A

H C R

E V I

Code of Practice

for the application of coatings by spraying of electrostatic powders

Published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service Department of Labour New Zealand

Code first issued Code revised Reformatted

1975 1980 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 GENERAL 1.1 Introduction 4 1.2 Legislative Requirements 5 1.3 Spray Booths and Collection Units 5 1.4 Fire and Explosion Hazards 5 1.5 Toxicity Hazard 6 1.6 Electrostatic Powder Coating Guns 6 2 PLANT DESIGN AND OPERATION 2.1 Principles of Hazard Reduction in Plant Design 7 2.2 Design of Spray Booth 8 2.3 Design and Operation of Powder Extraction and Collection Systems 8 2.4 Explosion Prevention Using Single-Factor Method 8 2.5 Explosion Prevention Using Double-Factor Method 9 2.6 Protection of Plant from Effect of Dust Explosions 10 2.7 Ovens 11 2.8 Protection of Operators Health 11 2.9 Cleaning 11 2 10 General 11 3 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 3.1 General 12 3.2 Electrical Equipment in the Hazardous Area 12 3.3 Earthing in the Hazardous Area 13 3.4 Electrostatic Powder Coating Guns 13 APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C Examples of Powder Concentration and Lower Explosive Limit Calculations Explosive Characteristics of Plastic Powders (Representative Values) Examples of Possible Arrangements for Powder Collection Units 4

12

14

15

15 17

APPENDIX D

1. GENERAL E
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 The purpose of this Code is to indicate the potential hazards in electrostatic powder coating and to specify the means by which these hazards may be minimised. The Code is divided into three parts: (1) A general section; (2) A section which gives mainly special details for compliance with the Factories Act 1946 and the Spray Coating Regulations 1962; and (3) A section which gives mainly special details for compliance with the Electrical Wiring Regulations 1976. 1.1.3 Electrostatic powder coating is a process whereby particles are charged electrostatically to a high voltage and then deposited upon the surface of an earthed object. Coating with powder by the electrostatic spraying technique is similar in principle to electrostatic spray coating with paint. The primary difference is the absence of solvent; paint is sprayed as a suspension in a solvent base, whereas powders are applied as fine particles in a dry condition. 1.1.4 The absence of solvent in dry powder applications removes the problems of paint overspray, solvent fumes and odours, and the risk of fire from flammable liquids. However, it does not eliminate hazards. Fine plastic powders in suspension in air can give rise to dust explosions, and can be injurious to health if inhaled in sufficient quantities. Precautions must be taken to reduce these hazards to an acceptable level. If adequate precautions are adopted at the outset, costly modifications to equipment will be avoided later. Powder should only be sprayed in a booth, as for spray painting, but unlike wet paint overspray, the oversprayed powder can be recovered and re-used. For powder spraying the booth is backed up by powder collection units, to which the powder is conveyed in the ventilating air stream via connecting ducting. Not all plastic powders are combustible or provide the same hazards from fire and explosion. The majority of powders used at present in New Zealand are epoxy resins and these powders have the greatest explosion hazard. Polyester powders have a similar explosion hazard rating and other powders such as acrylic and polythene have lower explosibilities. Although a dust cloud of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder is not explosive, PVC may give rise to toxic fumes during curing in ovens. Polyurethane powders may also give rise to irritant fumes during curing, hence ovens using these powders must be ventilated. As with paint, electrical equipment which sparks or has a hot surface could be a hazard, but it requires a higher energy spark and a higher temperature than that for a flammable vapour in order to ignite a dust cloud. The electrical

C R A

V I H

1.1.2

1.1.5

1.1.6

1.1.7

1.1.8

E V I Requirements 1.2 Legislative H C 1.2.1 For electrostatic powder coating compliance with this Code will be accepted R A by the Department of Labour as satisfactory in meeting the requirements of
Section 48A of the FactoriesAct 1946, which requires all practicable steps to be taken to eliminate the hazards from explosible dusts. 1.2.2 Regulation 37 of the Spray Coating Regulations 1962 requires spray coating by electrostatic means to be authorised in writing by the Chief Inspector of Factories. Compliance with this Code provides the conditions under which the Chief Inspector will issue authorisation. Any alteration such as the use of a different electrostatic powder coating gun requires a new approval. Compliance with this Code will be accepted as meeting Regulations 67 and 94 of the Electrical Wiring Regulations 1976. Emissions from the powder collector to the outside air must comply with the Clean Air Act 1972. An efficient cyclone would normally be sufficient to meet this requirement.

equipment also requiries a different construction than that for flammable vapours in order to protect against the risk of a dust explosion or fire.

