Bürkert Demystifies Atex Explosion Protection Criteria With Free ATEX Selection Poster

Burkert 18/04/2013

93 2 minutes read

Listen to this article

The ATEX directive has been in force for some years now; but the important criteria that must be considered when selecting an ATEX-certified device, such as a level sensor, a valve, a flow sensor, a pump – or any other piece of equipment for use in hazardous, potentially explosive environments, are often misunderstood.

Now, Bürkert is helping users across all process markets to overcome this problem with the production of a useful ATEX poster which can be downloaded from the company’s website.

Under the 2003 ATEX directive, manufacturers must design and test equipment to prevent or minimise the risk of explosion in explosive atmospheres.

As part of this process, every electrical or non-electrical source of ignition must be considered; plus the environments and applications in which a product may be employed.

The selection criterion for explosion-proof devices breaks down into four main categories. The first of these is: Zone Classifications. These indicate the type of atmosphere for which the equipment is classified. Zones 0, 1 and 2 relate to combustible gas, fumes or mist. Zones 20, 21 and 22 relate to combustible dust.

At the most hazardous end of the scale, zones 0 and 20 are areas in which there is an explosive atmosphere continuously present over long periods, or is frequently present.

By contrast, zones 2 and 22 are areas in which combustible gases are not normally present, or persist only for a short period. Equipment must provide a certified level of protection and will be classified as suitable for one of these environments.

The second category is: Gas Groups. Gas that is present in the environment should be classed according to explosion groups and temperature classes. The temperature class (T1-T6) gives the ignition temperature of the gas or gas mixture.

The penultimate category is: Temperature Classes and Ambient Temperatures. An approved surface temperature of electrical equipment is given, depending on the temperature class of the gas that will be present. Where the maximum ambient temperature is not defined, a value of 40 degrees C is assumed.

Completing the four categories is: Protection Principle. This is classed as Ex-I input via barrier; or enclosure of the electrical connections via junction box or encapsulation.

Bürkert in Hazardous Area Process Control

Bürkert provides the widest range of leading- edge solutions for hazardous area process control. The company offers a unique synergy of valve elements, process actuation, sensors and networked communications.

In the explosion- proof world, where certification, compactness, smart communication and security are everyday concerns, the extensive Bürkert product range delivers process efficiency and higher yields by offering customers unlimited process modularity.

Bürkert Fluid Control Systems:

Kirsty Anderson
Tel: +44 (0)1285 648720 Fax: +44 (0)1285 648721
Web: www.burkert.co.uk
Email: kirsty.anderson@burkert.com
Address: Fluid Control Centre, 1 Bridge End, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1QY, United Kingdom

Contact Details About Us Latest News Latest Videos

Burkert Fluid Control Systems

01285648720
sales.uk@burkert.com
http://www.burkert.com/
Fluid Control Centre 1 Bridge End Gloucestershire Cirencester GL7 1QY GB

About us

Bürkert is present in thirtyfive countries around the world. We also work with a large network of distributors and partners, which means we are as close as possible to our customers. This global presence ensures full service and support to all of our customers in every country around the world. Research is the lifeblood of our company.

At Bürkert, we are never satisfied with the status quo and are continually seeking new technologies and solutions for our customers. Every year, our people develop new and highly advanced products and solutions, ranging from integrated process measurement and control units to the most sophisticated systems used in pharmaceutical research. To be a market leader, we are also an R&D leader.

Therefore, our investment in research & development is one of the highest in our industry. In our research centres in Germany and France, 150 people are committed to working for a common future for our company and our customers. We are committed to offering our expertise wherever it is needed, anywhere in the world. This global presence ensures that our advances in fluid control technology are also global.

What we do in a nutshell

Manufacture of process equipment. One of the few manufacturers to provide solutions for the complete control loop.

Where we supply to

UK Ireland, Europe

Industries we supply to

Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Water and Wastewater

Reducing Fluid Control and Automation Complexity in Pharmaceutical Process Development

Designing and building pharmaceutical processes and skids requires close collaboration between mechanical, electrical and instrumentation, and automation engineering teams. Yet...
Cutting Data Centre Cooling Energy Use by Up to 80% with Advanced Solenoid Valve Technology

Greg Wainhouse, Regional Business Development Manager – Industrial Water, North Europe In modern data centres, direct-to-chip liquid cooling has become...
Bürkert Solves Tank Pressure Drift with Sub-200 ms Gas Control for Hygienic Applications

Maintaining precise tank pressure is critical across food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Even small pressure fluctuations can affect...
Media separated pressure relief valve protects components and optimises control

Flow control specialist Bürkert has introduced a new pressure relief valve designed to protect sensitive components in fluidic systems from...
Smart sensors safeguarding water quality in food manufacturing

Water remains one of the most critical resources in food processing and manufacturing. From ingredient blending and product washing to...
Full steam ahead: why training is vital to optimise steam applications

Often misunderstood, steam powers a wide range of modern industrial processes, from precision industrial-scale cooking through to electronics manufacturing. Getting...