PRESSURE HABITAT FOR HOT WORKING

---

SABEQ offers positive pressure habitat enclosure used for performing hot work, such as welding, grinding, and cutting, in hazardous or potentially explosive atmospheres, most commonly found in the oil and gas industry. By maintaining a positive internal pressure, the habitat prevents flammable or toxic external gases from entering, allowing maintenance to proceed without the need for a full facility shutdown. 

• Modular panels: The enclosure is constructed from fire-resistant, anti-static fabric panels (often fiberglass or silica-based), which are assembled around the work area. The panels feature a tong-and-groove system with Velcro or zippers to create a flexible, tight seal around obstacles like pipes and beams.
• Blower unit: A blower system introduces a continuous flow of clean, fresh air into the habitat, creating and maintaining the necessary positive pressure. These units can be air-driven or electric, and the air intake is positioned away from any hazardous zones.
• Control system: A dedicated control system continuously monitors conditions both inside and outside the enclosure. The most critical safety feature is an automatic shutdown function that cuts power to hot work tools if pressure is lost or hazardous gases are detected.
• Gas detection and monitoring: Sensors for flammable gases (e.g., methane), toxic gases (e.g., hydrogen sulfide), and oxygen levels are integrated into the control system.
• Exhaust ventilation: Fume extraction systems remove welding fumes and other airborne contaminants from the habitat, expelling them to a safe area.

 Technical specifications

• Pressure differential: The internal pressure is maintained at a slight overpressure compared to the surrounding atmosphere—typically 10 to 20 Pascals (Pa), or about 0.003 to 0.007 PSI. This is low enough to be unnoticeable to workers but sufficient to keep external gases out.
• Ventilation rates: High air exchange rates, often exceeding 20 cycles per hour, ensure a clean atmosphere and dilute welding fumes. A typical flow rate is about 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per welder.
• Material properties: Habitat panels are constructed from durable, fire-resistant fabrics that can withstand sparks and high temperatures (up to 550°C). Specialized floor panels offer even higher resistance to contain molten metal and slag.
• Temperature limits: To prevent heat stress for workers, the internal temperature is typically regulated not to exceed 40°C. Work must be stopped if this threshold is reached.

Safety features and standards

• Containment: The flexible, modular construction of the panels provides physical containment, preventing sparks, welding slag, or other hot debris from escaping into the hazardous external environment.
• Automatic shutdown: In addition to pressure loss and gas detection, control systems are also equipped to shut down hot work tools in response to low oxygen levels.
• Certification: For operation in hazardous areas, particularly Zone 1 and Zone 2, habitats must be certified by a third party in accordance with international standards. The most relevant standard is IEC 60079-13, which governs pressurized rooms for explosive atmospheres. National or regional standards, such as the European ATEX directive, are based on the IEC framework.
• Training: Proper setup, operation, and maintenance of pressure habitats require specialized training for technicians, which covers equipment use, air exchange calculations, and safety protocols.

Operational benefits

• Avoids shutdowns: The primary benefit of using a pressure habitat is the ability to conduct hot work safely while the surrounding facility remains operational, avoiding costly and time-consuming production shutdowns.
• Increases efficiency: Enabling continuous production and maintenance improves overall operational efficiency.
• Enhances safety: By controlling the work environment and automating safety responses, pressure habitats provide a high level of safety for personnel and assets in hazardous areas.
• Adaptable: The modular, customizable nature of the systems allows them to be built to any shape and size to accommodate a wide range of worksites.

Approval : ATEX / IECEx Certified, particularly Zone 1 and Zone 2