Masterflex AG, Gelsenkirchen - November 2009
Spiral hoses made of various thermoplastic materials, in particular the high-performance material polyurethane, offer a wide range of possible solutions for conveying solid, liquid and gaseous media in all sectors of industry. For the user, material compositions, hose designs and operating conditions are ultimately decisive in making the right choice.
In the field of transport hoses, serious developments have taken place in the last 10 years due to the increased requirements in various sets of regulations. An example of this is the area of explosion protection due to the current uncertainty in the market.
Basis for the use of Masterflex AG hoses in Ex-zones according to TRBS 2153 issue 4/2009
Everyone is currently talking about TRBS 2153, the guideline of the Employer's Liability Insurance Association of the Chemical Industry. Some of Masterflex AG's standard hose types, which have been tried and tested over many years, already comply with the new TRBS 2153 guidelines now in force; other products in the new "A" hose series, such as the modified Master-PUR L-A or Master-PUR H-A versions.
The previously valid BGR 132 has been replaced by TRBS 2153 since April 2009 and contains new criteria for the use of spiral hoses in the various hazard zones.
New in TRBS 2153 is in particular the aspect that bulk materials are now classified into two groups:
- Combustible bulk solids
- Non-combustible bulk materials
The statements and procedures for the transport of non-flammable bulk materials have essentially not changed. The situation is different for the transport of combustible bulk materials: Here, the new TRBS 2153 increases the requirements for material compositions with regard to electrostatic properties or discharge capability.
When using spiral hoses in zone 0/20, the user must carry out a specific hazard analysis. As before, electrically conductive hoses with a surface resistance < 10 to the power of 6 ohms are generally recommended here.
In Zone 1/21, the requirements have become more stringent: when transporting flammable bulk materials, antistatic hoses with a surface resistance < 10 to the 9th power of Ohm are now recommended.
In Zone 2, there are no significant changes compared to the old regulations.
It should also be noted here that the TRBS 2153 guideline is basically only a recommendation from which the user may deviate, provided he can prove the effectiveness of the solution he is using.
Masterflex offers service hotline for TRBS 2153 - individual advice from experts
Masterflex AG offers a special service hotline on the subject of TRBS 2153 to explain existing uncertainties on this topic:
- Ingo Dehne (technical sales consultant): Phone: 0209 97077-35
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 08.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Friday: 08.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.