- Using a hose
Emergency water supply system during disasters - During the Great Earthquake, the industrial water supply was cut off.
Proposal for BCP measures - Large-capacity foam spraying system
- Oil transport system using hoses
- Automatic fuel refueling system using a hose
- Using a hose
Emergency replacement system for loading arms - For pumping groundwater
- Tsunami countermeasures, fire pumps, etc.
High-altitude seawater intake pump system
Hazardous area
Precise risk assessment
What is a precise risk assessment?
Based on quantitative evaluations that reflect the actual situation,Optimize the scope of the hazardous area.
"Precise Risk Assessment of Hazardous Areas" is a method for optimizing hazardous areas (explosion-proof areas) in hazardous materials handling facilities through quantitative risk assessment in accordance with the "Guidelines on Precise Methods for Setting Hazardous Areas in Plants" (hereinafter referred to as the "Explosion-Proof Guidelines") issued by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the international standard IEC 60079-10-1 Edition 3.0 (hereinafter referred to as "IEC Ed3.0").
Unlike conventional, uniform settings, by taking into account more specific leakage conditions, gas release characteristics, ventilation conditions, and material properties, it is possible to accurately assess risks and more rationally distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous areas.
In many cases, this leads to a reduction in hazardous areas (an expansion of non-hazardous areas), thus reducing costs and maintenance burdens while maintaining safety, and contributing to the realization of smart security (digital transformation).
Smart SecurityThe first step to achieving this
"Precise risk assessment" is the gateway to smart security, achieving a high level of both safety and rationality.
Conventional methods often fail to accurately reflect the physical properties of materials and operating conditions, resulting in the need for widespread explosion-proof measures. By adopting evaluation methods that incorporate the latest knowledge, it is possible to more accurately identify the location of risks.
A thorough review of the current zone designations and the establishment of a well-defined security system should help alleviate the burden on on-site personnel while maintaining confidence in safety.
Problems that can be solved
We can solve these problems!
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When I consulted with the fire department, they suggested an evaluation based on the latest guidelines.
Alternatively, they are having trouble because they are being asked to have an evaluation conducted by a third-party organization. -
We want to introduce non-explosion-proof equipment for digital transformation. However, the risk assessment required for this is highly specialized.
We are unsure about proceeding with this in-house, so we would like to receive support from experts. -
I recognize the need for smart security, but I don't know where to start.
First, please tell me what approach we should take, taking into account our company's situation.
Merits
Benefits of risk assessment
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Merit 01
Optimization of hazardous areas and cost reduction
By rationally assessing risks and minimizing the scope of hazardous areas, it becomes possible to switch from expensive explosion-proof equipment to non-explosion-proof equipment, thereby reducing capital investment and maintenance costs.
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Merit 02
Application to Grade 1 emission sources
While explosion-proof guidelines primarily focus on Class 2 emission sources, we are increasingly receiving inquiries regarding the evaluation of Class 1 emission sources such as vents in tanks, equipment with open liquid surfaces, and painted surfaces.
While explosion-proof guidelines and IEC Ed3.0 do not specify concrete calculation methods for Class 1 emission sources, it is possible to consider risk assessment methods based on actual phenomena and designate a reasonable hazardous area based on the assessment results. (We offer our approach to evaluating Class 1 emission sources.) -
Merit 03
Securing non-hazardous areas in indoor facilities
While explosion-proof guidelines primarily focus on outdoor environments, indoor environments can also be evaluated based on IEC Ed3.0.
Most indoor facilities handling hazardous materials have ventilation systems installed, but it is possible to make the entire area a non-hazardous zone by reviewing the ventilation capacity, installing backup units, and installing local exhaust systems. -
Merit 04
Application to facilities handling small quantities of hazardous materials
Even in facilities handling small quantities of hazardous materials, where the amount of hazardous materials handled is limited compared to hazardous materials manufacturing plants and general handling facilities, risk assessment can significantly reduce hazardous areas and even make the entire facility a non-hazardous area.
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Merit 05
Maintaining and improving security levels
It is possible to implement safety measures that are more in line with actual conditions while maintaining the safety level required by law. Comprehensive identification of release sources and risk assessment make hazardous areas visible, and it is expected that safety awareness will be improved through safety education and other means.