1.2.3 1.2.4

1.3 Spray Booths and Collection Units

1.3.1 Spray booths are normally either cabinet or tunnel booths. Cabinet booths may either have an opening in the front of the booth and some method of suspending objects from the roof of the booth or have openings in each end as well as the front to allow a conveyor to transport objects through the booth. Tunnel booths are always open at each end and may also have an opening in the side to allow for the operator, or may be automatic with only a small opening to convey the feed-line, or may have an operator located inside the booth. The powder is collected from the bottom of the booth so that there is little powder accumulation in the booth. The collection unit usually consists of an efficient cyclone, or two or more such cyclones in parallel. The small amount of powder escaping from the cyclone/cyclones may also be collected using one of the following methods: (i) a fabric filter, (ii) a second cyclone, and (iii) a wet (water spray) collector. 1.3.5 A fabric filter may also be used for powder collection without a cyclone, but because of size and other requirements (i.e. explosion venting) this normally would be much more expensive.

1.3.2 1.3.3 1.3.4

1.4 Fire and Explosion Hazards

1.4.1 1.4.2 Most of the powder used will burn in any concentration and will present a fire hazard in all situations. The particle size of the powders is in the range which produces dust explosions. 5

C R A

VE I H
1.4.3 1.4.4

The concentration of powder in air must be above a minimum value termed the lower explosive limit (LEL) in order for an explosion to occur. The LEL value changes with the type of powder in use (see Appendix B), but will be in the range 20 - 60 g/m3 for explosible powders. There is also a maximum concentration of powder in air above which explosions will not occur. This figure is of the order of several kilograms per cubic metre, but is very ill-defined and in practice could not be stated with any degree of accuracy. It is safer, therefore, to assume that the powder can explode at all concentrations above the minimum value. A cloud of powder in air, which is of sufficient concentration, will explode only if an ignition source is present. The source of ignition must be of the required energy for it to ignite a dust cloud. This is referred to as the minimum ignition energyand is normally expressed in joules or millijoules. Most values fall in the 10 to 40 millijoules range (seeAppendix B). The source of ignition must be at a certain minimum temperature to ignite a dust cloud. This is referred to as the ignition temperature. Typical values for a dust cloud range from 4000C to 5500C (see Appendix B). It should be noted that a layer of dust will ignite at considerably lower temperatures than a dust cloud; the thicker the layer of dust the lower the ignition temperature. There are a number of possible sources of ignition such as electrical equipment, cigarettes and matches, unearthed conductors producing static electricity, naked flames and hot surfaces. The whole workroom containing the powder spraying and collection equipment can be at great risk if accumulations of powder are allowed to arise in this area.

1.4.5 1.4.6

1.4.7

1.4.8

1.4.9

1.5 Toxicity Hazard

1.5.1 Generally powders used in coating operations have a low order of toxicity and there is little risk to health in handling and using of powders. As with all dusts, inert or otherwise, inhalation must be avoided (especially for particles of 10 micron diameter or less), and concentrations of powder in the working environment should not exceed 10mg per cubic metre. There are no known instances of skin dermatitis resulting from contact with epoxy powder used in the coating industry. The irritant fumes given off during curing of polythene powders have a TLV of 5ppm (TWA) and 10ppm (STEL).

