Bürkert Demystifies Atex Explosion Protection Criteria With Free ATEX Selection Poster
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
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
-
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Technology: Advanced Flow Measurement and Biofilm Prevention in WFI Loops
Bürkert, a leader in flow control solutions, has introduced an innovative flowmeter that employs Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology. This...
-
Bürkert Launches Ultra High-pressure Valves For Hydrogen Applications
Liquid and gas flow control specialist Bürkert has launched a range of valves designed to control ultra high-pressure flow for...
-
A Question Of Reliability: Supply And Control Devices For Industrial Printers
In the world of industrial and commercial printing, the efficiency and precision of ink supply and control systems are crucial...
-
UK’s first hydrogen kiln test rig helps manufacturers make a sustainable switch
A hydrogen-fuelled kiln test rig is helping brick and ceramics manufacturers to support the energy transition. In a UK first,...
-
Bürkert’s OALAB simplifies chlorine measurement for industrial carbon filters
Common in pharmaceutical, food and beverage applications, industrial high-rate granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove chlorine from water supplies, safeguarding...
-
Tradition benefitting from technology: Controlling the brewing process
The food and beverage industry is continually evolving, driven by the need for enhanced efficiency, quality, and safety. Central to...
-
FLOWave | Oil dosing (English)
-
Feldbus Gateway Modul ME43: How to operate FLOWave (DE)
