Derivation of safe field strength levels for RF initiated spark ignition

Unwanted induced currents due to electromagnetic radiation can cause sparks to occur and ignition of gases is possible. There is thus a potential incompatibility between radio transmitters and gas/petrochemical processing plant, an issue which has been addressed in detail in the UK over the last fifteen years. The author describes practical on-site measurements at the St. Fergus gas processing plant and research projects established to obtain further information on structure characteristics and also the ignition thresholds of flammable atmospheres when a typical structure was the source of power. The British Standard BS 6656 is briefly described