The CID1 EXLab Design Concept
Hazardous processes, such as those used in butane extraction, ethanol extraction, and other hydrocarbon extraction processes require an environment suitable for hazardous gases. A C1D1 (Class 1 Division 1) EXLab Extraction Lab provides an environment designed for the constant presence of flammable gasses. All of the equipment you install inside the C1D1 room should also be rated for use in a C1D1 environment. Likewise, any equipment placed in a C1D2 area must be rated C1D2 or C1D1. Failure to follow these rules will result in catastrophic disasters.
Structure
The standard ExLab enclosure consists of 1-hour rated walls and ceilings, per code requirements (LT models excluded). One common misconception is that the unit be rated “explosion proof” or “blast rated”, but this is not necessary. The ventilation and electrical systems have been designed to eliminate the possibility of an explosion.
Ventilation
The ventilation system has been designed to create a linear flow of air through the room to quickly evacuate any flammable gasses that might accidentally be released in the room. Code requires the gas concentration remain below 25% of the LEL (Lower Explosive Limit). The LEL is the minimum gas concentration to allow conflagration, so 25% is only 1/4 of what is required for ignition.
There are two stages to our ventilation system: primary and secondary. The primary system will remain on any time the lights are turned on, as required to maintain the temperature setting on the thermostat, and when signaled by the control system. The secondary system includes a motorized damper and a secondary fan that will engage when an appropriate LEL is detected. The secondary system is designed to quickly evacuate and replace the air to ensure the gas levels remain below the code required amounts. All exhaust air should evacuate directly outdoors.
Gas Detection
A gas detector has been installed that will control the ventilation and notify occupants of the room In the event of a gas release inside the room. Once gas levels reach an appropriate LEL, the secondary ventilation system will engage and a visual indicator on the gas detector will be illuminated so action can be taken to remedy the situation. If the gas levels continue to rise to an alarm will sound and the receptacles powering the extraction equipment will be powered down. Once the gas has been cleared the alarms will cease and the secondary ventilation will power down. If the gas detector stops functioning the receptacles and lights will be powered down and emergency lighting will engage to facilitate egress from the module, but ventilation will continue uninterrupted.
Electrical
All of the electrical equipment installed inside the C1D1 area will be rated for C1D1 use and UL listed; including, but not limited to: the lights, receptacles, switches, and gas detector. This means that they are sealed and/or intrinsically safe. Even in the event that the room atmosphere reaches 100% LEL or above, there is no chance of an ignition from the electrical components.
There is a single enclosure with a disconnect switch on the exterior of the module where the main power is connected. All wiring inside the module will be completed up to this enclosure, but any remotely located devices will need to be wired separately.
Fire Suppression
If you’ve opted to have our fire suppression system supplied, one or more dry chemical suppressant units will need to be installed on the module ceiling. These units are individually heat initiated and come ready for use from the manufacturer. The pressurized bottles are considered a hazardous load and will be shipped directly to your site for field installation to the factory installed mounting hardware in the EXLab.
We have also made accommodations in our design for an existing or new water sprinkler system to be piped into the module. The EXLab can also accommodate multiple other modular sprinkler systems as well.
Additional Systems
The EXLab’s control system has the ability to signal other devices such as flow valves for your solvent system and alarm panels, but Norseman does not currently cover these items in our standard scope. If you will be connecting to any ancillary systems please let Norseman know, so we can help facilitate a seamless integration and provide you with the appropriate support.
EXLab Solo
Compliant and versatile, the C1D1 WT is perfect for a large-scale operation.
EXLab CO2
A clean room environment combined with safety features to limit exposure to CO2.
FOUR MODELS. FOUR SIZES.
Which EXLab Is Right For You?
Each of our EXLabs can be setup to accommodate multiple workstations and technicians. However, your preferred extraction method will determine which model you will need. All four models come in four sizes to fit your space and operation.
Norseman’s C1D1 and CO2 extraction labs are not only the safest portable units available today, but have also withstood the test of time for compliance and regulations.
Furthermore, EXLabs are delivered fully assembled and ready to go. There is very little work to be done to connect it to your infrastructure.
