氫氣危險(xiǎn)區(qū)域應(yīng)用的IIC 或 IIB+H2防爆外殼設(shè)計(jì)

氫氣是地球上最豐富但最危險(xiǎn)的氣體之一。它用途廣泛，將成為能源轉(zhuǎn)型的重要組成部分，但預(yù)防爆炸對(duì)于整個(gè)供應(yīng)鏈的成功至關(guān)重要。

Ex-tech Solution 的 Laurent Thomassin 談到了氫氣爆炸的科學(xué)原理，以及氫氣應(yīng)用的防爆外殼為何與石油和天然氣行業(yè)中常見的外殼不同。

Hydrogen is one of the most abundant but dangerous gases on our planet. It has many uses and is set to form a big part of the energy transition, but the prevention of explosions is critical to its success throughout the supply chain.

Laurent Thomassin from Ex-tech Solution talks about the science of hydrogen explosions and why explosion proof enclosures for hydrogen applications are different to those typically found in the oil and gas industry.

什么是氫氣，它是否易燃？

What is hydrogen and is it flammable?

氫是地球上最豐富的元素，能夠通過化學(xué)反應(yīng)產(chǎn)生能量，因此對(duì)氫的需求量很大也就不足為奇了。這種無色、無味的氣體，即氫氣（H2），無毒無放射性，用途廣泛。

Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth and capable of chemical reactions that generate energy, so it’s no wonder that hydrogen is in great demand. This colourless, odourless gas known as H2 is also not toxic or radioactive, and so has many different uses.

近年來，氫能和燃料電池技術(shù)已顯示出巨大的潛力，有助于實(shí)現(xiàn)向清潔、低碳能源系統(tǒng)的過渡，從而減少溫室氣體排放并限制氣候變化。當(dāng)氫氣燃燒或用于發(fā)電時(shí)，唯一的廢物就是水。

然而，在使用氫氣時(shí)也存在挑戰(zhàn)。它極易燃燒，被認(rèn)為是很危險(xiǎn)的氣體之一，具有多種獨(dú)特性質(zhì)，如果沒有正確的理解和防爆設(shè)備，處理氫氣會(huì)很危險(xiǎn)。

Over recent years, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have shown significant potential to enable the transition to a clean, low-carbon energy system that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit climate change. And when hydrogen is burnt, or used to produce electricity, the only waste product is water.

However, there are challenges when using it. It is extremely flammable and considered one of the most dangerous gases, with several unique properties that make it dangerous to handle without the correct understanding and explosion protection equipment.

如何制造氫氣？

How is hydrogen made?

制造氫氣的方法有很多種，但它們都涉及使用化學(xué)、電、熱、核或可再生能源從化合物（含氫物質(zhì)）中分離出氫氣。

There are many different ways to make hydrogen but they all involve splitting off the hydrogen from a compound (a substance containing hydrogen) using chemical, electrical, thermal, nuclear or renewable energy.

風(fēng)力發(fā)電—制氫

Wind power generation - Hydrogen

這需要大量的能量！

It takes a lot of energy!

水原子電解是通過電流生產(chǎn)氫氣的最佳方法之一，并且被認(rèn)為是環(huán)保的，因?yàn)槭褂蔑L(fēng)能或太陽能時(shí)不會(huì)產(chǎn)生二氧化碳。這被稱為綠色氫氣，近年來發(fā)展迅速。另一方面，灰氫對(duì)環(huán)境有害。

Electrolysis of water atoms is one of the best methods to produce hydrogen by electric current and is considered environmentally friendly with no carbon dioxide produced when wind or solar is used. This is known as green hydrogen which has grown over recent years. Grey hydrogen on the other hand is harmful to the environment.

為什么 2025 年氫氣的需求會(huì)更大？

Why is hydrogen more in demand in 2025?

更多人認(rèn)為綠色氫是清潔能源結(jié)構(gòu)和未來燃料的基本組成部分。

Green hydrogen is considered by many as a fundamental part of the clean energy mix and the fuel of the future.

此外，在運(yùn)輸系統(tǒng)中使用時(shí)，它不會(huì)產(chǎn)生尾氣排放。然而，整個(gè)供應(yīng)鏈都存在爆炸風(fēng)險(xiǎn)。

Furthermore, when used in transport systems it produces no tail-pipe emissions. However there are explosion risks throughout the supply chain.

