Use of diesel engine or gasoline engine driven pump for transfer of flammable / combustible liquid

[p1a9l7a5]

Request some clarification on the subject of using engine driven (diesel / gasoline driven) pumps for pumping hydrocarbons in hazardous classified locations.

Is it a safe practice to use a portable diesel engine / gasoline engine driven pump to transfer flammable / combustible liquid?

Is there anything similar to explosion proof motors when we use engines (diesel / gasoline driven) to drive such pumps?

Also, is it a correct practice to install an engine driven pump for transferring hydrocarbons instead of electrical driven pumps in classified areas such as refineries/ petrochemical plants?

 

[vt2012]

Standard practice is an electric motor properly specified and installed for the area's hazardous classification. Using a combustion engine in a hazardous area seems like a recipe for disaster. You're guaranteeing an ignition source in the area if a leak occurs.

 

[EmmanuelTop]

OSHA recommends avoiding permanently-mounted internal combustion engines in areas where flammable vapors or gases could be present. However it does not prohibit their use, given that appropriate certification exists (ATEX, NEC).

There are some units used in the North Sea offshore.
See also:

https://www.offshore-mag.com/specia...l-engines-suited-to-hazardous-area-operations

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/content/Caterpillar/CM20170504-31592-48782

There is no such thing as "common sense" - Apollo RCA

 

[georgeverghese]

Gas turbines are used in hazardous area services too, so it is acceptable to use diesel or gas engine drives if these engines are in a pressurised enclosure with forced ventilation and appropriate automatic fire suppression kit. These are indeed used in offshore hazardous area services for hydrocarbon compression and pumping services.

The hot exhaust leading out from the enclosure should be insulated / lagged as long as it traverses hazardous areas.

 

[p1a9l7a5]

Thanks a lot.

Based on all the replies I conclude that wherever it is possible to have an electrical motor driven pump, it is strongly recommended not to use gasoline / diesel driven pumps.