Examples of developments after risk assessment
Identifying non-hazardous areas through risk assessment accelerates digital transformation and operational efficiency, which are core elements of smart security, and directly contributes to addressing on-site personnel shortages and reforming work styles.
Below are some specific examples of its implementation.
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01smartphones and other
Expanding the scope of use for portable non-explosion-proof equipmentSmartphones and tablets enable on-site information viewing, immediate information sharing and reporting, and the digitization of work records, leading to increased efficiency and reduced workload in on-site operations. They also contribute to ensuring worker safety through the use of vital signs sensors and other devices.
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02Expanding the range of sensor and camera installation
Continuous measurement using sensors and cameras enables automation of operations and digitization of records. Analysis of collected data allows for early detection of anomalies, preventing malfunctions and accidents. Furthermore, by adding intrusion detection functionality, accidental entry into hazardous areas can be prevented, enhancing safety.
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03Realizing the introduction of fixed equipment that is difficult to construct with explosion-proof structures.
By designating the entire room or the area surrounding the equipment as a non-hazardous zone, it becomes possible to install fixed equipment and devices that are difficult to construct with explosion-proof structures. We will consider and present the conditions for securing a non-hazardous zone (such as ventilation conditions and permissible leakage rates).
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04Promoting the use of drones
At hazardous materials facilities, there is a growing need for drone-based high-altitude inspections and anomaly diagnosis using image analysis as alternatives to scaffolding. Prior to flight, it is essential to create a flight plan and implement safety management that clearly distinguishes between hazardous and non-hazardous areas.
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05Construction cost reduction
Expanding the non-hazardous area allows for the adoption of less expensive, non-explosion-proof equipment during equipment replacement. This eliminates the need for special explosion-proof specifications, contributing to significant reductions in construction costs in terms of both equipment procurement and installation costs.
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06Expansion of areas where open flames can be used and
Standardization of construction workExpanding the non-hazardous areas will make it possible to carry out construction work involving the use of fire as part of routine construction, reducing the burden of scheduled maintenance work and allowing for a more leveling of construction operations.
Meeting customer needs
System Building
Traditionally, hazard zones were primarily defined by setting a uniform hazard distance from the emission source. However, to establish convincing hazard zones while balancing safety and economic rationality, a sophisticated assessment based on the latest explosion-proof guidelines and IEC Ed3.0 is essential.
Our company conducts advanced engineering studies using expertise in chemical engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics to address complex conditions such as the evaluation of Class 1 emission sources not specified in explosion-proof guidelines or IEC Ed3.0, and evaporation calculations that take thermal effects into account.
By comprehensively identifying all emission sources and performing individual risk calculations, we can accurately visualize the risks and establish evidence-based hazard zones.
To provide this specialized process quickly, we have promptly established an efficient implementation system. We strongly support the optimization of equipment investment while ensuring reliable explosion-proof safety.
Furthermore, IECEd3.0 is a widely adopted standard overseas. To meet the needs of evaluations for overseas locations, we can provide reports and evaluation results entirely in English.
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Guidelines and IEC Ed3.0
Unspecified calculations are required.Based on our past evaluation experience, we have accumulated know-how.
Efficient considerationWe will build a system that makes this possible. -
It was done by hand and took a long time.
It is expected that this will be necessary.By utilizing our proprietary program,
Significant time reductionWe will provide you with the evaluation results in a state where this has been achieved. -
For overseas bases
A risk assessment needs to be considered.Report and Review ResultsIn EnglishWe can also provide a presentation.
Main Achievements
Here are some of the industries in which our company has provided consulting services to date.
We have worked closely with customers in a wide variety of industries that handle hazardous materials, and have turned their requests into reality.
Based on our extensive experience, we strongly support the advancement of smart security and digital transformation in hazardous materials facilities.
- Petroleum product plant
- Petrochemical plant
- oil depot
- Chemical manufacturing plants
- Plastic molding factory
- Semiconductor-related factories
- Pharmaceutical-related factories
- Painting factory
- research institute
- GX-related facilities (hydrogen, etc.)
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National oil reserve base
(Fukui Oil Storage Co., Ltd.) - Paint, ink, and packaging material manufacturing plants; printing plants
- Airport refueling facility (Kansai International Airport Aircraft Refueling Facility)
- Cleaning process using organic solvents
others