When and why you should ask for ATEX certified pumps
Safety principles
If flammable substances or solvents are in use, their propagation into the surrounding environment, in certain conditions, could form an explosive atmosphere, which if ignited could start and spread fire.
It is extremely important to take this risk into consideration, because in such cases, injuries to personnel carry heavy legal consequences and sanctions, also criminal in nature, for the Employer if the cause of the accident is attributable to the use of unsuitable equipment.
Even non-electrical equipment, like Z.P. Arrow vertical pumps, double-membrane pumps and pumps for viscous fluids that operate in these environments must be designed and built to ensure that they do not cause ignition of fire, whether operating in normal or abnormal conditions.
Potentially explosive atmosphere
A “potentially explosive atmosphere” is an atmosphere that is susceptible to transforming into an explosive atmosphere due to local and/or operating conditions.
Pursuant to Directive ATEX 2014/34/UE:
An explosive atmosphere is constituted by a mixture of flammable substances in the gas, vapor, mist and powder state with air in specific atmospheric conditions, where, after ignition, a non-combusted mixture is propagated.
The ATEX Directive is derived from the French ATmospheres EXplosibles and is the name of two European Directives.
The first ATEX Directive (2014/34/UE), relates to electrical and non-electrical materials for potentially explosive atmospheres and aims to harmonize diverse types of legislation in the European Union member states regulating protection systems and equipment required in these high-risk areas.
The second ATEX Directive (99/92/EC) sets forth minimum protection requirements for the health and safety of workers exposed to the risk of explosive atmospheres.
In particular, our Pumps produced in-house conform with Directive 2014/34/UE and standards:
- EN 80079-36 : Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres – Basic methods and requirements
- EN 80079-37: Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres – Part 5: Protection for constructive safety “c”.
Electrical and non-electrical products that are used in potentially explosive atmospheres are valued and marked according to ATEX Directive 2014/34/UE.
Based on the area where they will be used, they are in case subjected to tests by specifically authorized Reporting Entities recognized at a European level, which then issue certification of the equipment.
This certification must be reported in the identification plate on the product.
Objectives of classification of places
Classification of places is a method used to analyze and classify the area where explosive atmospheres may form, in order to facilitate the correct selection and installation of equipment for safe use in these areas, taking into account the groups and classes of the gas temperatures.
AREAS
Hazardous places are classified into the following areas:
AREA 0: area where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or over long periods or frequently due to the presence of gas, vapors or mist (EN 60079-10-1). For example, the interior of the drum or container of the flammable substance or solvent.
AREA 20: Area in which an explosive atmosphere, in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in the air, is often or continuously existing for long periods.
AREA 1: the area in which the formation of an explosive atmosphere caused by the presence of gas, vapors or mist is likely to form occasionally during normal operations (EN 60079-10-1). For example, the area around the drum or container of the flammable substance or solvent, but on the condition that there is continuous and safe ventilation of clean air.
ZONE 21: Area in which the formation of an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in the air is occasionally probable during normal activities.
AREA 2: the area in which during normal operations an explosive atmosphere caused by the presence of gas, vapors or mist is not likely to form occasionally during normal operations, and/or where this occurs only for brief periods (EN 60079-10-1). For example, other areas of the department where flammable substances are handled, but constant ventilation of clean air is guaranteed.
AREA 22: Area in which, during normal activities, the formation of an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust is unlikely and, if it does occur, it will only be of short duration.
Z.P. Arrow ATEX certified piston pumps have the most suitable pumping piston for use in Area 0 (in the drum containing the flammable liquid) and the motor in Area 1 (above and outside of the drum).
ATEX guarantees conformity with Directive 2014/34/UE
Z.P. Arrow has obtained ATEX certification in accordance with Directive 2014/34/UE for all the pump models that were specifically designed for use in total safety inside of these potentially hazardous Areas.
Their ATEX marking is a guarantee of safety in your company when using flammable substances or solvents.
Description of ATEX certification marking
Responsibility
When pumps with the ATEX certification marking are specifically requested, Z.P. Arrow is responsible for issuing the certificate of conformity with standard 2014/34/UE together with the pump.
It is nevertheless the responsibility of the user to classify the hazardous Areas where the ATEX certified pumps will be used.
Following this classification, the employer must allow the use of ATEX certified pumps only in the areas for which they are certified.