Published by the Energy Institute (formerly Institute of Petroleum )
Title : «Area Classification code for installations handling flammable fluids»
Code 1 Example
The 3rd edition ( 2005 ) -143 pages- was prepared by about 15 major oil companies
It is considered as a well established, internationally accepted code for classification of hazardous areas
In the foreword, it is written:
“The information contained in this publication is provided for information only and while every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents, the EI cannot accept any responsibility for any actions taken, or not taken, on the basis of this information The EI shall not be liable ”
CODE Example 2
The European Commission (publisher of the 2 ATEX directives ) has also published a document titled :
“Non binding guide of good practice for implementing Directive n° 1999/92/EC” (User directive ) which addresses area classification
The ATEX “User” directive is an 8 pages document (the law ) but the non binding guide is a 65 pages document !
CODE Example 3
API RP 505 « Recommended Practice for classification of locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum facilities classified as Class I, zone 0, zone1, zone2 » Foreword states :
« API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made by the Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them ; however the Institute makes no warranty or guarantee in connection with this publication and expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use.
This standard is not intended to obviate the need for applying sound engineering judgement … »
Selection of a code to be applied (API,IP15,etc ) for a project depends on a Company decision .
The codes applied may depend on the type of facilities ( offshore , refinery,….).
No code can be considered as the best one !
As an example consider flanges/ valves
Do they generate a zone or not ?
API RP 505 IP 15
UNCLASSIFIED * 1st Edition= generates a zone 2
- 3rd Edition =unclassified except if there is a number of possible leak sources close
. together (typic>10),in this case….Zone 2 - Many oil companies have prepared their own documents sometimes called :
