Classification Of Protection Measures Against Explosions

The main underlying principle behind the protection against explosions says that the higher either the probability of formation or the duration of existence of an explo-sible atmosphere is, the higher are the demands on protective measures. 

As has already been outlined in Section 5.3, preventive and constructive protective measures are discriminated. The preventive measures among other things comprise  

The elimination of ignition sources such as hot surfaces, flames, hot gases, mechanical sparks, electrical installations, static electricity or exothermic reactions, is looked upon as preventive to a limited extent only. In former times this measure was rated secondary. 

Constructive measures comprise pressure resistant design, pressure impact resistant design, explosion venting, explosion suppression and decoupling. 

Preference should be given to primary or preventive measures wherever possible. Due to this, inertization, as the most frequently applied technique, shall be considered more closely. 

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