In industries like oil refineries, chemical plants and gas processing, where hazardous gases and explosive atmosphere is present; safety is the utmost importance. The equipment used in such area need to ensure operational reliability without causing ignition risks. ATEX certifications and equipment plays crucial role in enabling safe working.

Understanding ATEX

ATEX Directive stands for “Atmosphere Explosible” Directive. It is a set of standards for equipment and protective systems, established by the European Union to ensure safety while using equipment in area where there is a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, dusts, or powders occurs. ATEX regulations set out specific requirements for the design, construction, and testing of equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive environments, including electrical and non-electrical equipment.

How ATEX Instruments provide safety?

Ensuring the safety of electrical and electronic equipment is crucial in hazardous area as faults in such equipment can generate heat or sparks causing explosions. ATEX-certified instruments are designed to enhance safety in hazardous areas by preventing ignition sources using intrinsic safe instruments or explosion proof enclosures for electrical instruments.

1. Intrinsic Safety: ATEX intrinsically safe equipment eliminate ignition in hazardous areas by limiting electrical and thermal energy that can ignite flammable gases, vapors or dusts.
   It incorporates low-power devices and engineered to limit heat/ temperature and high dust resistance. It uses galvanic or zener barriers between the equipment and power source which regulates power going to the equipment so that energy of spark or heat generated by equipment is too low to cause combustion when fault occurs.

2. Explosion-Proof Enclosures: Equipment are housed in explosion-proof enclosures. This ensures that if a fault occurs and ignites the gas due to spark and excessive heat within the enclosure, the explosion is contained, preventing it from spreading to the surrounding area. These enclosures are IP66 rated, typically made of die cast aluminum, steel and designed considering restriction of flame path according to stringent guidelines by the ATEX standard.

3. Non-electrical (mechanical) equipment also can create ignition. Equipment such as stirrer, screw conveyor, mechanical gauge is analyzed for potential ignition sources like material, friction, hot surface, impact, and spark generated during normal and abnormal condition. Non electrical ATEX certified equipment is designed and undergoes ignition hazard assessment to provide risk free operation in explosive area.
   The ATEX certified instruments guarantees that devices, machinery, and components not only comply with stringent safety requirements but also undergo rigorous testing to minimize the risk of explosions or fires in hazardous environments. ATEX ensures utmost protection and peace of mind in potentially volatile environment.

Benefits of using ATEX Certified Instruments

1. Regulatory Compliance: For companies operating in the EU or exporting to the EU, compliance with ATEX directives is mandatory. Using ATEX-approved instruments ensures that your facility meets regulatory requirements, avoiding potential fines and legal issues ensuring reputation as a company committed to safety and compliance.

2. Enhanced Safety and Reduce Risk of Explosion: ATEX-certified instruments are designed to prevent ignition sources, such as sparks, hot surfaces, or electrical arcs, meeting stringent regulatory standards

3. Reduced Risk of Accidents: Minimizes the risk of explosions and accidents in hazardous areas.

4. Protection of People and Assets: Safeguards personnel, equipment, and facilities from potential hazards, costly accidents and damage to equipment.

5. Increased Operational Efficiency: Allows for safe and smoother operation in hazardous environments. By reducing the likelihood of accidents and unplanned downtime, improves productivity and cost savings in the long run.

Conclusion

ATEX-approved level instruments provide safety, reliability of operation in industry operating in hazardous environments. As a manufacturer, we are committed to provide high-quality, ATEX-certified level instruments that protect your assets and personnel while optimizing your operations.