Pipeline Tool- Achieving Compliance with ATEX Certification

The Clients Request

Pipelines are frequently used for the transportation of gas, oil and other flammable substances, and require regular monitoring & cleaning for optimal flow assurance.

The client had successfully developed a tool, which contained electrical apparatus, to efficiently conduct rapid cleaning and environmental data logging within a pipeline.

However, due to the presence of flammable gas, the tool required certification for use within hazardous areas.

With EPIT’s reputation as a leader in supporting certification requirements and consultancy, the Client approached us for assistance in achieving compliance with the EU ATEX Directive for their Zone 1 Hazardous Area pipeline cleaning tool.

The Challenge

The challenge was to incorporate as much of the original non-hazardous area design and adapt it with minimal change to comply with one or more of the recognised explosion protection types.

This had to be managed with the objective of retaining the tool’s original functionality and ensuring the final concept was commercially viable.

Additional project challenges included the following:

• All the numerous electrical components within the tool required evaluation to determine the correct Ex protection methods that would be suitable given the design and environmental constraints
• There was a short timeframe for completing project delivery, with the initial design to  certification application required within a 3 month window
• For the purpose of the certifying body to initially assess compliance of the design with the relevant standards, detailed certification drawings were required.

The Solution

EPIT’s consultancy services for this project included;

• Conducting a Feasibility Study to determine how the Pipeline Tool could achieve Zone 1 ATEX compliance
• Presenting project relevant information to various Notified Bodies to obtain quotations for certification
• Providing full support and guidance throughout the process including managing critical communication between all parties, attending meetings and project delivery updates