Take part in an exciting robotic project
We’d like to hear from robotic site owners, operators and manufacturers in relation an exciting project we’re working on.
We have already seen that the vital use of robotic systems to perform activities in hazardous, potentially flammable, and explosive working environments can reduce the number and exposure of personnel to these conditions. Additionally, these tools also increase the speed and efficiency of the tasks that need to be undertaken.
Currently, requirements and guidelines for the use of conventional equipment in hazardous areas are included in existing standards, however these are not specific to, or valid for robotic systems. The interpretation and application of existing standards to robotic systems can therefore lead to misunderstandings and/or incorrect assumptions when specifying, designing, procuring, testing and assessing the compliance and suitability of this equipment for use in hazardous areas.
Due to this, for site owners and operators of robotic equipment, no standard or valid methods exists to determine how ignition risks have been identified or should be managed. Likewise, current certification methodologies, designed to ensure that all ignition risks, electrical and non-electrical are addressed have limitations, with respect to robotic equipment.
Our intended solution
Here at DNV we’re looking to establish a new recommended practice, we are looking to define a standardised methodology and guidelines in relation to robotic systems, for the purposes of:
- Identifying and documenting ignition risks (including the evaluation of specific environmental factors and materials). This includes use in areas within underground/mining, combustible dust environments and where gasses/vapour occur.
- Addressing specific safety and ignition hazards associated with the use of battery systems in hazardous areas.
- Implementing relevant requirements in a practical manner.
- Providing testing requirements for different ignition conditions.
- Including methods for calculating ignition energies and other ignition energy potentials.
- Documenting the assessment and management of all electrical and non-electrical ignition hazards.
This scope of this project will address the following types of mobile robotic systems: those designed to move on a physical surface, including those employing wheels, tracks, and ‘legs’ used to roll, ‘walk’ and ‘crawl.’’
Next steps
If you’re interested in taking part then please contact Anastasia Tsampazoglou (Anastasia.Tsampazoglou@dnv.com) by 9 February 2025.