氫氣爆炸的科學(xué)

The science of hydrogen explosions

與所有其他易燃物質(zhì)一樣，只有當(dāng)燃燒三要素的所有三個(gè)部分結(jié)合在一起時(shí)才會(huì)發(fā)生爆炸。這與氫氣沒有什么不同。請(qǐng)參見右側(cè)的火三角圖。

對(duì)于氫氣，火災(zāi)和爆炸會(huì)燃燒極熱。但更可怕的是，它燃燒時(shí)會(huì)產(chǎn)生肉眼看不見的火焰。

氫氣爆炸時(shí)也會(huì)產(chǎn)生巨大的能量，只需要少量的氣體就能造成重大損害，從而導(dǎo)致熔化并進(jìn)一步在周圍區(qū)域引起火災(zāi)和爆炸。

氫氣的爆炸范圍非常大，火焰速度很快，這意味著氫氣爆炸導(dǎo)致的壓力迅速增加，這對(duì)于防爆規(guī)范尤為重要。

Like all other flammable material, an explosion can only occur when all three parts of the ignition triangle come together.  That’s no different to hydrogen. See fire triangle diagram on the right.

With hydrogen, the fire and explosion burns with extreme heat. But what is more frightening, is that it burns with an invisible flame (to the human eye).

Hydrogen also explodes with enormous energy, requiring only a small amount of gas to cause significant damage which can lead to melting and further fires and explosions in the surrounding areas.

Hydrogen’s extremely large explosion range and high flame velocity means the resulting rapid pressure increase of hydrogen explosions are of particular importance for explosion protection specifications.

換句話說，氫氣的防爆需要與天然氣的防爆不同。

In other words, explosion protection for hydrogen needs to be different to that of natural gas.

此外，氫氣在化學(xué)計(jì)量混合時(shí)具有非常低的最小點(diǎn)火能量 (MIE)，僅為 0.0017 毫焦耳 (mJ)。這意味著它可以被大多數(shù)來源輕松點(diǎn)燃。這比其他可燃?xì)怏w（如甲烷）低得多，甲烷的 MIE 通常超過 100 mJ。

根據(jù)歐洲 ATEX 進(jìn)行的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)評(píng)估，導(dǎo)致危險(xiǎn)區(qū)域分類，并因此需要具有適合氫氣的正確設(shè)計(jì)規(guī)格的防爆設(shè)備。

Furthermore, Hydrogen has a very low minimum ignition energy (MIE) of just 0.0017 millijoules (mJ) at a stoichiometric mixt. That means it can be easily ignited by most sources. This is significantly lower than other flammable gases, like methane, which typically have an MIE of over 100 mJ.

Risk assessments according to ATEX in Europe, lead to the classification of hazardous areas and the resulting need for explosion proof equipment with the correct design specifications for hydrogen.

氫氣是一種 IIC 氣體，與天然氣不同。但為什么這很重要？

Hydrogen is a IIC gas which is different to natural gas. But why does that matter?

所有已知?dú)怏w都根據(jù)其最小點(diǎn)火能量 (MIE) 分為幾類，MIE 是指用電火花點(diǎn)燃?xì)怏w所需的能量。

IIC 類氣體的 MIE 最低，這意味著該類氣體揮發(fā)性極強(qiáng)，容易點(diǎn)燃。 IIC 類氣體包括氫氣、乙炔和二硫化碳。

All known gases are categorised into groups based on their minimum ignition energy (MIE), which is the amount of energy required to ignite the gas with an electrical spark.

The IIC group has the lowest MIE, meaning that the gases in this group are highly volatile and easily ignited. Gases in the IIC group include hydrogen, acetylene, and carbon disulphide.

相比之下，IIA 類包含丙烷和丁烷等氣體，IIB 類包含乙烯和乙醚，這些氣體不太易揮發(fā)或點(diǎn)燃，但仍然非常危險(xiǎn)。

By contrast, Group IIA contains gases like propane and butane, and Group IIB contains ethylene and ethyl ether which aren’t as volatile or easy to ignite, but highly dangerous, nonetheless.

因此，IIC 組是氣體組中最嚴(yán)重的組，標(biāo)記為可用于 IIC 區(qū)域的設(shè)備也可以用于 IIB 和 IIA 區(qū)域。但是，標(biāo)記為可用于 IIB 區(qū)域的設(shè)備只能用于 IIB 和 IIA 區(qū)域，不能用于 IIC 區(qū)域。

務(wù)必使用針對(duì)該區(qū)域最易揮發(fā)氣體進(jìn)行評(píng)級(jí)的設(shè)備。

The IIC group is therefore the most severe of the gas groups, and equipment marked for use in IIC areas can also be used in IIB and IIA areas. However, equipment marked for use in IIB areas can only be used in IIB and IIA areas, and not in IIC areas.

It’s important to use equipment rated for the most volatile gas in the area.

