Masterflex hoses meet requirements of new TRBS 2153 technical rule that replaced BGR 132 earlier this year.
Wire-reinforced hoses made from different thermoplastics, particularly from high-performance polyurethane, open up versatile applications of conveying solid, liquid and gaseous media for all kinds of industries. In the end, the most important factors to influence a user’s choice of hose are material composition, hose construction and service environment.
Increased requirements for transport hoses brought about significant changes to various regulations in the past ten years. One example to illustrate market uncertainty is explosion protection.
Basis for the use of Masterflex hoses in explosive atmospheres according to TRBS 2153, Issue 4/2009
The TRBS 2153 directive by the chemical industry trade association is currently being widely discussed. Some of the well-tried Masterflex standard hose types already meet the requirements lined out in the new directive; the application range is now complemented by further modified hoses from the new “A” series such as Master-PUR L-A or Master-PUR H-A.
The new technical rule which became effective in April 2009 replaces BGR 132 and introduces new criteria for wire-reinforced hoses used in potentially explosive atmosphere zones.
One of the major changes induced by TRBS 2153 is the classification of bulk materials into two categories:
1. combustible bulk materials
2. non-combustible bulk materials
Provisions and procedures concerning the transport of non-combustible bulk goods have basically remained the same. Yet, this is not true for the transport of combustible bulk materials given the fact that TRBS 2153 sets higher requirements in terms of electrostatic properties/conductivity of the materials used.
If wire-reinforced hoses are to be employed in Zone 0/20, the user is required to carry out a specific hazard analysis. As before, it is recommended not to use hoses other than static dissipative models with a surface resistivity of <106 ohms.
As to Zone 1/21, requirements have been tightened. Recommendations are to employ antistatic hoses with a surface resistivity of <109 ohms to convey combustible bulk goods.
As compared to the previous regulation, the new technical rule does not introduce any significant changes as to Zone 2.
It should be noted that TRBS 2153 is generally considered a mere recommendation. Users may deviate from the given provisions as long as they can prove the effectiveness of their solution.
