WorldWide Drilling Resource

Connector Solutions for Fiber-Optic Cables in Explosive Atmospheres Adapted from Information by Rankin PR In the gas and oil industry, fiber is increasingly being used in upstream explo- ration and production, downstream at the pump, as well as everywhere in between. In land-based oil rigs, high-speed fiber-optic cable is required to control automa- tion, monitor equipment status, and communicate predictive notifications when components are in danger of failing. These capabilities create enormous cost sav- ings by avoiding extended downtime due to catastrophic equipment failures. The use of fiber-optic cable is also increasing in a wide variety of hazardous locations, including sites with potentially explosive atmospheres which put workers and equipment at risk. According to organizations which establish international safety requirements, the potential for fiber-optic connectors to cause ignition of explosive atmospheres presents a real hazard. Explosive atmospheres exist in areas where flammable gasses, vapors, mists, or dust are mixed with the surrounding air, creating the risk of an explosion throughout the entire area. Oil platforms, gas pipelines, distribution centers, oil refineries, and chemical processing plants are some locations which could meet these conditions. Because the hazards of explosive atmospheres are a global concern, special stan- dards have been issued to establish minimum requirements for improving the health and safety of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. The two bodies which certify these standards for fiber are ATEX (Atmosphere Explosibles - the name given to directives used for controlling explosive atmospheres in the European Union), and IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission’s system of standards relating to equipment used in explosive atmospheres). IECEx has determined fiber-optic connectors, receptacles which couple fiber-optic cable to an enclosure, are potential ignition sources in explosive atmospheres under certain conditions, or “Zones,” as determined by ATEX. “The primary ATEX zones where fiber-optic connectors should be certified as safe are Zone 1 and Zone 2. Zone 1 is defined as a place in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation,” said Phillip Hoyle, an expert in fiber optics and product development specialist with Optical Cable Corporation (OCC). “Zone 2 applies to locations where an explosion is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.” OCC recently developed the EZ-Mate Ex line of connectors, which provides up to 24 fiber connections in a single connector and has hazardous location protection for Zones 1 and 2. Hoyle explained, “Having certified fiber con- nectors installed in a hazardous area not only speeds up the certification process, but can also reduce time to market along with reduced testing and certification costs for the customer.” To make the explosive atmosphere fiber solution a comprehensive one, manufacturers like OCC work with ATEX / IECEx-certified enclosures manufactur- ers to provide a complete end-to-end solution. These comprehensive solu- tions will ensure safer environments for workers and equipment , as wel l as make the conversion to directive-com- pliant explosive atmosphere protection more efficient, with minimal downtime. 302-684-3197 FAX: 302-384-0643 142 Broadkill Rd. • Milton, DE 19968 www.atlantic-screen.com email: atlantic@ce.net Manufacturers of Slotted & Perforated Pipe ranging from ½” to 24” diameter Atlantic Screen & Mfg., Inc. • Well Rehab. Products • Manholes • Bentonite • Filter Sock • Inline Chemical Mixers • Sampling Bailers • Clear PVC Pipe • Locking Caps Open the Doorway to all the Event Photos during Michigan Ground Water Association 2019. To see all the photos from this event, go to worldwidedrillingresource.com or click here. Feel free to download at will and print the photo(s) of your choice. Compliments of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® . Photos are copyrighted and released for personal use only - no commercial use permitted. 14 MAY 2019 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DIR EZ-Mate Ex line of connectors, courtesy of Optical Cable Corporation.