ISO 80079-37:2016

Overview

ISO 80079-37:2016 - "Explosive atmospheres - Part 37: Non‑electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres - Non‑electrical type of protection constructional safety 'c', control of ignition sources 'b', liquid immersion 'k'" - specifies design and construction requirements for non‑electrical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This part supplements and modifies ISO 80079-36 and takes precedence where requirements conflict. The standard defines how the types of protection constructional safety "c", control of ignition source "b", and liquid immersion "k" (used singly or in combination) are applied to equipment for Group I, II and III atmospheres depending on the ignition hazard assessment.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

ISO 80079-37 addresses practical engineering and safety topics relevant to mechanical equipment used in explosive atmospheres, including:

• Design and construction requirements for types of protection c, b, and k
• Ingress protection and sealing arrangements for moving parts (gaskets, stuffing boxes, bellows, lubricated/unlubricated seals)
• Lubricants, coolants and protective liquids (selection and compatibility)
• Moving parts and bearings: clearances, lubrication, vibration and wear considerations
• Power transmission: gear drives, belt drives, chain drives, couplings, clutches and braking systems
• Electrostatic mitigation and earthing/bonding requirements for conveyor belts and similar equipment
• Type tests and test procedures for each protection type, including functional and overpressure tests for liquid‑immersed enclosures
• Documentation and marking requirements for equipment, safety devices and ignition prevention systems
• Informative and normative annexes covering test methods, sealing examples and methodology for assigning ignition protection types

These elements combine to control ignition sources from mechanical, thermal, electrostatic and other origins.

Practical Applications

This standard is essential where mechanical non‑electrical equipment operates in hazardous locations. Typical applications include:

• Pumps, gearboxes and seals in petrochemical and chemical plants
• Conveyors, elevators and processing equipment in grain handling, food and bulk solids industries
• Rotating machinery, clutches and brakes used in mining or offshore facilities
• Any non‑electrical mechanical assemblies where ignition prevention or liquid immersion protection is required

Implementing ISO 80079-37 helps reduce ignition risk, supports compliance with regulatory frameworks, and guides selection of materials, seals, lubricants and protective liquids.

Who Should Use This Standard

• Mechanical designers and equipment manufacturers
• Safety and plant engineers in oil & gas, chemical, mining, grain and pharmaceutical sectors
• Certification bodies and compliance officers assessing equipment for hazardous areas
• Maintenance engineers responsible for repair, lubrication and sealing systems

Related Standards

• ISO 80079-36 (general requirements and ignition hazard assessment) - supplements and is supplemented by ISO 80079-37
• Other parts of the ISO/IEC 80079 series on explosive atmospheres and protection methods

Keywords: ISO 80079-37:2016, explosive atmospheres, non-electrical equipment, constructional safety "c", control of ignition source "b", liquid immersion "k", ignition protection, hazardous areas.