(71aj) Comparison of Results of the Classified Areas of a Typical Hydrogen Generation Unit (GHU) Using the Standards NFPA 497 and API RP 505

The risk analysis technique called  classification of area is widely used in the petroleum industry, being an important tool for the installation of electrical equipment under safety, both in the aspect of equity and the workers. All electrical equipment to be installed in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres need to be certified under the INMETRO, i.e., have a "type of protection". This certification process is costly and therefore reduce this area is synonymous with financial savings for the company. In Brazil the standards used in studies of classification areas are foreign API RP 505 and NFPA 497 and international ABNT NBR IEC 60079-10-1, each with its own peculiarities. This work proposes to compare the implementation of these standards for the classification of areas in the same scenario with the analysis of the differences and similarities between these. The study indicates that it is not possible to use the standards individually. However, a careful review of foreign standard API RP 505 proved possible to reduce the extent of the classified area influencing in a reduced need for equipment with a higher degree of protection.