ATEX extraction systems
In many business and industrial sectors, flammable and explosive media are released during production processes, which can trigger serious fires and violent explosions due to chemical reactions. This can injure people, destroy buildings and plant components, and ignite other flammable substances.
Which substances can form explosive atmospheres?
For an explosive atmosphere to form, the substances must be flammable and can be in the form of powder, gas or liquid. These flammable or explosive substances are usually explosive as a dust-air mixture, if their grain diameter is less than 500 μm. However, some dusts are still explosive up to a grain diameter of 1 mm.
Flammable solids:
- Plastics
- Organic substances (flour, coffee, starch, cellulose …)
- Metals (aluminum, magnesium …)
Flammable gases:
- Natural gas
- Hydrogen
- Acetylene
Flammable liquids:
Disinfectants, organic solvents, fuels.
How can a dust explosion be prevented?
There are two techniques to prevent explosions caused by explosive substances:
Primary explosion protection
The primary explosion protection principle means the preventive avoidance of an explosive dust air mixture and the use of special protective measures. Primary explosion protection is considered the most reliable technique to avoid explosions.
Possible techniques are:
- Dilution of the explosive substances
- Passivation of the explosive substances
- Spark avoidance
All extraction systems from ABSAUGWERK are built according to the primary explosion protection principle and can also be operated indoors.
Secondary explosion protection
With this principle, ignition is prevented by any ignition source in the hazardous area, but the explosive atmosphere (dust-air mixture remains in an explosive concentration) exist.
How to recognize ATEX compliant equipment?
The type plate can be used to check whether or not an extraction system or other equipment may be used in areas where there is a risk of dust explosion.
Mandatory data Type plate:
- CE mark
- Ex-sign (hexagonal explosion protection sign)
- Serial number
- Machine type
- Year of manufacture
- Device group (II)
- Device category (3D here)
- Surface temperature (Motor nameplate)
- IP protection class (Motor nameplate)
Specific information on other ATEX components, e.g. motor, is shown on the type plate of the respective component.
Furthermore, information must be provided on all electrical components in the Ex Zone. In our extraction systems, the switch cabinet with control is installed outside the system and is therefore not located in the Ex Zone.
Requirements for an explosion
The combination of oxygen, explosive dusts and an ignition source can cause severe explosions.
Possible ignition sources:
- Spark/flame
- Discharge of static electricity
- Electrical malfunctions
- Hot surfaces
- Grinding/friction sparks
Explosion protection technology by ABSAUGWERK
The design principle of our equipment is based on primary explosion protection, which preventively avoids the formation of explosive atmospheres. This is achieved by maximum separation efficiency, high air velocities and ATEX-compliant components. Through various ATEX components and an innovative design, we ensure safe operation of our systems.
ATEX components dry extraction
- Pre-separator
- Spark detection
- Automatic extinguishing systems according to DIN/EN: water, powder, COâ‚‚
- Air speed in the pipe min. > > 20 m/s
- Automatic shutdown of the system
- Negative pressure and volume flow monitoring
- Motor according to ATEX Zone 22
- Painted impellers
- Construction free of ignition sources and conductive
- No Ex-zones during operation
- All electronic components installed in conformity with ATEX
- Control cabinet outside the plant (no Ex-zone)
- Precoat unit (filter coating)
- Automatic jet pulse cleaning (offline)
ATEX components wet extraction
- Air speed in the pipe min. > > 20 m/s
- Automatic shutdown of the system
- Negative pressure and volume flow monitoring
- Motor according to ATEX Zone 2
- Painted impellers
- Construction free of ignition sources and conductive
- No Ex-zones during operation
- All electrical components installed in conformity with ATEX
- Control cabinet outside the plant (no Ex-zone)
Legal requirements
Within the European Union, all aspects and specifics of explosion protection are listed in the so-called ATEX directives. The directives distinguish between manufacturers and operators and must be observed by both parties in order to ensure safe operation and to comply with occupational health and safety. When designing our extraction systems, we include all relevant parameters, evaluate them according to legal regulations and thus manufacture ATEX-compliant systems for every application.
Your advantages
Savings
up to 50%
Low operating
and follow-up costs
Maximum
extraction power
Maximum
separation efficiency
Safe operation with
highest quality standard
Installation in
interior possible
Mixed operation
aluminum & stainless steel
When processing stainless steel and aluminum, chemical reactions produce self-igniting and highly carcinogenic dust mixtures. We have developed a special dust extractor that reliably extracts and filters both substances even in mixed operation.
