An ATEX rating assures that items, in this example an ATEX Pump, satisfy safety regulations based on the level of protection necessary. Electrical equipment must be examined to determine ATEX certification, however, non-electrical equipment can be self-certified. The certification of all ATEX pumps is determined by several parameters. The item, in this model an ATEX Pump, will have a code that shows the ATEX certificate. Explosive Environments (ATEX) are atmospheres that for the most part contain a combination of mixture of vapours, dust, or gas that might ignite.
ATEX Pumps stands for ‘Explosive Atmospheres.’ These hazardous settings often contain a mixture of gas, vapour, and dust that, under certain conditions, can ignite. ATEX certification was implemented as a legal requirement to give a high level of protection while operating equipment to assist in limiting the possibility of explosions and increase safety procedures.
The ATEX Directive divides this equipment into electrical and mechanical goods. Electrical items must pass tests as part of their ATEX certification, although non-electrical products can self-certify. Both electrical and mechanical items require a risk assessment including operational circumstances to establish the degree of protection required, which is then clearly marked on the product, in this example an ATEX Pump.
To be an ATEX pump, a centrifugal pump’s wetted part must be made of a conductive material such as Cast Iron, Brass, Bronze, Stainless Steel, or Carbon Impregnated Plastics (e.g. PP & PVDF). The ATEX pump’s coupling element, if present, must also be non-sparking and protected by a conductive substance such as stainless steel. The electric motor must also be ATEX certified in order to ensure that no sparks or ignition sources are exposed to the hazardous zone or environment. Considerations for the sealing configurations of your ATEX Pump will also need to be made depending on process fluid and zone requirements.
WHAT IS ATEX PUMP CERTIFICATION
ATEX certification has been in effect since July 1, 2003, and it applies to potentially explosive gas and dust atmospheres, as well as items with electrical and non-electrical dangers. The potentially explosive atmosphere law is divided into two sections. The first is for things, and it is classified as “ATEX 95 Equipment and Protective Systems Planned for Use in Possibly Hazardous Climates.” The subsequent area is for labourer wellbeing and is known as the “ATEX 137 Security of Laborers In Danger from Possibly Unstable Airs Mandate.” It lays out Fundamental Wellbeing and Security Prerequisites for the plan and development of equipment and protection systems designed for use in possibly explosive environments.
ATEX confirmation is required for any equipment or protective equipment that has its wellspring of start and will be used in possibly dangerous conditions. At the point when utilized as per the producer’s rules, ATEX certification guarantees that equipment will work securely in an explosive environment without causing an accident.
An ATEX pump is required if you want to transmit any form of chemicals, such as alcohol, or fuel, such as gasoline or diesel. Your application will determine the type of ATEX pump you require. Pumping alcohol fluids, for example, will need the use of a hygienic pump to maintain your application sterile while in use. The ATEX regulation strictly classifies products, zones, sectors, and areas according to a scale of varying danger, establishing that electrical or mechanical materials used in areas where there is an explosion risk must be designed and built in such a way that dangerous triggers capable of igniting these mixtures are eliminated or prevented from being created.
The ATEX Directive categorises the danger based on the explosive product’s type (Gas Group or Dust Group) and ignition temperature (Class). Thus, the primary goal of the ATEX Directive is to prevent explosion hazards caused by certain phenomena that may occur unintentionally in industrial environments, such as electrical or mechanical sparks, electrostatic charges, flames or hot gases, electromagnetic waves, superheated surfaces, optical radiation, chemical triggers, and lightning.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ATEX PUMP CERTIFICATION IN THE INDUSTRIAL PUMP INDUSTRY
When a product is utilised in a potentially explosive environment, the Industrial Pump Industry requires ATEX certification. When utilised in these conditions, it is necessary for items supplied in the EU to obtain ATEX certification. Hazardous industries, such as chemical processing and the paint and varnish industry, are likely to use an industrial pump in their factories and, as a result, will require an ATEX pump since the environment of these facilities is likely to include a mixture of combustible compounds. The ATEX certification criteria vary depending on the kind of equipment and its intended usage in a specific zone. A product cannot be deemed a concern if it cannot generate a spark or discharge.
Equipment that is ATEX-approved must have both of these codes on it to indicate the sort of explosive environment in which it may be safely placed. Also, remember that whenever you repair, alter, or change your process or plant in any way, you will need to re-evaluate. Atex pump Certification guarantees that the equipment or protective system is fit for its intended purpose and that enough information is provided with it to ensure safe use.
The ATEX certification standards differ based on the type of equipment and the zones in which it is intended to be used. Performing ATEX testing on products that are heading into an ATEX Zone that might possibly create and store a static charge, such as air-propelled drills or turbine assembly. These exams provide you with confidence in the materials employed as well as your mental speed. However, because they do not represent a real ignition danger, the items cannot be ATEX-certified. For example, while a small amount of static electricity may accumulate in a plastic bucket, the bucket cannot create a spark or discharge and hence is not a problem.
FEATURES OF ATEX PUMPS
The design of ATEX pumps inhibits the generation of sparks and the igniting of explosive atmospheres that may be created or emitted by equipment. ATEX pumps must be connected to explosion-proof motors using the same safety precautions.
ATEX pumps for zone 1, where explosive atmospheres created by gases, vapours, mists, or air/dust combinations are expected, must include safety features such as dry running prevention and a thermo probe PT 100. The dry running protection continually monitors the active power of the motor, which is the medium value of the instantaneous power absorbed by the ATEX pump, and prevents the pump from running dry, having a closed discharge, or having a blocked suction.
Depending on the application/material, the centre part of an ATEX Pump is made of carbon-filled polypropylene, aluminium, or cast iron. Because of conductive pigments within the material, the carbon-filled centre parts are a distinct colour, lowering the surface resistance of the pump and preventing electrostatic buildup inside the pump.
To guarantee that the environment may be categorised as ATEX, all items inside a system must have the same ATEX certification.
OUR PRINCIPAL
CAT Pumps, in association with Kiron Hydraulic Needs, offers a comprehensive line of pumps that fulfil the ATEX 2 standard for pumping applications in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX Pump compliance is widespread in sectors such as petrochemical, chemical, oil & gas, and bio-fuels.