Potential Ignition Sources and Protections in Electric Rotating Machines Operating in Explosive Gas Atmospheres

Electric rotating machines are the main prime movers to drive the necessary process equipment in the petroleum and chemical industries. Safety is a prime concern for personnel and processes. A breakdown can cause a loss of personnel and or revenue. As technology evolves, engineers continue to improve the design of these machines to be as safe as possible for the area in which they are selected for installation while also considering process criticality. This article will discuss the different potential ignition sources in electric rotating machines and how they are designed, manufactured and protected to mitigate the risk of fire/explosion. The applicable regulations/standards are discussed for the various protection techniques adopted for each hazardous area classification. A brief overview of installation practices is also discussed.