1.5.2 1.5.3

1.6 Electrostatic Powder Coating Guns

1.6.1 1.6.2 The electrostatic powder coating guns may be manual or automatic. The electrostatic powder gun can, in certain cases, produce a spark when brought into the proximity of an earthed object and the gun design must ensure a limited spark energy. The high voltage electrostatic field generated by the spray guns can build up a charge of static electricity on any nearby object which is not earthed and which is capable of accumulating a charge. Unearthed conductors, such as metallic

1.6.3

2. PLANT DESIGN AND OPERATION

2.1 Principles of Hazard Reduction in Plant Design
2.1.1 2.1.2 The fire risk of stored powder can be treated in the same way as for any other combustible solid. The risk of injury from suspended powder explosions or flash fires can be eliminated by using at least one of three techniques: (1) by providing one means of preventing explosions where all possible causes of failure have been considered and protection provided against each possible cause of failure (see Section 2.4 single-factor method); (2) by providing two means of preventing explosions, where failure of either of those means would be extremely rare (see Section 2.5 double-factor method); and (3) by protecting the plant and surroundings from the effects of a dust explosion (see Section 2.6). Most plants do not simply use one of these techniques but use different techniques in different parts of the plant (see Appendix C). 2.1.3 Eliminating all sources of ignition is not suitable as the sole means of protection for a single-factor method. Controlling the powder concentration below 25% of LEL is suitable for the single-factor. method. Collecting the powder in a water spray would also be suitable (if powder collection was not required say for one-off operations). The two means of protection for the double-factor method, which can be provided with extremely rare failure of either means, are: (a) by keeping the powder concentration below 50% of the LEL; and (b) by eliminating all sources of ignition. 2.1.5 There are three methods used to protect plant from the effectsof a dust explosion: (a) by providing a lightweight door or bursting panel designed to release at a low pressure, (b) by constructing the plant or enclosing the plant in a structure so that it can sustain the full explosion pressure, and (c) by using an explosion suppression system i.e. using early-sensing detectors and rapid-acting extinguishers which contain chemical suppressant. 2.1.6 Accumulations of powder in the workroom must be prevented by good work methods and regular cleaning. 7

AR

E V I 1.6.4 H C

objects, are the most likely to accumulate charge, although poor conductors, such as plastics, can also accumulate a charge but not to a level which is dangerous for combustible dusts. Because there is no New Zealand authority for testing electrostatic spray guns, reliance must be placed on overseas specifications.

2.1.4

2.2 Design of Spray Booth

2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 The booth shall be of substantial construction and must comply with the construction provisions of the Spray Coating Regulations 1962. Walls, ceilings and floors shall be smooth and without any projections, so that powder cannot easily collect in the booth and surfaces are easy to clean. Floors of booths shall be designed to facilitate the movement of powder towards exhaust points. The oversprayed powder shall not be collected in the booth, but shall be removed continuously from the booth and collected in a properly designed powder collection system.

C R A

VE I H
2.1.7

Inhalation of powder is avoided by providing sufficient air movement in the breathing zone of operators. When this is not practical suitable protective equipment must be provided and worn.

2.3 Design and Operation of Powder Extraction and Collection Systems

2.3.1 Each spray booth shall be provided with a powder collection system, which shall continuously and effectively remove oversprayed powder from the booth whilst spraying is in progress. Powder collection units shall be designed to prevent any powder escaping into the workroom. With manual booths an average air velocity of not less than 0.4 m/s through the main opening shall be maintained during spraying, while the velocity in the breathing zone of the operator must be at least 0.3 m/s. The air velocity through openings in the ends of a booth must be at least 0.2 m/s. For completely automatic booths the air velocity must be at least 0.2 m/s through any openings in a booth. Air exhausted from collection systems shall be exhausted to the exterior of the factory at a point not less than 3 metres above ground level, in a manner that prevents its re-entry into the factory, unless all powder is effectively removed from the returning air and explosion venting is not necessary in the plant item which exhausts the air, e.g. a water wash system. Air velocity through extraction ducting shall be sufficient to prevent settling of powder in the ducting. There shall also be no sharp change of direction or of cross-section in the ducting as this could cause powder to settle out at this point. In wholly automatic systems the booth shall contain a fire detection device which will switch off the powder flow, high-voltage supply and ventilation system in the event of a fire or explosion.

