Release & Sources of Release

Meaning of Release:

• Allow or enable to escape from confinement
• The process of releasing

Whenever there is a release of (say) GAS from a gas-container it is from a SOURCE. This source has actually “HELPED” the GAS to Escape or get released.

This source can be in form of an opening which is formed:-

1. Due to the failure of the sealing material  (leak)
2. Due to the deliberate opening of some release valve

These sources of release play a primary role in quantifying the danger or Hazard of a particular area, into ZONES by:

Establishing the sources of release

and 

The Grades (levels , magnitude )  of Release

All the components involved in an industrial process handling flammable gas or gases are technically A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF RELEASE, and should be checked for possibility of release. (All are guilty unless proven innocent)

If there is no such possibility then the component is NOT a source a release and there will not be any creation of Hazardous Area DUE to THAT COMPONENT.  (For example: An all welded pipeline is not a source of release )

If however a component is a source of release then we move to the next step:

Establish the magnitude or GRADE of release as:

• CONTINUOUS
• Or
• PRIMARY
• Or
• SECONDARY

This type of analysis is prerequisite to the CLASSIFICATION OF Hazardous Area in to ZONES by SOURCE OF RELEASE method. Ref : IEC 60079-10 

(main)