氫氣危險(xiǎn)區(qū)域應(yīng)用的防爆外殼設(shè)計(jì)

The design of explosion proof enclosures for hydrogen hazardous area applications

典型的防爆 ex d 外殼通常用于容納工廠或加工區(qū)危險(xiǎn)區(qū)域中的電氣設(shè)備。Ex d 外殼的工作原理是控制爆炸并防止其點(diǎn)燃周圍區(qū)域。前提是氣體首先可以進(jìn)入外殼。

外殼可容納爆炸并通過法蘭和螺紋消散任何多余的能量。外殼具有冷卻和容納爆炸的火焰通道。

然而，氫氣是一種與工業(yè)中大多數(shù)氣體（例如甲烷或丙烷）具有不同特性的氣體，這意味著外殼確實(shí)需要與大多數(shù)危險(xiǎn)區(qū)域中的外殼不同。

這是因?yàn)闅浞肿虞^小，可以更容易地穿過狹窄的間隙。因此，防爆外殼的設(shè)計(jì)需要與 IIA 或 IIB 氣體的設(shè)計(jì)不同。

A typical explosion proof ex d enclosure usually houses electrical items in a hazardous area at a factory or in a process area. Ex d enclosures work by containing explosions and preventing them from igniting the surrounding area. That’s if the gas can enter the enclosure in the first place.

The enclosure contains an explosion and dissipates any excess energy through its flanges and threads. The enclosure has a flame path that cools and contains the explosion.

However, hydrogen is a gas that has different characteristics compared to most gases in industry such as methane or propane for example, which means the enclosures do need to be different than those seen in most hazardous areas.

That’s because hydrogen molecules are smaller and can travel through narrow gaps more easily. The design of the explosion proof enclosure therefore needs to be different to that of a IIA or IIB gas.

IIB+H2 外殼的間隙比 IIB 組外殼更薄，有時(shí)間隙更長。IIC 防爆外殼通常具有圓柱形或螺紋式火焰通道，而 IIA 組和 IIB 組外殼具有扁平火焰通道。

IIB+H2 enclosures have thinner and sometimes longer gaps than Group IIB enclosures. IIC explosion proof enclosures often have a cylindrical or threaded flame-path, while Group IIA and IIB enclosures have a flat flame-path.

在危險(xiǎn)區(qū)域工作時(shí)，還必須注意風(fēng)險(xiǎn)并使用具有正確 T 等級(jí)（溫度等級(jí)）的電氣設(shè)備。

When working in hazardous areas, it’s also important to be aware of the risks and use electrical equipment with the correct T rating (temperature class).

氫氣供應(yīng)鏈中哪些地方需要防爆？

Where is explosion protection needed in the hydrogen supply chain?

由于氫氣具有危險(xiǎn)特性，需要防爆保護(hù)的場所遍布整個(gè)氫氣供應(yīng)鏈。以下是一些示例：

? 生產(chǎn)：電解廠、石油、天然氣、煤炭應(yīng)用、重整廠、儲(chǔ)罐和航運(yùn)基礎(chǔ)設(shè)施。

? 存儲(chǔ)和配送：終端、能源供應(yīng)商、運(yùn)輸網(wǎng)絡(luò)和本地倉庫

? 使用：制造工廠在其過程中將氫氣轉(zhuǎn)化為燃料、甲醇、氨、鋼鐵、玻璃、能源、水泥、化學(xué)品等等。當(dāng)然還有運(yùn)輸用戶、將氫氣輸送到天然氣管網(wǎng)以及在沼氣廠的發(fā)酵過程中使用氫氣，僅舉幾例。

The locations where explosion protection is needed span the entire hydrogen supply chain due to its dangerous characteristics. Here are some examples:

? Production: Electrolysis plants, oil, gas, coal applications, reforming plants, storage tanks and shipping infrastructure.

? Storage and distribution: Terminals, energy providers, transport networks and local storage depots

? Use: Manufacturing plants converting hydrogen in their process to fuels, methanol, ammonia, steel, glass, energy, cement, chemicals and much more. And of course transport users, the feeding of hydrogen into the natural gas grid and the use of hydrogen for the fermentation process in biogas plants, to name a few.

原始設(shè)備制造商 (OEM)、最終用戶和 EPC 正在不斷開發(fā)新系統(tǒng)和新流程，以支持近年來快速發(fā)展的整個(gè)供應(yīng)鏈中氫氣的生產(chǎn)、供應(yīng)和使用。

OEMs, end users and EPCs are continually developing new systems and processes to support the production, supply and use of hydrogen throughout this supply chain which has grown rapidly in recent years.

