Oct. 21, 2024
Know the basics about non-sparking tools
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What is a non-sparking tool?
Non-sparking tool are tools made of special alloys that generate low energy sparks. The key principle to avoid an explosion is therefore to ensure that the energy of the spark a tool generates is lower than the ignition point of the gas in the atmosphere.
Non-sparking tools are safe to use in the presence of an explosive atmospheres, according to the Directive /92 / EC.
What non-sparking alloys exist?
The most common alloys are copper beryllium (also called beryllium copper or Cu-Be) and aluminum bronze (also called Al-Bron).
Although Cu-Be alloy is 20% - 40% more expensive than Al-Bron at the point of purchase, it has two important benefits:
In addition, Cu-Be non-sparking tools are non-magnetic, an important benefit if work is being carried out in the presence of a magnetic field.
How do I decide which alloy is the best option for me?
Cu-Be is the best choice in 90% of cases, as its best properties make it safer and more economical over time. In general terms, Al-Bron non-sparking tools are only competitive when four conditions are met simultaneously:
- The tool will be used very occasionally, not periodically.
- Great efforts will not be made.
- Complete non-magnetism is not required.
- Will not be used in IIC group atmospheres.
If all these conditions occur at once, the Al-Bron may be the best option. But if only one of these conditions is not met, then the Cu-Be is the right decision.
Are there other safe alloys apart from the Cu-Be and Al-Bron?
Other alloys available in the market include copper, tin bronze, brass or manganese bronze. However, these alloys are not a viable alternative to Cu-Be and Al-Bron tools due to their low hardness and resistance levels (between 4 to 6 times lower).
Copper, brass and tin bronze non-sparking tools are therefore mainly used in those special cases where a very low hardness level is required.
How about if there is Acetylene gas in the atmosphere?
Even if Cu-Be is the safest non-sparking tool alloy, there is one exception where they could represent an explosion hazard: the presence of Acetylene in the atmosphere.
Acetylene is a gas in the IIC group, and therefore Cu-Be alloys would not trigger its deflagration. However, acetylene is a substance that reacts with any alloy with a copper composition higher than 65%, creating a new, highly explosive compound, called copper Acetylide.
As both Cu-Be and Al-Bron non-sparking tools contain more than 80% of copper in their composition, they must never be used in acetylene environments. In such environments, steel tools would likely be safer than Cu-Be non-sparking tools.
For industrial operations where Acetylene is present, EGA Master has developed a proprietary alloy called ACETILEX®. ACETILEX® tools have less than 65% of copper in their composition, making it the only completely safe alternative on the market for working in environments with acetylene.
EGA Master offers the widest range of non-sparking tools. EGA Master non-sparking tools are certified by the German BAM laboratory, to give full confidence to buyers and users that the tools they are using are safe to work in the presence of an explosive atmosphere.
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Workplace safety has become a matter of great concern for every industry, regardless of size and nature. Every industry wants to incorporate the best measures and use tools that can ensure a safer working environment and reduce the instances of accidents and injuries.
One such category of tools that has the power to improve safety in industries is non-sparking hand tools.
Non-sparking hand tools, a.k.a. safety tools, are used in environments that contain flammable liquids, vapors, dust, or residues. Therefore, they mainly serve their purpose in ATEX zones, like oil & refineries, paint warehouses, spray booths, chemical industry, coal mines, and others. They help in minimizing the risk of fire and explosion.
The tools are made of metals that do not contain iron like bronze, brass, and alloys of copper-aluminum and copper-beryllium. The non-ferrous metal allows the tools to eliminate the risk of a spark being created while they are in use.
You can find several non-sparking tools suppliers offering a wide range of tools. You can even invest in a complete non-sparking tools kit to get all the tools in one go. They will help you conduct various processes in the industry efficiently and safely.
The tools are made from non-ferrous metals, which have less tensile strength, making them more vulnerable to tearing apart when stretched under test conditions. But when used and maintained properly, they can serve the needs for quite a long time.
Here are a few benefits of using non-sparking or spark-reduced tools in chemical industries using acetylene equipment or gas:
As mentioned above, non-sparking tools are made from non-ferrous metals, owing to which they possess great corrosion resistance. The property makes them the best tools to use in acetylene plants. In addition to this, the tools can work best in environments containing alkali, acids, and other chemicals. The corrosion resistance feature of the tools adds more to their performance and durability.
The tools are made from non-magnetic metals like brass and bronze. Therefore, they minimize the chances of magnetic or electronic disturbances in acetylene plants. Additionally, the tools do not impact the settings of the instruments, ensuring the efficient working of all processes.
In this modern age and day, the majority of non-sparking tools are made from copper alloys. Although copper is less tensile than other metals, it still can withstand pressure and other industrial conditions. As with any regular tools, most of these non-sparking tools are durable and tough enough to withstand the regular impacts at chemical plants.
The reasons mentioned above prove that non-sparking tools are safe to use in explosive environments. Moreover, to ensure the safe working of these tools, it is crucial to maintain them in good working condition.
The following guidelines will help you reduce the risk of explosion and fire:
Ensure that all &#;non-sparking&#; tools are clean and do not have any ferrous or other contaminants on them. The ferrous contaminants may hamper the non-sparking properties. Therefore it&#;s crucial to clean the tools after every use.
Select the right-sized tool to perform the particular task. The right fit will prevent the tool from slipping, lowering the uncertainty of a spark.
Altogether avoid the use of non-sparking hand tools in direct contact with acetylene. The thing may form explosive acetylides, particularly in the presence of moisture.
Use proper ventilation systems to remove hazardous materials, specks of dust, and vapors from the workplace.
Continuous use of non-sparking tools calls for their redressing. Use standard safety procedures while sharpening non-sparking tools, using eye and face protection gear, dust collection facilities, and adequate extraction.
By following all the tips mentioned above, you can ensure safe working conditions in acetylene plants.
Non-sparking tools also generate sparks, referred to as &#;cold sparks.&#; However, the sparks have a low heat level, not enough to ignite any substance. Therefore, the tools are safe to use in environments containing flammable liquids, vapors, dust, or residues.
You can even use tools made from non-metals like leather, wood, and plastic that do not pose friction spark risks.
Non-sparking tools make the work easier in many industries along with improving efficiency. These tools are available in several specifications so that you can pick the ones that meet your needs. You can even consider purchasing a non-sparking tools kit to simplify the task of carrying these tools from one job location to another. In addition to this, the kit will help maintain the tools and keep them safe from ferrous contaminants that can degrade their non-sparking properties.
The spark-reduced tools are durable, reliable, and safer, owing to which are great in demand. Find the best non-sparking tools supplier to get the best quality tools for your industry.
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