9. A small number of violent explosions of Ex luminaires have occurred offshore and it is suspected that hydrogen generated in the luminaires was the source of the flammable mixture rather than hydrocarbons released from the process plant. Excessive ingress of sea water can result in hydrogen generation by electrolysis. Tests carried out by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) have demonstrated that electrolysis of sea water is possible, but is highly dependent on luminaire component geometry and ballast design. Hydrogen generation by electrolysis is equally possible with bi-pin or mono-pin designs.
9. A small number of violent explosions of Ex luminaires have occurred offshore and it is suspected that hydrogen generated in the luminaires was the source of the flammable mixture rather than hydrocarbons released from the process plant. Excessive ingress of sea water can result in hydrogen generation by electrolysis. Tests carried out by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) have demonstrated that electrolysis of sea water is possible, but is highly dependent on luminaire component geometry and ballast design. Hydrogen generation by electrolysis is equally possible with bi-pin or mono-pin designs.
