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API RP 500-Recommended Practice For Classification of Locations For Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities-First Edition PDF
API RP 500-Recommended Practice For Classification of Locations For Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities-First Edition PDF
Abstract- API Recommended Practice 500 (RP 500), 500" was formed. This task force was comprised of the
Recommended Practice for Classification of following six members, two from each of the API
Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Departments(Refining, Production,and Transportation):
Facilities, provides guidelines for classifying
locations at petroleum refineries, production and David N. Bishop, Chevron (Production)
drilling areas, and pipeline transportation facilities Frederick Bried, Shell (Transportation)
for the selection and installation of electrical Paul S. Hamer, Chevron (Refining)
equipment. It has combined the previously separate Floyd Lazenby, Exxon (Transportation)
recommended practices RP 500A, RP 500B and RP Tom P. Pearson, Arc0 (Production)
500C. This paper highlights the changes effected by John H. Rannells, Amoco (Refining)
the new document. Particular attention is given to
the document sections on ventilation and the use of The task force was charged with combining the three
combustible gas detectors. documents into one that would be acceptable to all
three API departments -- a seemingly formidable task.
The initial and subsequent seven drafts of RP 500 were
edited by this group and the larger task forces originally
responsible for RP 500A, B, and C. The final document
Introduction - History of the API RP 500 Series was sent simultaneously to all three department's
standardization committees for letter ballot. The ballot
While the National Electrical Code (NEC) (11 defines was unique in that each of the departments voted on
rules on the selection and installation of electrical the general sections (Sections 1 through 5 and the
equipment in classified areas, it provides only general Appendices of RP 500)and its respective "Section" of
guidance on the extent of classified areas. The RP 500: "A" for Refining, "B" for Production, or "C" for
American Petroleum Institute (API) RP 500 series (RP Transportation. The six-member task force was
500A, RP 5006, and RP 500C) have served for responsible for resolving all ballot comments and
decades as the petroleum industry's recommended negative votes. Differences between each department
practices on the extent of classified areas. The first that could not be resolved meant that the unique
document published by API on classificationof locations requirements each of the three departments be
also was designated RP 500, without a suffix, and was integrated into RP 500 via Sections A, B, or C (Refining,
issued by the Refining Department of API in 1955. This Production,and Transportation, respectively) in RP 500.
document was further updated in 1957, issued as RP The approved RP 500 [6] was issued on June 1, 1991.
500A in 1966, and updated in 1982 [2]. Since the initial In order to comply with API policy, RP 500 must be
API document's scope included only refineries, the reaffirmed, revised, or withdrawn at least every five
Production Department of API created a document for years, or by June 1,1996. The procedures for updating
guidance in classifying production and drilling facilities. RP 500 will be similar to those initiated in 1988, and the
Initially issued as RP 11J in 1961, it was designated RP schedule could be accelerated if there are significant
5006 in 1966 and updated in 1973 and 1987 [3][4]. changes in underlying codes or standards (e.g., the
Similarly, the Transportation Department of API issued NEC).
RP 500C covering pipelines in 1966, with updates in
1974 and 1984 [5]. The following includes highlights of RP 500. It is a
significant recommended practice for use by the entire
The three documents were created and balloted by the petroleum industry. Interpretationsof the recommended
three separate departments within API, with minimal practice are not intended.
liaison among their task forces writing the recommended
practices. In 1988, at the request of the three
Departmenttask forces, an "Advisory Task Force on RP
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Highlights of API RP 500 "General" Sections, Several methods of achieving adequate ventilation are
Sections 1 Through 5 listed. All methods must assure that areas where
heavier-than-air vapors or lighter-than-air vapors may
Section 1 collect are ventilated. Although not all-inclusive, the
methods listed follow:
Section 1 emphasizes that the NEC [l] provides the
basic definitions and that RP 500 provides guidelines for 1) ventilation at a minimum rate of one cubic foot of
classifying locations at petroleum facilities for the air volume flow per square foot of floor area, but
selection and application of electrical equipment. Its at least six air changes per hour;
scope includes&o electrical equipment applications.
