As the name suggests, these tools provide protection against fire and explosions in those environments, where flammable chemicals, fuels, materials, residues or gasses may be present. Many times, these tools are also referred to as “spark-reduced”, “spark-proof”, and “spark-resistant”.
benefits of using spark-free tools in a Acetylene plant or acetylene gas.
Corrosion Resistance
Most non-sparking tools made from the fore mentioned metals exhibit strong corrosion resistance due to their material of construction. In addition to acetylene laden environments, these tools are also ideal for applications where they may come in contact with alkali, acids, and various other types of chemicals.
Non-magnetic
Magnetism is usually associated with ferrous metals. As seen most non-sparking tools are made from non-magnetic metals. This help reduce the chances of magnetic or electronic disturbances in the plants, where acetylene is used. Also, the non-sparking tools used in acetylene will not affect the settings of the instruments.
Increased Durability
As discussed before, today, many non-sparking tools are made from copper alloys. It is often mentioned that low tensile strength steels are used for this construction. However, that doesn’t mean these tools are softer. As with any regular tools, most of these non-sparking tools are durable, and strong enough to withstand the regular abuse at chemical plants.
Due to the above-mentioned reasons, non-sparking tools are considered safe for users in explosive / hazardous environments. Also, it is important to maintain these tools in good working condition. The next section describes some tips to do so.
Maintenance Tips for Non-sparking Tools
- The tools should be cleaned after every use to avoid contaminants from settling on the surface.
- Use the right sized tool for any task in the acetylene plant. This will help avoid the tool from slipping from hand, and chances of sparking.
- Never store tools where they could be exposed to moisture.