Masterflex AG, Gelsenkirchen - April 2010
Masterflex AG has been offering a new "A" hose series in accordance with TRBS 2153 since last year. Since 04/2009, TRBS 2153 has replaced the previously valid BGR 132 and includes new criteria for the use of spiral hoses in the various danger zones.
Some of Masterflex AG's standard hose types, which have been tried and tested for many years, have already been complying with the new TRBS 2153 guidelines, which are now in force. Other products in the new "A" hose series, such as the Master-PUR L-A or Polderflex PUR-A, as well as various other hoses for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, now round off the possible applications in accordance with TRBS 2153.
The new A hose types (antistatic < 10 to the power of 9 ohms) are permanently conductive due to the use of non-migrating antistatic agents and can be used in accordance with TRBS 2153 (Zone 20) for conveying combustible dusts and bulk materials to dissipate electrostatic charges with grounding of the spiral ends on both sides. Due to the transparency of the hoses, the material being conveyed remains visible.
The new hose series offers an enormous variety of hose variations: As in Masterflex AG's standard range, light to heavy hose types are available for a wide variety of applications with a wide variety of properties, such as abrasion-resistant, microbe- and hydrolysis-resistant and even food-grade hoses. The hoses can be used for the most demanding requirements in the entire bulk materials handling industry. The various hose designs are available in diameters from DN 16 to DN 500.
Basis for the use of Masterflex AG hoses in Ex-zones according to TRBS 2153 edition 4/2009
New in TRBS 2153 is in particular the aspect that bulk materials are now classified into two groups:
- combustible bulk solids
- non-flammable bulk solids
The statements and procedures for the transport of non-flammable bulk materials have not changed significantly. The situation is different for the transport of flammable bulk materials: Here, the new TRBS 2153 increases the requirements for material compositions with regard to electrostatic properties or discharge capability.
When using spiral hoses in zone 0/20, the user must carry out a specific hazard analysis. As before, electrically conductive hoses with a surface resistance < 10 to the power of 6 ohms are generally recommended here.
In Zone 1/21, the requirements have become more stringent: when transporting flammable bulk materials, antistatic hoses with a surface resistance < 10 to the 9th power of Ohm are now recommended.
In Zone 2, there are no significant changes compared to the old regulations.
Service hotline
Do you have any questions about the TRBS 2153 directive or our range of hoses?
Then contact our service hotline, we will be happy to assist you with advice and support.
Ingo Dehne (technical sales consulting): Phone: 0209 97077-35