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habitat

USE

Welding habitats are used to create a Safe Zone for hot-work in hazardous areas without having to shut down production.

The habitat systems two main objectives are:

  • To contain sparks from hot work inside the habitat and thus prevent them from reaching flammable gas.
  • To prevent flammable gas from entering the habitat by using internal overpressure.

The habitat systems unique characteristics are the simplicity and speed of installation which provides a cost effective soulution to hazardous operations.

The habitat systems are beeing used for:

  • Hot work category 1
  • Hot work category 2
  • Maintaining ambient temperatures for coating or insulation work where containment is an important requirement.

FEATURES

The habitat system is ATEX/EX certified for use in Zone 1& 2.

The principal components of the habitat concept are the special flame retardant flexible panels which are zipped together and sealed with velcro. This allows any size and shape of habitat to be created. There are two different types of penetration panels which allow the habitat to accommodate multi-level pipework runs and cable trays. The penetration detail eliminates the need for panels to be specially manufactured or cut on site.

The welding habitat can be constructed to include an air lock. This is typically used when building large scale welding habitats.

There is also an escape panel configured to allow easy access to a predetermined escape route.

The habitat is inflated and the positive pressure maintained by an air fan which is ran from either a dedicated air compressor or by instrument air. The working environment inside the habitat is quiet and vapour free. The fumes are extracted to a safe area by an air mover.

The habitat doors are manufactured from marine aluminium. They are light and easy to handle but still robust enough to withstand the rigours of the offshore weather. The door contains a window allowing the fireguard to observe the work party inside, while monitoring the pressure control gauge, which is fixed to the door manifold. There is a transit panel fitted into the door that allows all temporary cables and leads to be tidied away.

In addition to the visual surveillance by the fireguard, the habitat can be equiped with an alarm central – MGD. Five gas censors are connected to the MGD. All electrical equipment used inside the habitat is connected to the power outlets of the MGD. If gas is detected, all the power outlets will shut down and an alarm will sound. The MGD can also monitor the overpressure inside the habitat and shut down if the pressure drops below the set limit.  

The habitat will be anchored to a scaffold frame in most cases. If for any reason the air supply is disrupted and pressure is lost the habitat will not collapse. It will be supported by straps fixed to the primary structure.

BENEFITS

The Welding Habitat can be installed and handed over fit for purpose in a very short period of time. It has been our experience that a standard 2m x 2m x 2m Welding Habitat can be made available to commence hot work after only 3-4 hours.

One competent engineer can safely accomplish the assembly and the installation of the habitat, allowing manning levels and bedding requirements to be minimised.

The habitat is particularly valuable where there are a number of different applications, for example pipework tie-ins. The habitat can be recycled as work progresses. Different habitats can be created simply by adding or changing panels.

Because the habitat is constructed from flexible modular panels, it can be continuously re-used unlike traditional habitat constructions that are one use only. In the event that the panels do become damaged they can be easily repaired at a minimum of cost.

PIPECODE

HABITAT

REFERENCES

GALLERY