2.3.2

2.3.3

2.3.4

2.3.5

2.4 Explosion Prevention Using Single-Factor Method

2.4.1 2.4.2 The average concentration of powder in the extracted air from the booth shall not exceed 25% of the LEL for that powder. Values of LEL for various powders are given in Appendix B. For powders whose LEL is not known then the value will be taken as 20 g/m . Where more than one powder is used then the lowest LEL will become the design criteria.

2.4.3

H2.4.4 C R
2.4.5

E V I

The average concentration of the coating powder in the booth is determined from the maximum rate of powder that can be discharged from the guns in relation to the volume of air extracted by the ventilation system at its lowest capacity under operating conditions. SeeAppendixA for sample calculation. A plate must be affixed to the booth showing the minimum air volume rate (see AppendixA) and the design (actual) air volume rate. This plate shall conform to the pattern shown in Figure 1 and be situated in a conspicuous position. Markings on the plate shall be legible and permanent. If a new or additional gun is used giving a different maximum powder flow rate, then the plate must be altered to give the new minimum air flow rate (see also Section 1.2.2.). Some means must be provided so that, in the event of the air rate falling below the minimum, the powder supply to the spray gun will be cut off. An air flow switch or a switch operating on a pressure differential can be used for this purpose. If an air flow switch is installed, it must be on the clean side. Although the concentration may be above the explosive limit close to the gun, any explosion in this region would not be sustained outside and only a minor puff would result from a source of ignition existing very close to the gun.

2.4.6

2.5 Explosion Prevention Using Double-Factor Method

2.5.1 2.5.2 2.5.3 2.5.4 The average concentration of powder in the extracted air from the booth shall not exceed 50% of the LEL for that powder. The criteria and details given in Sections 2.4.2, 2.4.3 and 2.4.4 will also apply here. The powder gun must be interlocked with the fan so that the powder gun cannot be used without the fan also operating. The spray booth shall be constructed of, or lined with, a material which cannot accumulate significant amounts of static electricity. Non-conductive and earthed conductive materials are suitable. Painted conductive materials must be earthed to protect against any damage to the paint film (see also Section 3.3.1). The hazardous area for any sources of ignition is the area within 2 m in any direction of any opening in the spray booth. Only electrical equipment suitable for Class II Division I hazardous locations will be allowed in the hazardous area (see Section 3.2). No naked flames or other source of ignition shall be permitted within the hazardous area. Earthing and other provisions are given in Section 3.3 and 3.4. If it is necessary to perform any welding on any part of the booth or powder collection system, all traces of powder shall be removed from the system prior to commencement. No person shall smoke or be allowed to smoke in the hazardous area. A sign stating No Smoking within 2 m in clear lettering shall be prominently displayed on the spray booth. Preheating of articles before entry to the spray booth shall not exceed 3000C. Ovens operating within 2 m of the spray booth shall not have elements, or other heating device, situated within 2 m of the booth if the temperature of the elements or device exceeds 3000C.

2.5.5

2.5.6

2.5.7

2.5.8 2.5.9

C R AProtection of Plant from Effect of Dust Explosions 2.6

2.6.1 2.6.2

VE I H

2.5.10

All fans in the collection system shall be situated on the clean side of the collection units, and shall be of a type where the motor is fitted external to the ducting. Downstream from the primary dust collector is considered to be on the clean side.

If explosion suppression is used as the means to protect the plant, then it must be designed and supplied by a firm with recognised expertise in this area. If the plant is designed to withstand a pressure of 700 kPa, then no other means of protection is necessary. Details of the plant design must be provided when seeking approval.A flame arrestor or fast-acting valve must be installed in the ducting close to the booth in order to prevent the flame front from any explosion returning to the booth. The fast-acting valve should be activated by a pressure or temperature detector located in the powder collector (or for a suppression system). If the plant is explosion vented, then either the plant should be located outside the building or the relief vent must be ducted to outside the building. The explosion vents must discharge at least 3 m above the ground or be located in an unfrequented place. The explosion venting standard accepted by the Department of Labour is National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) Code No. 68, Explosion Venting Guide 1978. If the plant is required to withstand pressure above 20 kPa, then details must be provided, when seeking approval, to confirm that the plant can withstand the design pressure. Suppliers of the collection system will also need to specify the explosion venting area, the volume of the collecting vessel, the pressure at which the vents release, and the length of the explosion relief ducting.

