CALCULATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION IN POTENTIAL EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES

Date

2026-8-06

Author

KAYA, Çağatay

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This study analysed the applicability, scope, outputs, and limitations of methods used for explosion protection. Its principal analytical basis was the comparison of IEC/ATEX-based hazardous area classification results with consequence-screening outputs generated by RAST software. HAZID and an EN 16985-based spray-process assessment complemented these approaches where specific hazard mechanisms and process conditions could not be represented adequately. The study aimed to identify fire- and explosion-related conditions that may remain unaddressed when methods are applied independently and to propose an integrated, scenario-based assessment approach. The analysis covered a 1,3-butadiene storage tank, an ethyl alcohol storage tank, a Class 3 flammable liquid warehouse, a spray process, and areas containing combustible dusts and energetic materials. IEC/ATEX methods determined zone types and distances around normal or foreseeable release sources, while RAST identified effect distances associated with low-probability, high-consequence fire, flammable-cloud, and explosion scenarios. The findings demonstrated that RAST effect distances should not be treated as hazardous area boundaries, but as a complementary layer for emergency planning, scenario prioritisation, and risk-reduction decisions. Consequently, explosion protection in complex industrial facilities should integrate normal releases, major accident scenarios, confined-space behaviour, ventilation adequacy, dust explosion potential, energetic-material sensitivity, and existing barriers. The proposed framework supports hazardous area classification, Ex equipment selection, consequence screening, emergency planning, and risk-reduction decisions while addressing the limitations of relying on a single method.

Subject Keywords

HAZID, IEC/ATEX, Explosive Atmosphere, RAST, Hazardous Area Classification

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/120675

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis