Explosion-proof pumps

Pumps are equipment used in many manufacturing processes. In some of them, equipment has to come into contact with flammable substances. An explosion-proof pump is a unit specially designed to minimize the possibility of ignition and subsequent explosion. The quality of such equipment, of course, is particularly stringent requirements. To prevent the danger of explosion, first of all, try to exclude the occurrence of a source of fire. Explosion pumps are designed in such a way as not to become such a source. A number of methods are used:

• Construction safety. The main task in the design of an explosion protection pump is to exclude ignition when in contact with an overheated element of the device or with a spark that arose in it. Particular attention is paid to the moving parts of the pump.
• Use of electrical circuits that do not cause dangerous sparking. To provide explosion protection in the electrical circuits of the device, a current is used, the voltage of which does not allow a discharge capable of setting fire to the combustible mixture.
• Explosive shell. The point of this approach is to keep the explosion inside the equipment and prevent it from getting out. To do this, the structure must be at the same time high-strength (capable of containing the explosion without changing the shape), sealed, but at the same time have special outlets for the gases formed during the explosion. The main condition is that when exiting through special valves or gaps, the gas has time to cool down and does not cause ignition of the surrounding explosive mixture.

To regulate the explosion safety of equipment, there are many standards - both Russian and international. It is especially worth mentioning the ATEX standard. This explosion protection standard, adopted in accordance with the EU directive, and mandatory throughout its territory since 01.07.2003 ATEX, compared with the previous EU standard, significantly tightened the requirements for the safety of equipment used in conditions of potential explosion hazard. At the moment, the European standard is considered the most stringent and demanding. It is no coincidence that almost all equipment installed at new oil refining facilities in Russia meets this standard.