Overview
The reasons why you need ATEX protection
Relevant news for plant engineers and operators
An explosion is the sudden release of mechanical and thermal energies. In simple terms, an explosion suddenly releases motion energy, heat and pressure into the environment in an abrupt manner.
Three things are needed for an explosion: air, more exactly oxygen, a certain ignition energy as ignition source and some combustible material. In this case, the oxygen as well as the combustible material feed the flames that have ignited through sufficient ignition energy. If these three components are in a certain proportion to each other, an explosion may occur. In the opposite case, should any of these factors be missing, there will be no explosion.
ATEX for beginners
ATEX Directive – this tricky issue provides more plant safety
Every diligent plant manufacturer, who deals with explosive mixtures or combustible material, will surely have encountered the ATEX Directive, in short ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles), quite often in the past. Brown coal, steel dust or flour are examples for those substances which generate an explosive atmosphere within the plant and must consequently be treated with special care and attention. Gross negligence and disrespect of the ATEX Directive may entail heavy sanctions if damages occur.
ATEX for experts –
ATEX with industrial valves: for advanced users
ATEX for non-electric devices
Why ATEX for non-electric devices? For a long time, the design of electric devices has already taken into account explosion protection, if such devices are to be used in explosive atmospheres.
Explosive atmospheres can result in plants due to various production processes e.g. by the handling of gases, vapours, mists or dusts in sectors like the chemical and petrochemical industry, extraction of oil & gas and food production. Combustible substances might form explosive atmospheres in combination with oxygen. An ignition would then entail severe damage to materials and persons.
ATEX in plant engineering – responsibility and liability at a glance
Being valid since April 2016, the ATEX Directive still raises numerous questions to plant manufacturers and operators. The equipment must not only be clearly compatible but also fulfill particular requirements with regards to explosion protection. Since it covers important issues such as responsibility and liability, we give you the following overview of relevant parameters for the selection of equipment that are to fulfill the requirements of your plants. So read more about ATEX in plant engineering.
ATEX CE-marking
This overview will help you understand ATEX CE-marking. You can also ask one of our ATEX experts for advice.