2.6.3

2.6.4

2.6.5

If the length of the explosion relief vent ducting is longer than 2 m, or if it contains any bends greater than 10, then either the vessel and ducting must be capable of withstanding a higher pressure than 20 kPa or the cross-section of the explosion relief vent must be increased.A distance of 6 m is the maximum allowable length for an explosion relief vent duct when either the cross-section of the duct must be twice the area of the vent or the vessel must be capable of withstanding twice the pressure required for that vent area based on N.F.P.A. Code No. 68. The requirement for distances between 2 m and 6 m is found by proportion, e.g. for 4 m the area or pressure must be increased by 50%. If the dust collector has an unobstructed channel between where the powder is collected and the rest of the collector, then the whole powder collector must be explosion vented.A flame arrestor or fast-acting valve must also be installed close to the booth. If a cyclone uses a rotary valve or an automatically operated double-flap valve to separate the collecting vessel from the rest of the collector, then only the collecting vessel needs to be explosion vented or built to withstand 700 kPa. This criteria also applies to a filter bag unit when it is used in addition to a cyclone.

2.6.6

2.6.7

10

2.7 Ovens

AR

E V I 2.7.2 H C
2.7.1 2.7.3

Powder shall not be allowed to escape into an oven from any source. The temperature in the oven shall be kept below that at which the plastic will degrade and produce fumes of the products of decomposition (i.e. normally 2400C). To achieve this a temperature controlling device shall be fitted to control the temperature in the oven. The temperature controller must incorporate a fail-safe device, e.g. a fusible link. Ovens used to cure PVC or polyurethane powder must be vented to outside the factory. At least 10 m of air per kg of polyurethane powder must be provided in continuous ovens. Ovens used to cure other powders may not need to be vented outside the factory depending on the size and operation of the curing process.

2.8 Protection of Operators Health

2.8.1 No operator shall work, or be allowed to work, within a booth in such a position that oversprayed powder is present in his breathing zone. The use of respirators or airline helmets is not a substitute for adequate ventilation but an approved airline helmet may be used in exceptional circumstances with the written consent of the Chief Inspector of Factories. A dust respirator of disposable or cartridge type (approved as suitable by the Department of Health) shall be provided for use when filling feed hoppers, or when handling powder in such a manner as is likely to raise a dust cloud. Preferably cartridge type respirators should be issued individually. For an automatic system entry to the spray booth shall be prohibited during operation.

2.8.2

2.8.3

2.9 Cleaning
2.9.1 The spray booth, ducting, powder collection units and the surrounding workroom area shall be effectively cleaned at regular intervals to prevent accumulations of powder. Cleaning shall preferably be carried out with an industrial vacuum cleaner, of a type powered by compressed air or dust-excluding ignition-proof type of electrical equipment. If the vacuum cleaning is not of this type, then it cannot go into the hazardous area while spraying is in operation.A centralised vacuum cleaning system utilising a cyclone or bag filter unit is also acceptable provided it has adequate protection against dust explosions. Cleaning shall not be carried out by brushing, although sweeping deposits from the inside of the booth directly into the collection system is permissible provided the extraction system is kept in operation. Powder which is not to be recovered for re-use shall be wetted before disposal.

2.9.2

2.9.3

2.9.4

2.10 General
2.10.1 Operators of electrostatic powder spraying equipment shall be adequately trained in the use of the equipment and this training shall be the responsibility of the occupier. 11

RC

VE I H

2.10.2

Operators shall be made aware of the provisions of the Code where they relate to the operator or to the operation of the booth. Such provisions shall be made known to the operator by the occupier, before the equipment is used. No flammable paints or solvents shall be used or kept within 2 metres of the booth in a container made of conductive material unless they are earthed in accordance with Section 3.3.2. It is recommended that the inside surface of the booth, ducting and cyclone be painted or coated with a nonconductor as then powder will be less likely to stay on these surfaces. This will both reduce the explosion hazard and increase the ease with which colour changes can be carried out. Two cyclones in parallel may be used to make possible more rapid changes in colour. Plate to be affixed to spray booth indicating its air extraction capacity DESIGNAIR VOLUME RATE m3/s

