Ex proof exit light in the winery lighting in the fundamental role and safety application guidelines

Introduction: the special environment of wineries and Ex proof exit light lamps are inevitable choices

As a representative of the combination of traditional brewing and modern industry, wineries have been facing the complex environment of alcohol vapor [explosion limit 3.3%-19%], high humidity and corrosive detergents for a long time.

Ordinary lighting equipment in the alcohol vapor-rich areas are very easy due to sparks or high-temperature surface triggered by the explosion, threatening the safety of personnel and property.

With its professional explosion-proof structure, corrosion resistance and emergency function, the Ex proof exit lamp becomes the core safety equipment of winery lighting system.

This article will be from the winery risk characteristics, application scenarios, selection guidelines and other dimensions, analysis of Ex proof exit light for the brewing industry to build essential safety line of defense.

First, the winery explosion risk and Ex proof exit light core value

1. The primary safety hazards in the winery

Alcohol vapor explosive environment: fermentation tanks, distillation plant and other areas of the alcohol vapor concentration is easy to reach the lower explosive limit [LEL], especially in poorly ventilated confined space. Filling lines form Class I, Zone 1 hazardous areas due to the evaporation of alcohol [vapors are present for a long time].

Corrosive cleaning environments: CIP [Cleaning in Place] systems utilize strong acid and alkali solutions, which can cause corrosion and sealing failures in common fixture housings.

High temperature and high humidity challenges: distillation workshop temperature can reach more than 50 ℃, humidity > 90%, accelerating the aging of the lamp circuit.

2. Ex proof exit light safety protection mechanism

Ex proof exit lamp approved the following technology to implement the distillery intrinsically safe:

Explosion-proof structure [Ex d]: the use of cast aluminum shell and flange explosion-proof joint surface, the internal arc or high temperature is completely isolated, in line with IEC 60079-1 guidelines.

Chemical resistant design: 316 stainless steel lamp body or epoxy resin coating, resistant to pH 1-14 acid and alkali solutions.

Dual-mode emergency power supply: switch to lithium iron phosphate battery within 0.5 seconds after the interruption of the main power supply, supplying ≥120 minutes of continuous lighting [in line with GB 17945-2010 guidelines].

Second. Ex proof exit light in distillery core application scenarios

1. Fermentation and distillation core area

Fermentation tank status monitoring: Installation of Ex proof exit lamp on the top of fermentation tank, approving red/green light to indicate abnormal pressure inside the tank [e.g. over 0.3bar red light alarm].

Distillation tower safety guidelines: Ex proof exit lamp integrated temperature sensor, tower temperature ≥ 85 ℃ triggers yellow warning to prevent overheating triggered vapor flash explosion.

2. Liquor storage tank area and filling line

Alcohol leakage emergency response: gas-detecting Ex proof exit light are deployed in the wine storage tank area to activate sound and light alarms and start the exhaust system when the alcohol vapor concentration is ≥20% LEL.

Synchronized indication of filling equipment: Install Ex proof exit lamp around the rotary filling machine, and approve the strobe signal to link with the speed of the equipment, so as to prevent the splashing of liquor caused by misoperation.

3. Cleaning and auxiliary areas

CIP Cleaning Station Lighting: Ex proof exit lamps need to have IP69K protection level, withstand 80℃ high-pressure hot water rinsing, to ensure the visibility of cleaning operation.

Cellar and aging warehouse: constant temperature and wet cellar, Ex proof exit light needs to be held to help 0 ℃ -95% RH environment, the surface of the anti-mold treatment to avoid microbial growth.

Third, the winery Ex proof exit light selection and technical guidelines

1. Certification and compliance requirements

Explosion-proof certification: must be approved ATEX [II 2G Ex d IIC T4 Gb], IECEx or CNEx certification to adapt to Zone 1 hazardous areas.

Food industry compliance: Components in contact with liquor must comply with FDA/EC1935 guidelines for food-grade materials [e.g. silicone seals].

2. Fundamental technical parameters

Light source performance: LED light source light efficiency ≥ 130lm/W, color temperature 4000K [warm white], color rendering index Ra>90, accurate judgment of wine color and turbidity.

Emergency range: According to GB 51309-2018 guidelines, the fundamental process area needs to be equipped with an Ex proof exit light with a range of ≥ 180 minutes.

3. Intelligent function upgrade

IoT remote monitoring: approve Modbus RTU protocol access to the DCS system of the distillery, real-time feedback on the status of the lamps, battery life and environmental data.

Adaptive brightness adjustment: built-in light sensor, automatically switch to 30% energy-saving mode during unoccupied hours, reducing energy consumption by 40%.

Fourth, Ex proof exit light installation and maintenance specifications

1. Specialized installation requirements

Explosion-proof electrical wiring: the use of corrosion-resistant shielded cable [such as LiYCY type], the junction box adopts Ex e increased safety structure, grounding resistance ≤ 4Ω.

Installation position improvement: 2.5-3 meters from the ground tilted 15 ° installation, to avoid the wine splash direct, while ensuring 360 ° visual range.

2. Full life cycle maintenance strategy

Monthly maintenance: Use food-grade alcohol [concentration 75%] to clean the lampshade, and check whether the explosion-proof surface is scratched [roughness Ra≤6.3μm].

Annual in-depth testing: commission a third-party organization to test the emergency switching time [≤ 0.5 seconds], insulation resistance [≥ 500MΩ] and withstand voltage strength [2kV/1min].

Fifth. Answers to Common Problems [FAQ]

Q1：What areas of the distillery must use Ex proof exit lamp?

A: Fermentation workshop, distillation area, storage tanks around Zone 1 area must be used; office and other non-hazardous areas can be configured with ordinary lights, but need to be physically separated from the hazardous area.

Q2：Can the Ex proof exit light withstand high-frequency and high-pressure flushing in the winery?

A: Choose IP69K grade, 316 stainless steel shell Ex proof exit lamp, and monthly check the seal compression [claim deformation ≤ 15%].

Q3：How to prevent the surface of the lamps and lanterns to breed mold affecting light transmission?

A: The use of nano-photocatalyst coating Ex proof exit light lamps, monthly maintenance with the aid of ultraviolet germicidal lamps to ensure light transmission ≥ 90%.

Q4：How to maintain the battery of Ex proof exit lamp in humid environment?

A: Selection of fully sealed lithium thionyl chloride battery [ER14505], the implementation of the quarterly 50% discharge test to avoid performance degradation due to humidity.

Conclusion: Ex proof exit light – “quality guardian” for winery safety production.

In the brewing industry, Ex proof exit light have evolved from the cornerstone safety equipment to the fundamental node of winery quality control under the background of dual upgrading of intelligence and safety standards.

The choice of Zone 1 environment, with intelligent monitoring and long-lasting Ex proof exit light can not only meet the requirements of ATEX, GB 3836 and other regulations, but also approve the preventive maintenance to reduce the cost of the whole life cycle.

In the future, with the application of AI visual inspection and digital twin technology, the Ex proof exit light will be deeply integrated into the intelligent safety system of the winery, injecting modern technology genes into the century-old brewing process.

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