EQUIPMENTLAND.com: EP8HL General Equipment Company NonHazardous Location Air Blowers

Powered by a 1/3 HP, 115 VAC explosion-proof electric motor, the EP8HL features a frame and cast blower housing fabricated from aluminum alloy for true spark-proof construction. A self-contained on/off motor switch eliminates the additional need for costly external wiring devices. The flexible cord and male plug allow the unit to be connected directly into appropriate, hazardous location receptacles, eliminating the need for costly hard wiring by certified electricians.

Confined space ventilation is serious business, and the complexity of working in and around hazardous atmospheres makes it even more serious. At General, it was clearly evident that an explosion proof motor alone would not assure a totally "exposition proof" blower...which is critically necessary in hazardous locations. General Equipment Co. recognized a need to utilize electrical power that would conform to the strict National Electric Code® regulations, but knew requiring a customer to field wire an existing blower was not a satisfactory solution. That's why General took a revolutionary approach to confined space ventilation in hazardous locations with the EP8HL blower.

The following information is a representative (but not all inclusive) list of the types of locations and operations that require hazardous location air ventilation equipment in at least certain areas.

Air Ventilation Blower Applications in Hazardous Location Confined Space Use
A hazardous location air ventilation blower may be required in any area where the presence of flammable gases, vapors or finely pulverized dust in the atmosphere is sufficient to create a threat of an explosion or fire. It may also be required where easily ignitable fibers or flyings are present. Consult the current National Electric Code® for complete and current information.

Typical Class I Locations Include:
* Petroleum refining facilities
* Dip tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids
* Dry cleaning plants
* Organic coating manufacturing plants
* Spray finishing areas (residue must be considered)
* Petroleum dispensing areas
* Solvent extraction plants
* Plants manufacturing or using pyroxylin
* (nitro-cellulose) type and other plastics
* (Class II also)
* Locations where inhalation anesthetics are used
* Utility gas plants and operations involving storage and handling and liquefied petroleum and natural gas
* Aircraft hangars and fuel servicing areas

Typical Class II Locations Include:
* Grain elevators and bulk handling facilities
* Magnesium and aluminum powder manufacture and storage facilities
* Starch manufacture and storage facilities
* Fireworks manufacture and storage facilities
* Flour and feed mills
* Pulverized sugar and cocoa packaging and handling areas
* Coal preparation and handling facilities
* Spice grinding plants
* Confectionery manufacturing plants

Typical Class III Locations Include:
* Woodworking plants
* Textile mills
* Cotton gins and cotton seed mills
* Flax producing plants

Explosive Chemical Property Considerations for Hazardous Location Type Confined Space Ventilation
Certain chemicals may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for any of the certified atmospheric groups. Carbon disulfide is an example of such a chemical because of its low ignition temperature and the small joint clearance to arrest its flame propagation.

Certain metal dust may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for atmospheres containing the dust of aluminum, magnesium and their commercial alloys. For example, zirconium, thorium and uranium dust have extremely low ignition temperatures and minimal ignition energies lower than any material classified in any of the Class I or Class II groups.

Combustible dust which is electrically nonconductive is produced in the handling and processing of grain, grain products, pulverized sugar, cocoa, dried egg and milk powders, pulverized spices, starches and pastes, potato and wood flour, oil meal from beans and seed, dried hay and other organic materials that may produce combustible dust when processed or handled. Electrically conductive dust is dust with a resistivity less than 105 ohm-centimeter. Dust containing magnesium or aluminum is particularly hazardous and extreme caution is necessary to avoid an ignition and resulting explosion. Explosion severity is the measure of maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise. It is a measure of how violent the ensuing explosion will be. Closely associated with maximum pressure and rate of pressure rise is the length of time pressure is exerted on the surroundings. All of these factors contribute to the total impulse, rather than the force exerted at any one moment, that determines the destructiveness of an explosion. This explains, in part, why dust explosions, which have slower rates of pressure rise, may be more destructive than gas explosions.

Dust that is carbonized or excessively dry is highly susceptible to spontaneous ignition. Equipment and wiring of the type defined in Article 100 of the National Electric Code® as "explosion proof" shall not be required and shall not be acceptable in Class II locations unless approved for such locations.

Complete information relative to the use and/or manufacture of applicable chemicals and their explosive properties as pertaining to air ventilation can be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association.

Spark Proof Construction Considerations for Hazardous Location Type Confined Space Ventilation
The EP8HL blower incorporates spark proof construction in its design to minimize the potential for a random spark being the ignition source of an explosion in a hazardous location. All major components are fabricated from materials that will not produce a spark when struck by a direct impact blow: high strength, aluminum frame and blower housing; galvanized intake and exhaust screen; aluminum fasteners in open, exposed areas and a PVC coated carry handle. All wiring devices and components of steel construction are positioned to provide protection against a direct impact blow.