2.10.3

2.10.4

Fig. 1

MINIMUM AIR VOLUME RATE m3/s

3. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
3.1 General
3.1.1 All electrical equipment must comply with the Electrical Wiring Regulations 1976. An extract from the Australian SAA Wiring Rules published by SANZ, MP 6105: 1976 Electrical Wiring in Hazardous Locations, is also to be used for guidance as it is intended to include most of this material in the Electrical Wiring Regulations. When the average powder concentration in the spray booth be above 25% of the LEL, then the concentration is sufficient to require designation of a hazardous area. The area inside the spray booth and within 2 m of any openings in the spray booth will be inside the hazardous area. If because of poor housekeeping or other reasons there are considerable quantities of explosive dust in the work area, this area shall also be designated a hazardous area.

3.1.2

3.1.3

3.2 Electrical Equipment in the Hazardous Area

3.2.1 All electrical equipment, including portable equipment, used in the hazardous area shall be installed with one or a combination of the following requirements: (a) The equipment and circuitry shall be contained in a continuous dust-excluding ignition-proof enclosure. (b) The equipment is totally enclosed fan-cooled or totally enclosed pipe-vented with no pipe opening within the hazardous area. (c) The equipment has a special design which has been approved by the above authorities. 3.2.2 The maximum surface temperature of all electrical equipment in the hazardous area will not exceed 3000 C.

12

3.2.3

H3.2.4 C R

E V I

Light fittings used to illuminate the interior of the booth and any other light fittings within the hazardous area must comply with Section 3.2.1. Alternatively, the fittings can be mounted outside the booth and separated from the interior by dust-tight panels or wired or reinforced glass. Plugs and plug sockets used in the hazardous area shall be provided with an interlocking switch so arranged that the plug cannot be inserted or withdrawn with the switch in the on position and that the switch cannot be in the on position unless the plug is in the socket. The plug and plug socket shall be so constructed and installed that powder will not accumulate in the socket.

3.3 Earthing in the Hazardous Area

3.3.1 The booth and powder collection unit if constructed of conductive material shall be adequately earthed so that the resistance to earth does not exceed 10 ohm and this shall be checked at intervals not exceeding 6 months by a competent person.A register shall be kept which is open to inspection. The article being coated and all metallic equipment in and within 2 m of the booth shall be adequately earthed while spraying is in progress. The resistance to earth shall not exceed one megohm. The earthing of articles being coated depends on the effectiveness of the hooks carrying or holding the articles, and it may be necessary to carry out a regular cleaning programme for the hooks to scrape or burn off any plastic coating. Most electrostatic sprayguns will not work effectively once the resistance to earth is above 50,000 ohms, hence this will indicate when the hooks need cleaning. A powder coating system manufactured by one company uses a technique which overcomes the poor earthing of articles, hence where this system is installed an earthing control unit must also be installed to prevent high energy static discharges. At least one of the known suppliers of these earthing control units has an agent in New Zealand (See Appendix D). Operators of hand held spray guns shall wear conductive footwear* and shall not wear gloves of an insulating nature, nor stand on insulating material. Personnel approaching within 2 m of the booth during operation shall wear conductive footwear* unless the powder used has a minimum energy which is guaranteed to be above 25 mJ. * Footwear which complies with NZS 5808 Electrically conducting and antistatic rubber footwear is satisfactory.

