Industrial workplaces that handle flammable substances require careful consideration when selecting electronic equipment. Oil and gas facilities, chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical facilities, and manufacturing sites can contain areas where explosive atmospheres may occur. In these environments, Explosion Proof Tablets are designed with specific protection measures intended to reduce the possibility of equipment becoming an ignition source under defined conditions.
The term “explosion proof” should not be interpreted as meaning that a device can withstand every type of explosion. Instead, hazardous-location equipment is designed and certified according to particular protection concepts, environmental conditions, and hazardous-area classifications.
Understanding Explosion Protection
Explosion-protected equipment can use different engineering approaches depending on its certification and intended application. The IECEx system covers several protection concepts for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, including flameproof enclosures and intrinsic safety.
Limiting Ignition Risks
The primary purpose of explosion protection is to prevent electrical or thermal energy from igniting a surrounding hazardous atmosphere. Equipment may therefore incorporate specially designed housings, electrical components, connectors, batteries, and other parts.
The exact protection method depends on the equipment's certification and the hazards present at the intended location.
Hazardous Area Classifications
Before a tablet is introduced into an industrial environment, the location must be properly assessed.
Gas and Vapor Environments
Areas containing flammable gases or vapors may be classified into zones according to the likelihood and duration of an explosive atmosphere. Common classifications include Zones 0, 1, and 2.
Combustible Dust Environments
Facilities handling combustible dust may use different zone classifications, such as Zones 20, 21, and 22. The equipment required for these environments can differ from equipment designed for gas-related hazards.
Because of these differences, a tablet suitable for one hazardous area may not necessarily be appropriate for another.
Certification and Compliance
Certification is an important consideration when selecting specialized mobile equipment.
ATEX Requirements
In European markets, ATEX requirements apply to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Equipment classification depends on factors such as the hazardous environment, protection level, and intended application.
IECEx Certification
IECEx provides an international certification system based on applicable IEC standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. Certification information can indicate the conditions and hazardous environments for which equipment has been assessed.
Organizations should review the complete certification marking rather than relying only on general terminology such as “industrial” or “rugged.”
Applications of Explosion-Protected Tablets
Explosion-protected tablets can support digital tasks in industries where hazardous atmospheres may occur.
Oil and Gas
Workers may require mobile access to inspection records, maintenance information, work instructions, and operational data at oil and gas facilities.
Chemical Processing
Chemical plants can contain areas involving flammable substances. Specialized mobile devices may support documentation and field data collection where the equipment's certification matches the environment.
Manufacturing
Certain manufacturing processes can generate combustible dust or involve flammable materials. Appropriate certified equipment can support digital workflows in designated areas.
Pharmaceutical Facilities
Some pharmaceutical processes may involve flammable solvents or combustible materials. Equipment selection should correspond to the specific hazardous-area classification.
Features Beyond Explosion Protection
Explosion protection is only one consideration when evaluating a tablet for industrial use.
Display and Usability
A device may need a display that remains readable under different lighting conditions. Workers may also require touch-screen functionality while wearing protective gloves.
Connectivity
Depending on the workplace, wireless connectivity may be needed for communication, data synchronization, or access to operational systems. Network availability and permitted wireless technologies should be evaluated alongside hazardous-area requirements.
Battery Design
Battery systems require particular attention because batteries can generate electrical energy and heat. Certified equipment should use the battery configuration specified for the relevant certification.
Environmental Durability
Industrial environments can expose electronic equipment to dust, moisture, temperature changes, vibration, and accidental impacts.
Weather and Dust Protection
The tablet's ingress protection rating may indicate its resistance to dust and water. However, an IP rating and hazardous-area certification serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Temperature Considerations
Equipment used around flammable gases, vapors, or dust may need a specified temperature classification. Surface temperature can be important because excessive heat may become an ignition source.
USA and UK Considerations
Organizations operating in the USA and UK should identify the regulatory framework and hazardous-location classification applicable to their specific workplace.
The USA commonly uses hazardous-location classifications involving Classes, Divisions, and Zones, while the UK uses frameworks associated with hazardous-area zoning and applicable equipment requirements. Consequently, equipment certified for one market should not automatically be assumed to meet every requirement in another.
Selecting Appropriate Equipment
Before using an explosion-protected tablet, organizations should verify:
Hazardous-area classification
Applicable certification
Gas or dust group
Temperature classification
Protection concept
Permitted operating conditions
Battery and accessory requirements
Environmental protection rating
Local regulatory requirements
The certification documentation should be reviewed carefully to confirm that the equipment is suitable for the exact application.
Conclusion
Explosion Proof Tablets provide mobile computing capabilities for appropriately classified hazardous environments where ordinary electronic equipment may present unacceptable ignition risks. Their suitability depends on certification, hazardous-area classification, protection method, temperature requirements, environmental conditions, and local regulations.
For workplaces in the USA and UK, careful evaluation is particularly important because hazardous-location classification and regulatory frameworks can differ. Rather than selecting equipment based solely on the term “explosion proof,” organizations should verify the complete certification and ensure that the tablet matches the conditions of the intended workplace.