Specific recommendations for the degree and extent of 2) natural ventilation of enclosed areas
classified areas unique to refineries, production facilities, (recommended only for areas of 1000 cubic feet
and pipeline facilities are given in Sections A, B,and C, or less) using the natural draft "stack effect" with
respectively. a safety factor of two, increasing the air flow
requirements to at least twelve air changes per
hour. Reference sample calculations in RP 500,
Section 2 Appendix A.
The "fire triangle" components are summarized in 3) natural ventilation by the inherent construction of
Section 2. That is, for a fire to exist: the building or partially enclosed area: or,
1) the flammable gas or vapor must be present: 4) ventilation rates determined by the fugitive
2) the gas or vapor must be mixed with air or emissions method described in RP 500,
oxygen in the proper quantities and Appendix B.
proportions; and,
3) the mixture must be ignited. Prior to this edition of RP 500, the general
recommendationwas to ventilate at a rate of twelve air
volume changes per hour for an area to be adequately
Section 3 ventilated. In cold-weather climates, this imposed
severe requirements for enclosed areas where the
Descriptions of flammable and combustible liquids, ventilation air had to be heated. The NFPA 30
highly volatile liquids, and flammable gases are Technical Committee considered the successful
presented in Section 3. Also, the basis for the NEC [I] experiences of the petroleum industry in making
"Grouping" of atmospheric mixtures is given. changes to the 1990 edition of NFPA 30.
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calibrated at a frequency in accordance with the Highlights of Section 8, Production
manufacturer's recommendation, but at least every
three months. An alarm should be activated upon The last edition of RP 500B introduced the "limited
sensing 20 percent LFL and power should be ventilation" concept. This was dropped in RP 500, and
disconnected from devices in the area, if those devices the figures of Section 6 reflect this change, referring
are not suitable for the area classification without gas only to "adequate" or "inadequate" ventilation.
detectors, when 40 percent LFL gas concentration is Productionoperations, particularly offshore, have severe
sensed. The use of combustible gas detectors provides space restrictions. For this reason, many specific pieces
one with a new approach to design. However, if the of equipment are illustrated in the figures. Paragraphs
area being considered for the use of gas detectors on sumps, drains, valves, and valve actuators were
contains equipment that may release flammable gases added to RP 500. Recommendations for hydrocarbon-
or vapors dugng normal operations, gas detectors are fueled prime movers have been expanded.
not a feasible option unless some degree of ventilation
is provided. Otherwise, frequent alarms or equipment
shutdowns can occur.
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Conclusion References
The merging of RP 500A, B, and C into a single RP 500 [ l ] NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. Quincy, MA:
is a major benefit to the petroleum industry. It required National Fire Protection Association. 1990.
the hard work and review of many people in the various
technical subcommittees and task forces of API. The [2] API RP 500A. ClassificationofLocationsfor Electrical
result is a document that can be used by the entire Installations in Petroleum Refineries. 4th Ed.
petroleum industry in a consistent manner. Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute,
1982.
The document can be improved with input from those
who use it. For example, in future issues of RP 500, [3] API RP 5008, Recommended Practice for
one could expect to see similar figures from Sections A, Classificationof Locations for Electrical Installations at
B, or C to be grouped in a section of common figures. Drilling Rigs and Production Facilities on Land and on
Figures unique to the refining, production, or Marine Fixed and Mobile Platforms, 3rd Ed.
transportation segments of the petroleum industry would Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute,
remain in the existing Sections A, B, and C. Examples 1987.
that might be included in a "common figure" section
would be storage tanks, tank truck and rail car loading [4] R. J. Gobrick, M. W. Wedel, "The New API RP
areas, marine loading facilities, and compressor 5008 - One Year Later," in Conf. Rec. 1988 35th
buildings with lighter-than-air gas or vapor sources. Annual IEEE Petroleum and Chemical Industry
Comments or suggestions should be addressedto API. Conference, pp. 119-124.
Copies of RP 500 are available from: American
Petroleum Institute, Publications and Distribution [5] API RP 500C, Classificationof Locationsfor Electrical
Section, 1220 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, Installations at Pipeline Transportation Facilities. 2nd
phone (202) 682-8375. Ed. Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute,
1984.
