Explosion Protection Standards for Fuel Dispensers: Key Chinese National Standards (English Overview)

China's fuel dispenser explosion protection standards are primarily defined in the GB/T 22380 series, which aligns with international safety frameworks while incorporating localized requirements. Below is a synthesis of core standards and their English-language requirements:

1. GB/T 22380.1-2017

Title: Explosion Protected Safety Technique of the Petrol Filling Station – Part 1: Explosion Protected Safety Technique Requirements for Fuel Filling Dispenser
Scope:

• Applies to fuel dispensers with a flow rate ≤200 L/min used in environments ranging from -20°C to +40°C.

• Covers design, installation, and operational safety for outdoor gas stations 

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Key Requirements:

• Explosion Classification:

• Electrical components must meet GB 3836.1-2010 (IEC 60079-0 equivalent) for Zone 1 and Zone 2 environments.

• Minimum ignition energy (MIE) compliance for Zone 1: ≤1 mJ 

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• Material Stability:

• Components in contact with fuel must resist corrosion (tested per ISO 9328).

• Aluminum alloys require compliance with GB 25286.1-2010 for explosion-proof properties 

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• Leakage Control:

• Hydraulic systems must limit internal leakage to ≤4 L and external leakage to ≤1 L during pressure tests 

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• Electrical Safety:

• Cables must have insulation resistance ≥100 MΩ (per GB/T 3836.15).

• Emergency shutdown systems must disconnect power within 0.5 seconds of activation 

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2. GB/T 22380.2-2010

Title: Explosion Protected Safety Technique of the Petrol Filling Station – Part 2: Safety Requirements for Construction and Performance of Safe Breaks
Focus:

• Safety Break Valves:

• Mandatory installation between fuel hoses and nozzles to prevent leaks exceeding 15 mL during rupture 

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• Materials must withstand fuel immersion (tested per EN 13463-1).

• Mechanical Integrity:

• Valves must withstand 500 N tensile force without separation.

• Reusable valves require full disassembly and reassembly testing 

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3. GB 22380.1-2008 (Superseded by 2017 Edition)

Legacy Requirements:

• Zone Classification:

• Refueling areas designated as Zone 1 (ignition likely) and Zone 2 (ignition unlikely).

• Enclosures must have IP54 protection against dust/water 

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• Vapor Barrier Systems:

• Use of non-conductive materials to prevent static buildup (tested per EN 13463-1).

4. International Compliance

• ATEX/IECEx:

• Chinese standards align with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for equipment in explosive atmospheres.

• Mandatory CE marking for exports to EU markets 

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• UL/CSA:

• Electrical components must meet UL 1203 (explosion-proof enclosures) for North American markets.

5. Implementation Guidelines

• Testing Protocols:

• Vibration resistance: 20 g acceleration for 1 hour (per GB/T 2423.10).

• Temperature cycling: -40°C to +85°C for 24 hours 

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• Documentation:

• Manufacturers must provide Explosion Protection Certificates (e.g., GB/T 3836.1 compliance statements).

How to Access Full Standards

1. Official Sources:

• Purchase from China Standards Service Center (https://www.cnruijia.com) or SAC/TC 9 (National Technical Committee on Explosion Protection).

2. Third-Party Translations:

• Engage ISO-certified translators for technical accuracy (e.g., terms like "Ex d IIB T3" must be precisely rendered).

Key Differences from International Standards

For detailed implementation, refer to the full texts of GB/T 22380.1-2017 and GB/T 22380.2-2010.