Ex d IIB+H2 防爆外殼選項(xiàng)

Ex d IIB+H2 explosion proof enclosure options

防爆外殼用于保護(hù)電氣和控制系統(tǒng)，例如能量分配、過程監(jiān)控和機(jī)械控制。

氫氣防爆外殼必須足夠堅(jiān)固，以承受重大爆炸，例如，外殼的外壁必須保持足夠低的溫度，以防止點(diǎn)燃外殼外的氫氧混合物。

Explosion proof enclosures are used to protect electrical and control systems, such as energy distribution, process monitoring and machinery control.

The explosion proof enclosures for hydrogen must be strong enough to contain a significant explosion and, for example, the external wall of the enclosure must remain cool enough to prevent igniting a hydrogen-oxygen mixture outside the enclosure.

IIB+H2 不銹鋼 Ex d 外殼 – DE8BC

Ex-tech Solution 生產(chǎn)的不銹鋼 DE8BC Ex d IIB + H2 防爆外殼，它們具有出色的耐腐蝕性，適用于海洋/海上應(yīng)用，并且有多種尺寸可供選擇。它們可以配置為 Ex d 直接入口或 Ex de 組合用于間接入口。如果需要，可以在帶有單獨(dú)或公共 Ex e/i 接線盒的框架上組裝多個(gè)外殼。Ex-tech Solutions 可以提供帶有 U 組件證書的空外殼，也可以根據(jù)客戶需求提供完全組裝的外殼。

IIB+H2 Stainless Steel Ex d enclosures – DE8BC

Here is an example of the stainless steel DE8BC Ex d IIB + H2 explosion proof enclosures from Ex-tech Solution, which have excellent corrosion resistance for marine / offshore applications, and are available in many sizes. They can be configured as Ex d direct entry or as an Ex de combination for indirect entry. If required, several enclosures can be assembled on a frame with separate or common Ex e/i junction boxes. Ex-tech Solutions can deliver the enclosures empty with a U component certificate, or will supply fully assembled according to customer’s needs.

IIB+H2 無銅鋁 Ex d 防爆外殼 – EJB

Ex-tech Solution 的 EJB 系列 Ex d IIB +H2 防爆外殼采用無銅鋁制成，設(shè)計(jì)用于控制、檢查、信號(hào)、自動(dòng)化、中斷和保護(hù)應(yīng)用。無銅鋁通常因其耐腐蝕性和較輕的重量而被指定。

IIB+H2 Copper Free Aluminium Ex d explosion proof enclosures – EJB

Ex-tech Solution’s EJB range of Ex d IIB +H2 explosion proof enclosures are manufactured in copper free aluminium and designed for use in control, check, signal, automation, interruption and protection applications. Copper free aluminium is often specified for its corrosion resistance and lighter weight.

IIB+H2 碳鋼噴漆 Ex d 防爆外殼 – DE8BC

Ex-tech Solution 的 DE8BC 系列 Ex d IIB 或 Ex d II B + H2 防爆外殼采用噴漆碳鋼制造，也可配置為 Ex d 直接入口或 Ex de 組合用于間接入口。這非常適合室內(nèi)重工業(yè)用途。

IIB+H2 Carbon steel painted Ex d explosion proof enclosures – DE8BC

The DE8BC range of Ex d IIB or Ex d II B + H2 explosion proof enclosures range from Ex-tech Solution is manufactured in painted carbon steel and can also be configured as Ex d direct entry or as an Ex de combination for indirect entry. This is perfect for indoor heavy industrial use.

IIB+H2 不銹鋼 Ex d 防爆外殼 – EJB

另一種不銹鋼選項(xiàng)包括 EJB 系列 Ex d IIB + H2 防爆外殼，專為控制、檢查、信號(hào)、自動(dòng)化、中斷和保護(hù)用途而設(shè)計(jì)。如果需要，可以將多個(gè)外殼組裝在一個(gè)帶有單獨(dú)或公共 Ex e/i 接線盒的框架上。外殼也可以空著交付，并附有 U 組件證書，也可以根據(jù)客戶要求提供完全組裝好的外殼。

不銹鋼外殼通常被認(rèn)為是比碳鋼外殼更好的選擇，因?yàn)樗鼈兏鼒?jiān)固、更耐用、耐腐蝕。

IIB+H2 Stainless Steel Ex d explosion proof enclosures – EJB

Another stainless steel option includes the EJB range of Ex d IIB + H2 explosion proof enclosures which are designed for control, check, signal, automation, interruption and protection use. If required, several enclosures can be assembled on a frame with separate or common Ex e/i junction boxes. The enclosures can also be delivered empty with a U component certificate or supplied fully assembled according to client demands.

Stainless steel enclosures are generally considered to be a better choice than carbon steel enclosures because they are stronger, more durable and resistant to corrosion.