If you’ve recently requested a quotation from Pyroban for explosion proof equipment, you would have been asked about the Temperature Class, or T Class. For those not that familiar with the technicalities of explosion protection and why T Class is so important, Darren Boiling, Materials Handling Sales Manager at Pyroban, explains.

Temperature classification (T class) is referred to throughout the design process of explosion proof (ATEX) equipment. Some people can be unsure what this means for their equipment and what difference it will make.

A Temperature Class is a term that is allocated within a hazardous area or zone to instruments and equipment. The classification signifies the levels of thermal energy produced by specific equipment.

 

Auto-ignition and Temperature Class

The Temperature Class, or T Class is dictated by the auto-ignition temperature of the hazardous material being handled.

An auto-ignition temperature is the minimum temperature at which the hazardous substance will spontaneously ignite under normal atmospheric conditions. Therefore, whatever the auto-ignition temperature is will limit the T Class, which ranges from T1 to T6.

Differences between temperature classifications (T Classes)

Temperature classifications vary between T1 and T6. This rating highlights the maximum surface temperature that can be generated by equipment at a given room temperature (typically 40 ºc).

A rating of T1 means that the maximum temperature of equipment can be up to 450ºc, while a T4 rating would mean that the maximum surface temperature generated by equipment at room temperature cannot exceed 135ºc.

How does T Class relate to Pyroban equipment?

The T Class rating will be used throughout the Pyroban design process to ensure that the maximum surface temperature or the exhaust gas exit temperature that can be generated by the equipment, is controlled.

An operation needs to specify the T Class so that our team of ATEX experts can develop suitable equipment to ensure surface temperatures are limited to the specified T Class. Motors, engines and any other hot surface on the equipment are controlled to that rating.

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If you’d like more information on Temperature Class or have an ATEX question, contact the Pyroban team on info@pyroban.com. Alternatively, visit www.pyroban.com or call +44(0)1273 456800.