Natural Gas Compressor / Cooler

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dbarker72

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I am dealing with the installation of a natural gas compressor (95 psi up to 240 psi) and its associated cooler.

The client wants both items located inside, and I am saying that will make the areas explosion proof Class 1, Div 2. He is saying that using gas detectors can eliminate the need for all the XP devices.

I am looking for definitive source, or sources, I can refer to in order to make a decision and either convince the client or admit that the client is right (despite the saying, it ain't always so).

So, anyone got anything? Will AGA's Classification of Gas Utility Areas for Electrical Installations define this for me?

Thanks in advance.
 
Your client is in error. While combustible gas detection is a recognized protection technique, it does not have general applications uses. See 500.7(K) and read each Subsection VERY carefully to see if any of them applies. From what you have described so far, none of them apply so combustible gas detection is not an appropriate technique.

Also see the various FPNs. They each relate to one of the three applications noted in the Subsections.
 
if it is class 1 division 2, it would not necessarily require explosion proof devices.

i think your best bet is to hire someone more familiar with this kind of thing to advise you. you may be able to avoid classifying the area altogther.
 
petersonra said:
... you may be able to avoid classifying the area altogther.
Click to expand...
This is not likely with a compressor as the primary source element. In fact, depending on the ventilation, the OP description is a good candidate for Division 1.
 
Compressor installation

Compressor installation

The AGA will give you guidance on classification. Gas detectors alone will not provide you with elevation to div 2 but a gas detector system in conjuction with a ventilation system with specific air exchange volumes will allow Class 1 Div. 2 installation. You will not be allowed to be non-classified.
 
With proper ventilation you can have Division 2 and gas detection is irrelevant. Section 500.7(K) places specific limits on gas detection as a protection technique.
 
Natural Gas Compressor / Cooler

There are 2 documents that can help you.
American Gas Association (AGA) XF0277 - Classification of Gas Utility Areas for Electrical Installation.

API RP 500
Date: 1997-11-01 Status: Active
Language: English
Media: Electronic Page Count: 131
Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2

These are the documents we use in the natural gas utility.
 
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