3.3.2

3.3.3

3.3.4

3.3.5 3.3.6

3.4 Electrostatic Powder Coating Guns

3.4.1 Electrostatic powder coating guns must be interlocked with the fan in such a manner that they cannot operate without the fan also operating (see Sections 2.4.5 and 2.5.3). Electrostatic powder guns must be classified as instrinsically safe by some recognised overseas authority such as BASEEFA (British Approvals Service for Electrical Equipment in FlammableAtmospheres). Of the high voltage equipment only spray guns and the cables connected to them may be sited inside spray booths. The high voltage generators, or any 13

3.4.2

3.4.3

APPENDIX A
Examples of Powder Concentration and Lower Explosive Limit Calculations
Suppose a booth is equipped with two spray guns both capable of a maximum discharge rate of 5 g/s, then the total maximum discharge rate = 5 + 5 = 10 g/s. If the air flow rate is 0.8 m3/s then the average powder concentration = 10 (g/s,) 0.8 (m3 /s) Suppose the powder being sprayed is epoxy, then the minimum air volume rate for 50% of LEL 10 (g/s) = 0.5 x 53 (g/m3) (see Appendix B) and the minimum air volume rate for 25% of LEL 10 (g/s) = 0.25 x 53 (g/m3) (see Appendix B) = 0.76 m3/s = 0.38 m3/s = 12.5 g/m3

RC

VE I H
3.4.4

motor driven devices, shall be excluded from the interior of booths, except in the case of approved spray-guns where the high-voltage generator is sealed into the gun. The high tension cables leading to guns shall be protected against damage during operation.

14

APPENDIX B

H C Explosion Characteristics of Plastic Powders (Representative Values) R A

Type of Powder Lower Explosive Limit (g/m 3) 53 40 45 25 Minimum Ignition Energy (mJ) 10-40 Ignition Maximum Explosibility Temperature Explosion Index Cloud of Pressure DSIR (1) Powder (00 ) (kPa) Epoxy Polyester Polyester Modified Epoxy Polyurethane Polyvinyl Chloride Polythylene Polyvinyl Acetate Nylon Polypropylene Acrylonitrile Polymer 540 500 520 510 648 675 660 648 80 80 65 648 2 2 2

E V I

Explosive Dust Class

Not ignitable Not ignitable 20 35 30 20 25 10-40

Not ignitable Not ignitable Not ignitable 410 520 500 420 500 552 517 655 524 620 50 20-66 0-10

Not ignitable 1 or 2 1 1 1 1 or 2

(1) Results on a scale 0-100. 100 indicates severest hazard, 0 - no ignition under test conditions

APPENDIX C
Examples of Possible Arrangements for Powder Collection Units
Example A. In this example the booth uses the single-factor method while the cyclone has both the single-factor method and protection against the effect of an explosion (see Fig. 2). Example B. In this example the booth uses the double-factor method while the cyclone has protection against the effect of an explosion (see Fig. 3). Example C. This type of cabinet is portable and has protection against the effect of an explosion (see Fig. 4).

15

C R A

VE I H
6

3 2 4

KEY 1. Average concentration below 25% of LEL (see 2.4.1) 2. Pressure-differential switch installed (see 2.4.5) 3. Rotary valve installed (see 2.6.7) 4. Vessel built to withstand 700 kPa (see 2.6.2 and 2.6.7) 5. Air exhausted outside factory (see 2.3.3) 6. No earthing of object required as special type of gun used (see 3.3.4)

Fig. 2 Example A

8 7 3 1
KEY 1. Hazardous area a set distance from booth opening (see 2.5.5) 2. Average concentration below 50% of LEL (see 2.5.1) 3. Object in booth earthed (see 3.3.2) 4. Booth constructed of nonconductive material (see 2.5.4) 5. A flame arrestor or fast-acting valve installed (see 2.6.6) 6. Powder gun interlocked with fan (see 2.5.3) 7. Explosion vent installed (see 2.6.3) 8. Air exhausted outside factory (see 2.3.3)

2 4

Fig. 3 Example B
16

H C R

E V I

2 3

KEY 1. Average concentration below 50% of LEL 2. Electrodes installed - source of ignition permissible as below LEL 3. Concentration above LEL 4. Explosion vent installed (see 2.6.3) - not vented outside but has flame arrestor (special case for portable unit) 5. Object in booth earthed (see 3.3.2) 6. Cabinet constructed of conductive material and therefore earthed (see 2.5.4)

Fig. 4 Example C

APPENDIX D
At the time that this code was printed the following information was available: Sames Company manufactures a gun which uses a technique which overcomes poor earthing; and Gema manufactures an earthing control unit (Nz agents - Gunn-Gollin Limited).

17