WHAT IS ATEX?

ATEX is the name commonly given to the two European Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres.

The first ATEX directive (94/9/EC) deals with the requirement pertaining to equipment used in areas where there is a serious risk of explosion. This means the manufacturer has to fulfill the requirements and mark the product with relevant approval.

The second ATEX directive (99/92/EC) deals with the minimum health and safety requirements that the user has to fulfill, when working within areas where there is a danger of explosion.

Crest Pumps Group and ATEX

Our Centrifugal Chemical Pumps have been built to ATEX standard, and all pumps listed below fully meet the criteria of the European Directives;

Magnetic Drive Pumps	Mechanically Sealed Pumps	Vertical Pumps	Cast Iron Centrifugal Pump
AM	PP	SVC	CHC
AMX	PPM	SVB
AMXi	EOV	VSL
AMA	SHC	CSS
	SHL	PPS

 

How can a explosive atmosphere be categorized?

An atmosphere that develops explosively because of changing surroundings or as a consequence of use. This means an explosive atmosphere consists of air and combustive material. This can be gases, vapours or dust in which the explosion could spread after ignition. Some typical production sites where combustible dust is of major concern is in, for example, the handling of cereals, animal feed, paper, wood, chemicals, plastics and coals.

What types of equipment does the ATEX directive cover?

The Directive covers a surprisingly large range of equipment and industrial applications, and broadly speaking these must comply in the following areas:

Safety equipment and safety systems exposed to explosive gases or dust.

Safety, control and adjustment devices, which ensure a safe operation of production material and control equipment.

Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment including pumps and electric motors.

What happened on 1 July 2003?

Companies that produce, use or distribute this kind of equipment must comply with the basic health and safety requirements contained within the ATEX directive.

The ATEX directive does not have retrospective implications, however pre-existing products maybe be subject to analysis, and in the case of defects, (wear etc) the old products must be replaced with equipment that complies with the ATEX information directive, and in addition, products that are specifically made for use in areas with the high explosion risk should only be marketed when they fully comply with the ATEX directive.

The safety requirements within the ATEX directive implies that pumps have to carry a clear indication of which equipment group and category, they belong to, and in what areas they can be used.

What are the implications for with the equipment user?

To prevent explosion, the equipment user is required to take all necessary technical and organisational precautions as well as make a complete estimate of any explosion risk. As well as this they should also divide potential explosive risk areas into zones and indicate the danger zones clearly. 

How should explosive atmosphere zones be divided?

The ATEX directive distinguishes between two types of explosive atmospheres: gas and dust. Areas within these two kinds of explosive atmospheres are each divided into three sub-zones, and although the zones characteristics are identical for both gas and dust, their numbering is different. Zone 0, 1 and 2 refer to gas and Zone 20, 21 and 22 refer to dust.

Zone 0 / 20: Constant danger

Permanent presence of explosive gasses or combustive dust and the Minimum of Category 1 equipment.

Zone 1 / 21: Potential danger

Occasional presence of explosive gasses or combustible dust during normal duty and the Minimum of Category 2 equipment.

Zone 2 / 22: Minor danger

Presence of explosive gasses or combustible dust is not likely to occur or only for a shorter period of time, and the Minimum of Category 3 equipment.

Further Information:

ATEX Equipment Directive

Pump Supply & Repair Group Information on ATEX