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APPENDIX A VENTILATION APPENDIX B
(From NFPA 30 [7]) (Appendix F from API RP 500 [SI)
5-3.3.1 Enclosed processing areas handling or using This Appendix is intended to provide an outline of the
Class I liquids or Class II or Class Ill liquids at basic procedures requiredto classify a location. It is not
temperatures above their flash points shall be ventilated all inclusive but should offer guidance to inexperienced
at a rats sufficient to maintain the concentration of individuals. Combined with sound engineering
vapors within the area at or below 25 percent of the judgement it will provide a good start toward area
lower flammable limit. This shall be confirmed by one classification.
of the following:
F.l Introduction. The following procedure requires
(a) Calculations based on the anticipated fugitive answering a series of questions. An affirmative answer
emissions (see Appendix F for calculation method), or to either question in Paragraph F.2 verifies the likely
existence of a hazardous (classified) location.
(b) Sampling of the actual vapor concentration under Boundaries of locations may be determined by applying
normal operating conditions. the recommendations of the preceding sections and
referring to appropriate figures in Sections A, B and C,
The sampling shall be conducted at a 5-ft (1.5-m) as applicable. Each room, section, or area should be
radius form each potential vapor source extending to or considered individually in determine its classification.
toward the bottom and the top of the enclosed Initial planning should focus on grouping of sources and
processing area. The vapor concentration used to allowing unclassified areas for electrical equipment
determine the required ventilation rate shall be the installation.
highest measured concentration during the sampling
procedure. NOTE: Final &terminations of classification may
require coordination with process engineers, facility
NOTE: Equipment in enclosed processing areas may design engineers,fire and safety specialists, instrument
deteriorate over time, and periodic sampling should be engineers, and electrical engineers.
conducted to ensure that leakage rates have not
increased or that the ventilation rate is adequate for -
F.2 Step 1 Need for Classification. The need for
any increase in leakage rates. classification of a location is indicated by an affirmative
answer to either of the following two questions:
An acceptable alternate is to provide ventilation at a
rate of not less than 1 cu ft per minute per sq ft of solid 1. Are flammable liquids, gases, or vapors handled,
floor area (0.3 m’ per min per m*). Ventilation shall be processed or stored in or adjacent to the area?
accomplished by natural or mechanicalventilation, with
discharge or exhaust to a safe location outside the 2. Are combustible liquids likely to be handled,
building, without recirculation of the exhaust air. processed or stored in or adjacent to the area at
temperatures above their flash points?
Exception: Recirculation is permitted where it is monitored
continuously using a fail-safe system that is designed to
automatically sound an alarm, stop recirculation, and
F.3. Step 2 -
Assignment of Classification.
Assuming an affirmative answer from Step 1, the
provide full exhaust to the outside in the event that vapor-air question in F.3.1 and F.3.2 should be answered to
mixtures in concentration over one-fourth of the lower determine the degree of classification (Division 1 or
flammable limit are detected. Division 2).
Provision shall be made for introduction of make-up F.3.1 Division 1 locations normally are dictated by an
air in such a manner as to avoid short-circuiting the affirmative answer to any one of the questions that
ventilation. Ventilation shall be arranged to include all follow:
floor areas or pits where flammable vapors may collect.
Where natural ventilation is inadequate, mechanical 1. Is an ignitible atmospheric concentration of gas or
ventilation shall be provided and shall be kept in vapor likely to exist in the location under normal
operation while flammable liquids are being handled. operating conditions?
Local or spot ventilation may be needed for the control
of special fire or health hazards. Such ventilation, if 2. Is an ignitible atmospheric concentration of gas or
provided, can be utilized for up to 75 percent of the vapor likely to occur in the location frequently
required ventilation. (NFPA 91, Standard for the because of maintenance, repairs, or leakage?
Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock,
and Vapor Removal or Conveying, and NFPA 90A, 3. Would a failure of process, storage, transfer or
Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and similar equipment likely cause an electrical system
Ventilating Systems, provide information on this subject.) failure that would create an ignition source (e.g.,
arcing) simultaneously with the release of ignitible
concentrations of gas or vapor?
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4. Is flammable liquid or gas handled, processed or
stored in an inadequately ventilated location?
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F.4 Step 3 Extent of Classified Locations.
Reference Paragraph 4.7 and Section 5. Reference
also Sections A, B or C, as applicable.
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F.5 Step 4 Determination of Group. Reference
Paragraph 3.5 to determine the proper group.
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