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

• Aug 19, 2020

• #2

vt2012

Chemical

Jan 12, 2015

28

US

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.

 

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• Aug 19, 2020

• #3

EmmanuelTop

Chemical

Sep 28, 2006

1,237

RS

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

 

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• Aug 19, 2020

• #4

georgeverghese

Chemical

Mar 19, 2015

5,093

AU

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.

 

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• Aug 20, 2020

• Thread starter
• #5

p1a9l7a5

Chemical

Oct 23, 2007

8

KW

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.

 

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