Quadvent
Product Overview
Quadvent is a mathematical model of a flammable gas jet that can
be used as part of a hazardous area classification exercise under
the Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations
(DSEAR). It can model a wide range of flammable gases either in a
ventilated enclosure or outdoors.
The model was originally developed by HSL in 2011 for
calculating the flammable gas cloud volume (Vz) as a scientifically
based alternative to the method described in the international
standard on area classification (IEC60079:10-1).
HSL has now developed Quadvent into a software program that is
easy to use, quick to run and allows the user to obtain realistic
estimates of Vz for a given gas, pressure and hole size. The model
can take into account the effects of ventilation by specifying the
room volume and ventilation rate.
Quadvent also provides estimates of the ventilation rate of
naturally ventilated enclosures through a relatively simple model
based on the effects of buoyancy and wind driven ventilation.
Why Use Quadvent?
The approach for calculating Vz described in the international
standard on area classification, IEC60079:10-1, has
frequently been shown to provide answers that are
conservative by three orders of magnitude or more.
Use of Quadvent as an alternative will therefore save
the capital and special maintenance costs of unnecessarily
protecting electrical and non-electrical equipment for use in
hazardous areas, and allow resources to be directed towards
areas of genuine risk.
In addition to being used for hazardous area classification,
Quadvent can be used in any situation where the flammable gas cloud
volume, or extent of the flammable cloud, needs to be determined
for a pressurised gas release within an enclosure or outdoors.
Features of the Tool
Quadvent is a quick and easy-to-use tool for
calculating the gas cloud volume, Vz, which is a key parameter used
in a hazardous area classification assessment under DSEAR.
The model has been published in a peer-reviewed journal
and validated against a detailed data set for gas releases
in a ventilated enclosure.
The software has undergone a rigorous testing
programme, to ensure that it is a robust and valid
instrument for hazardous area classification.
The software contains:
Hazardous Area Classification Training and Consultancy
Established over 100 years ago specifically to investigate
explosive industrial conditions, HSL is now a world authority on
the subject and is still frequently consulted on the prevention of
accidental explosions. Building on this unique knowledge base, over
recent years HSL has specifically taken a leading role in
developing appropriate, scientifically-based approaches to
hazardous area classification. Through its unique relationship with
its parent body, HSE, HSL can provide bespoke training on hazardous
area classification, including the use of Quadvent, in addition to
consultancy on hazardous area classification and other related
matters.
Download your Quadvent Brochure here.
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