As an illustrative example, consider the potential consequences if a tool is dropped and strikes a ventilation blower in use. With in a nonhazardous atmosphere, the risk for an explosion is minimal. However, if the same tool strikes the exposed, steel surfaces of a blower operating in a hazardous location containing gasoline fumes, the results could be drastically different. The blow produced by the tool could create a random spark. In the case of gasoline fumes, the addition of a proper air and gasoline fume mixture could result in an explosion. Minimizing this potential for a spark ignition is also an important reason to use spark proof tools and related equipment in hazardous locations. By incorporating basic spark proof construction techniques, the potential for a spark ignited explosion caused by a direct blow against an exterior surface of the EP8HL blower is greatly minimized. The use of an explosion proof motor alone, or a blower design of steel construction, does not qualify the blower as "explosive proof". No air ventilation blower is totally explosion proof. Only a product utilizing proper design and certification standards can minimize the risk of air ventilation in applicable hazardous atmospheres.

Static Electricity Considerations for Hazardous Location Type Confined Space Ventilation
The formation and dissipation of static electricity is a natural occurrence of any air movement. A common example is the natural air movement that occurs with the heating and cooling of the earth's atmosphere. The resulting winds are responsible for the ionization of negative and positive charged air molecules. Eventually, severe charge levels can result in a rapid discharge in the form of lightning. The phenomenon of static electrical discharge is an important consideration during the operation of an air ventilation blower in a hazardous atmosphere. A static discharge can be the ignition source for an explosion. Only proper design considerations for the air ventilation process can minimize the potential for such an occurrence. These design considerations collectively employ a systems approach to solving the problem, including the use of statically conductive air ducts and a properly grounded, electrical power source.

Air ducts normally used for ventilating a nonhazardous confined space are fabricated from material such as a vinyl impregnated polyester that does not conduct a static charge buildup. Air ducts used for ventilating a hazardous location type confined space are fabricated from a special manufacturing process. The material is designed to conduct and dissipate the electrical charges created by the movement of air during the ventilation process. Without this added conductive property, air movement would create static electrical charges on the duct surface that have no method of dissipation. Just touching the duct could allow the charge to dissipate in the form of a random spark. This could be the ignition source of an explosion if the blower is being operated in the appropriate hazardous atmosphere. However, with the EP8HL blower the statically conductive air duct allows a static electrical charge to be effectively conducted through its length until it is eventually dissipated through the ground wire of the electric power cord. The EP8HL blower is designed so only the statically conductive ducts can be used with it, thereby eliminating the possible use of a standard, non conductive duct in a hazardous atmosphere.


