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Idiomas disponibles
Idiomas disponibles
incorrect fitting of glands, etc.
Ensure that apparatus is mounted securely.
Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded such that they no longer serve the purpose of
preventing the ingress of flammable atmospheres. Replacement parts shall be in accordance with the
manufacturer´s specifications.
NOTE: the use of silicon sealant may inhibit the effectiveness of some types of leak detection equipment.
Intrinsically safe components do not have to be isolated prior to working on them.
Repair to intrinsically safe components
Do not apply any permanent inductive or capacitance loads to the circuit without ensuring that this will
not exceed the permissible voltage and current permitted for the equipment in use.
Intrinsically safe components are the only types that can be worked on while live in the presence of a
flammable atmosphere. The test apparatus shall be at the correct rating.
Replace components only with parts specified by the manufacturer. Other parts may result in the ignition
of refrigerant in the atmosphere from a leak.
Cabling
Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges or
any other adverse environmental effects. The check shall also take into account the effects of ageing or
continual vibration from sources such as compressors or fans.
Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or detection of
refrigerant leaks. A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked flame) shall not be used.
Leak detection methods
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable for systems containing flammable refrig-
erants.
Electronic leak detectors shall be used to detect flammable refrigerants, but the sensitivity may not be
adequate, or may need re-calibration. (Detection equipment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-free area.)
Ensure that the detector is not a potential source of ignition and is suitable for the refrigerant used. Leak
detection equipment shall be set at a percentage of the lower flammability limit (LFL) of the refrigerant
and shall be calibrated to the refrigerant employed and the appropriate percentage of gas (25 % maxi-
mum) is confirmed.
Leak detection fluids are suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of detergents containing
chlorine shall be avoided as the chlorine may react with the refrigerant and corrode the copper pipe-work.
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