulic fan that operates on an automatic timer to clear out residue deposits, as well as a heavy-duty air filter which can help reduce the intake of unwanted particles.”
For more information on efficient and cost-effective materials handling in chemical applications, speak to your local Hyster distribution partner or visit
www.hyster.eu.
/ IRISHMANUFACTURING
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