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HazBasis Process Safety
Technical articles from the HazBasis Process Safety team of engineers and laboratory specialists. Meet the team
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PVC Dust Explosion Testing and the Overdriving Effect
Executive overview A weak positive result in a 20-liter dust explosion test deserves careful interpretation. For some difficult-to-ignite dusts, a powerful chemical igniter can influence the measured response enough to raise questions about whether a dust cloud would sustain a propagating deflagration. PVC resin is an important example, but the possibility of overdriving does not…
9 min read
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Five Common Myths About Electrostatic Ignition Hazards in Process Industries
Why static electricity requires more than bonding and grounding Static electricity is one of the recognized ignition sources capable of initiating fires and explosions in industrial facilities. Yet electrostatic ignition hazards are frequently misunderstood. A bonding cable may be installed and the hazard considered solved. A high laboratory-measured minimum ignition energy may be interpreted as evidence that…
11 min read
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Ten Common Dust Hazard Analysis Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA) should help a facility understand where combustible dust can cause a fire, flash fire, or explosion, determine whether existing safeguards are adequate, and identify the actions needed to reduce risk. Its value depends on how well the analysis reflects the materials, equipment, and work practices at the site. Common DHA mistakes include…
9 min read
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DHA Combustible Dust Testing Strategy Based on NFPA 660
Learn how to select Go/No-Go, Kst, Pmax, MIE, MEC, MAIT, LIT and LOC testing for a Dust Hazard Analysis based on NFPA 660.
13 min read
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How to Prevent Flash Fires, Pool Fires, Jet Fires & Vapor Cloud Explosions
Learn how flammable liquid and gas fire/explosion hazards are analyzed, including releases, LFL/UFL, ventilation, ignition, flash fires, pool fires and vapor cloud explosions.
19 min read
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Go/No-Go Explosibility Screening for Combustible Dust
Go/No-Go testing provides a practical first indication of whether a combustible dust presents an explosion hazard. The result helps determine whether further testing and appropriate dust-explosion controls are warranted.
7 min read
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ATEX vs. IECEx Hazardous Area Classification
Understand ATEX vs IECEx hazardous area classification, Zones 0/1/2 and 20/21/22, gas and dust groups, ventilation, EPLs, and Ex equipment selection.
11 min read
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How to Prevent Dust Explosions and Meet NFPA 660 Requirements
Learn how combustible dust explosions occur, what NFPA 660 requires, when a Dust Hazard Analysis is needed, and which dust tests help protect your facility.
10 min read