	EP8HL Hazardous Location Ventilation Blower


	The General EP8HL is designed for use in areas containing hazardous locations including: petrochemical plants, fuel servicing facilities, industrial processing locations and grain elevators. Powered by a 1/3 HP, 115 VAC explosion-proof electric motor, the EP8HL features a frame and cast blower housing fabricated from aluminum alloy for true spark-proof construction. A self-contained on/off motor switch eliminates the additional need for costly external wiring devices. The flexible cord and male plug allow the unit to be connected directly into appropriate, hazardous location receptacles, eliminating the need for costly hard wiring by certified electricians. Confined space ventilation is serious business, and the complexity of working in and around hazardous atmospheres makes it even more serious. At General, it was clearly evident that an explosion proof motor alone would not assure a totally "exposition proof" blower...which is critically necessary in hazardous locations. General Equipment Co. recognized a need to utilize electrical power that would conform to the strict National Electric Code® regulations, but knew requiring a customer to field wire an existing blower was not a satisfactory solution. That's why General took a revolutionary approach to confined space ventilation in hazardous locations with the EP8HL blower. Technical Information The following information is a representative (but not all inclusive) list of the types of locations and operations that require hazardous location air ventilation equipment in at least certain areas. Air Ventilation Blower Applications in Hazardous Location Confined Space Use A hazardous location air ventilation blower may be required in any area where the presence of flammable gases, vapors or finely pulverized dust in the atmosphere is sufficient to create a threat of an explosion or fire. It may also be required where easily ignitable fibers or flyings are present. Consult the current National Electric Code® for complete and current information. Typical Class I Locations Include: * Petroleum refining facilities * Dip tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids * Dry cleaning plants * Organic coating manufacturing plants * Spray finishing areas (residue must be considered) * Petroleum dispensing areas * Solvent extraction plants * Plants manufacturing or using pyroxylin * (nitro-cellulose) type and other plastics * (Class II also) * Locations where inhalation anesthetics are used * Utility gas plants and operations involving storage and handling and liquefied petroleum and natural gas * Aircraft hangars and fuel servicing areas Typical Class II Locations Include: * Grain elevators and bulk handling facilities * Magnesium and aluminum powder manufacture and storage facilities * Starch manufacture and storage facilities * Fireworks manufacture and storage facilities * Flour and feed mills * Pulverized sugar and cocoa packaging and handling areas * Coal preparation and handling facilities * Spice grinding plants * Confectionery manufacturing plants Typical Class III Locations Include: * Woodworking plants * Textile mills * Cotton gins and cotton seed mills * Flax producing plants Explosive Chemical Property Considerations for Hazardous Location Type Confined Space Ventilation Certain chemicals may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for any of the certified atmospheric groups. Carbon disulfide is an example of such a chemical because of its low ignition temperature and the small joint clearance to arrest its flame propagation. Certain metal dust may have characteristics that require safeguards beyond those required for atmospheres containing the dust of aluminum, magnesium and their commercial alloys. For example, zirconium, thorium and uranium dust have extremely low ignition temperatures and minimal ignition energies lower than any material classified in any of the Class I or Class II groups. Combustible dust which is electrically nonconductive is produced in the handling and processing of grain, grain products, pulverized sugar, cocoa, dried egg and milk powders, pulverized spices, starches and pastes, potato and wood flour, oil meal from beans and seed, dried hay and other organic materials that may produce combustible dust when processed or handled. Electrically conductive dust is dust with a resistivity less than 105 ohm-centimeter. Dust containing magnesium or aluminum is particularly hazardous and extreme caution is necessary to avoid an ignition and resulting explosion. Explosion severity is the measure of maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise. It is a measure of how violent the ensuing explosion will be. Closely associated with maximum pressure and rate of pressure rise is the length of time pressure is exerted on the surroundings. All of these factors contribute to the total impulse, rather than the force exerted at any one moment, that determines the destructiveness of an explosion. This explains, in part, why dust explosions, which have slower rates of pressure rise, may be more destructive than gas explosions. Dust that is carbonized or excessively dry is highly susceptible to spontaneous ignition. Equipment and wiring of the type defined in Article 100 of the National Electric Code® as "explosion proof" shall not be required and shall not be acceptable in Class II locations unless approved for such locations. Complete information relative to the use and/or manufacture of applicable chemicals and their explosive properties as pertaining to air ventilation can be obtained from the National Fire Protection Association. Spark Proof Construction Considerations for Hazardous Location Type Confined Space Ventilation The EP8HL blower incorporates spark proof construction in its design to minimize the potential for a random spark being the ignition source of an explosion in a hazardous location. All major components are fabricated from materials that will not produce a spark when struck by a direct impact blow: high strength, aluminum frame and blower housing; galvanized intake and exhaust screen; aluminum fasteners in open, exposed areas and a PVC coated carry handle. All wiring devices and components of steel construction are positioned to provide protection against a direct impact blow. As an illustrative example, consider the potential consequences if a tool is dropped and strikes a ventilation blower in use. With in a nonhazardous atmosphere, the risk for an explosion is minimal. However, if the same tool strikes the exposed, steel surfaces of a blower operating in a hazardous location containing gasoline fumes, the results could be drastically different. The blow produced by the tool could create a random spark. In the case of gasoline fumes, the addition of a proper air and gasoline fume mixture could result in an explosion. Minimizing this potential for a spark ignition is also an important reason to use spark proof tools and related equipment in hazardous locations. By incorporating basic spark proof construction techniques, the potential for a spark ignited explosion caused by a direct blow against an exterior surface of the EP8HL blower is greatly minimized. The use of an explosion proof motor alone, or a blower design of steel construction, does not qualify the blower as "explosive proof". No air ventilation blower is totally explosion proof. Only a product utilizing proper design and certification standards can minimize the risk of air ventilation in applicable hazardous atmospheres. Static Electricity Considerations for Hazardous Location Type Confined Space Ventilation The formation and dissipation of static electricity is a natural occurrence of any air movement. A common example is the natural air movement that occurs with the heating and cooling of the earth's atmosphere. The resulting winds are responsible for the ionization of negative and positive charged air molecules. Eventually, severe charge levels can result in a rapid discharge in the form of lightning. The phenomenon of static electrical discharge is an important consideration during the operation of an air ventilation blower in a hazardous atmosphere. A static discharge can be the ignition source for an explosion. Only proper design considerations for the air ventilation process can minimize the potential for such an occurrence. These design considerations collectively employ a systems approach to solving the problem, including the use of statically conductive air ducts and a properly grounded, electrical power source. Air ducts normally used for ventilating a nonhazardous confined space are fabricated from material such as a vinyl impregnated polyester that does not conduct a static charge buildup. Air ducts used for ventilating a hazardous location type confined space are fabricated from a special manufacturing process. The material is designed to conduct and dissipate the electrical charges created by the movement of air during the ventilation process. Without this added conductive property, air movement would create static electrical charges on the duct surface that have no method of dissipation. Just touching the duct could allow the charge to dissipate in the form of a random spark. This could be the ignition source of an explosion if the blower is being operated in the appropriate hazardous atmosphere. However, with the EP8HL blower the statically conductive air duct allows a static electrical charge to be effectively conducted through its length until it is eventually dissipated through the ground wire of the electric power cord. The EP8HL blower is designed so only the statically conductive ducts can be used with it, thereby eliminating the possible use of a standard, non conductive duct in a hazardous atmosphere.