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.
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 | U0 ≥ 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 | |