Intrinsically Safe equipment but still creating sparks?!
Intrinsically Safe equipment but still creating sparks?!
(OP)
Hi all,
I'm working in Oil industry offshore. Here on the drilling rig we use some pressure sensor which is 4-20mA and Intrinsically Safe (IS). Everything is grounded properly... However, one day we observed that some sparks were generated when the sensor cable touch a metal part of another equipment. We are wondering from where could this spark generated?
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thank,
Toan,
I'm working in Oil industry offshore. Here on the drilling rig we use some pressure sensor which is 4-20mA and Intrinsically Safe (IS). Everything is grounded properly... However, one day we observed that some sparks were generated when the sensor cable touch a metal part of another equipment. We are wondering from where could this spark generated?
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thank,
Toan,





RE: Intrinsically Safe equipment but still creating sparks?!
Control drawings specify the single grounding point for the shield. Is your shield grounded in more than one location? Does your installation match the control drawing?
RE: Intrinsically Safe equipment but still creating sparks?!
This does not mean absolutely no spark. But, this also does not mean you do not have a problem. The IS applies to the signal wires. If your sparking was to the shield then you have a grounding problem, and it may have nothing to do with the instrument.
RE: Intrinsically Safe equipment but still creating sparks?!
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Intrinsically Safe equipment but still creating sparks?!