Thermo Scientific Prima PRO, User Manual

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Hazardous Area Operation
Hazardous Area
– General
A-4 Prima PRO & Sentinel PRO Mass Spectrometers User Guide Thermo Fisher Scientific

When replacing any Thermo Scientific manufactured electrical
assembly, ensure that the replacement assembly is of an issue
level greater than or equal to the original.

When discussing spares, upgrades, etc. with the factory, make it
clear that this is a hazardous area (Ex) system.

Verify correct operation of the purge control equipment on a six
monthly basis (see
“Purge Operation and Testing”
).

Inspect and / or test the sample containment system on a six
monthly basis (see
“Inspection and Testing”
).

Check correct operation of the RMS heater on a routine basis
(see
“Temperature”
).
This section gives a brief outline of the general principles of
hazardous areas and operation of equipment in these areas, with
comparison between European and North American terminology.
Only hazards due to flammable gases and vapours will be
considered. The presence of dusts and fibres may also cause an area
to be defined as hazardous but will not be considered as the
Prima PRO Ex and Sentinel PRO Ex are not approved for operation
in such areas.
Area classification specifies the probability of a hazard being present
in a defined physical area. Under ATEX (Europe) and IECEx
regulations, equipment is categorised based on the level of protection
offered. Particular categories of equipment are allowed in particular
areas. The areas and categories are summarized in
Table A–1 .
Table A
–1.
Areas and equipment categories
Hazard Type* ATEX (Europe) and IECEx North
American
Area
Area
Allowed
Equipment
Category
Continuous or nearly
continuous hazard
Zone 0 1
Division 1
Intermittent hazard Zone 1 1 and 2
Hazard only in fault
conditions
Zone 2 1, 2 and 3 Division 2
*Refer to the appropriate standard for exact definition.
Routine Checks
Hazardous
Area
–
General
Area
Classification