Chemical facilities

Chemical production facilities are among the harshest environments and include a variety of work tasks. High temperatures, dusty environments and damaging gases may pose challenges for the lighting installation.

Proper vertical illumination is crucial for automated chemical processes that require constant monitoring. Screens should be perfectly legible, so it’s important to prevent glare and reflections. Remote-controlled chemical plants require less light than constantly manned workplaces as illuminance requirements may vary based on that factor.

Aside from providing adequate light levels, luminaires for chemical factories need to offer long-term protection against dust, moisture, chemicals, mechanical stresses and extreme ambient temperatures. Durable LED and driver components should be used to that the lifetime of the installation is not reduced due to harmful vapours or other factors. Some chemical production facilities may be hazardous due to explosive substances, making explosion-proof luminaires the clear choice.

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Linear luminaire systems are suitable for ceiling heights up to 15 m. Above 6 m, high-bay luminaires with narrow or medium beam reflectors are an alternative. Dimmable workplace luminaires provide added illuminance for precision task lighting.

 

Lighting requirements in EN 12464-1

Industrial activities and crafts - Chemical, plastics and rubber industry

Type of task / activity area

Lux-level (Em)

Glare rating (UGRL)

Uniformity
(U0)


Colour rendition
(Ra)


Em,z Em,wall Em,ceiling  Specific requirements

required modified U≥ 0,10
Remote-operated processing installations 50 - - 0,40 20 - - - Safety colours shall be recognisable
Processing installations with limited manual intervention 150 200 28 0,40 40 50 50 30  
Constantly manned work stations in processing installations 300 500 25 0,60 80 100 100 50  
Precision measuring rooms, laboratories 500 750 19 0,60 80 150 150 75  
Pharmaceutical production 500 750 22 0,60 80 150 150 75  
Tyre production 500 750 22 0,60 80 150 150 75  
Colour inspection 1000 1500 19 0,70 90 150 150 100 4000 K ≤ CCT ≤ 6500 K
Cutting, finishing, inspection  750 1000 19 0,70 80 150 150 100