scope:

This part of IEC 61340 specifies requirements for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBC) between 0,25 m3 and 3 m3 in volume, intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres. The explosive atmosphere may be created by the contents in the FIBC or may exist outside the FIBC. The requirements include: − classification and labelling of FIBC; − classification of inner liners; − specification of test methods for each type of FIBC, inner liner, labels and document pockets; − design and performance requirements for FIBC, inner liners, labels and document pockets; − safe use of FIBC (including those with inner liners) within different zones defined for explosion endangered environments, described for areas where combustible dusts are, or may be, present (IEC 60079-10-2), and for explosive gas atmospheres (IEC 60079-10-1); − procedures for type qualification and certification of FIBC, including the safe use of inner liners. NOTE 1 - Guidance on test methods that may be used for manufacturing quality control is given in Annex C. The requirements of this standard are applicable to all types of FIBC and inner liners, tested as manufactured, prior to use and intended for use in hazardous explosive atmospheres: Zones 1 and 2 (Groups IIA and IIB only) and Zones 21 and 22 (see Annex D for classification of hazardous areas and explosion groups). For some types of FIBC, the requirements of this standard apply only to use in hazardous explosive atmospheres with minimum ignition energy of 0,14 mJ or greater and where charging currents do not exceed 3,0 μA. NOTE 2 - 0,14 mJ is the minimum ignition energy of a typical Group IIB gas or vapour. Although more sensitive materials exist, 0,14 mJ is the lowest minimum ignition energy of any material that is likely to be present when FIBC are emptied. 3,0 μA is the highest charging current likely to be found in common industrial processes. This combination of minimum ignition energy and charging current represents the most severe conditions that might be expected in practice. FIBC are not normally used in Zone 0 or Zone 20. If FIBC are used in Zone 0 or Zone 20, the requirements of this standard are applicable, together with additional requirements that are beyond the scope of this standard to define.