Hazardous-location air conditioners are designed for cooling work areas where ordinary portable HVAC equipment may not be suitable for the atmosphere. The selection must match the classified area, cooling duty, ambient temperature, power supply and deployment method.
Offshore modules, tanks, vessels, refineries and shutdown projects can have different requirements. A portable unit may need to be moved between workfaces, while a permanent system may be integrated into the facility’s ventilation and emergency arrangements.
Daly Middle East supplies hazardous-area cooling solutions for UAE and GCC projects. Use this guide to prepare the technical information needed for a safe recommendation. This hazardous location air conditioners guide keeps the selection process focused on documented application requirements.
Hazardous-location air conditioners: Why ordinary portable cooling can be unsuitable
A standard air conditioner may contain electrical components, motors, controls and refrigerant systems that were not designed for a classified atmosphere. The fact that a unit is portable does not make it suitable for hazardous use.
A hazardous-location unit should be assessed as a complete system. Check the certification, protection concept, operating limits and installation instructions rather than relying on an “Ex” label applied to one component.
- Zone and gas or dust group
- Cooling capacity and room volume
- Ambient temperature and humidity
- Power supply and starting current
- Ducting and access route
- Condensate, drainage and ventilation
Size the cooling duty around the space
Start with the volume of the area, heat sources, people, equipment, solar exposure and required indoor temperature. A tank, module, cabin, vessel compartment and temporary enclosure have different heat loads and airflow paths.
Confirm the actual operating ambient. Gulf projects may require equipment rated for high temperatures, and the rating should be checked against the manufacturer’s stated performance rather than assumed from the brand or country of origin.
Deployment, ducting and power
Portable cooling is often chosen for shutdowns and turnarounds because the unit can be moved between work areas. Plan the route, lifting or wheeling method, duct length, fresh-air requirement and condensate arrangement before the equipment arrives.
Daly’s Ex air conditioner guide explains the type of application in more detail. Send the classified-area information, volume, power supply and deployment plan through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an ordinary air conditioner in a hazardous area?
Do not use ordinary equipment unless the responsible engineer has confirmed that the area is not classified and the installation is suitable.
What is the most important sizing input?
Provide the space volume, heat load, required temperature, ambient range and available power.
Can hazardous-area air conditioners be hired?
Some projects use hire or rental for shutdowns and turnarounds. Confirm current availability and the certified configuration with the supplier.
Further reading
Need help choosing the right equipment for your project? Contact Daly Middle East with your application details, required certification and delivery location.