In many industrial production facilities, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical industries, there is a significant risk of explosion due to potentially explosive gas mixtures, atmospheric conditions and rotating machinery as a source of ignition. The safety of employees and the production facility has the highest priority in such areas. To ensure this safety, only explosion-proof fans (ATEX fans) may be used. These fans comply with the strict safety standards of the ATEX directives of the European Union or comparable international regulations (CEC, NEC, CCC). Their special design helps to minimize the risk of explosion and limit damage in the event of ignition.
With years of experience, Serafima is your competent service provider and supplier for explosion-proof fans and compressors. We offer comprehensive delivery, installation and maintenance of ATEX fans to maximize the safety and efficiency of your production facility.
ATEX zones and explosion protection
ATEX zones are defined areas in industrial environments in which the risk of an explosive atmosphere can endanger the safety of employees and systems. these zones are divided into different categories according to the frequency and duration of the presence of explosive atmospheres. These include Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2 for potentially explosive gas atmospheres and Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22 for potentially explosive dust atmospheres.
For example, zone 22 is intended for areas in which explosive dust cannot occur during normal operation and only for short periods. In such environments, the use of explosion-proof fans is important. These ATEX fans are designed in accordance with the ATEX directives and ensure safe ventilation in potentially explosive atmospheres.
These ATEX zones exist
- Zone 0: A zone in which an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for prolonged periods.
- Zone 1: A zone in which an explosive atmosphere is occasionally present during normal operation.
- Zone 2: A zone in which an explosive atmosphere is not present in normal operation or is present only briefly.
- Zone 20: A zone in which an explosive dust atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.
- Zone 21: A zone in which an explosive dust atmosphere is occasionally present during normal operation.
- Zone 22: A zone in which an explosive dust atmosphere is not present in normal operation or is present only briefly.
Basically, the zone classification serves to define the potential hazards in potentially explosive atmospheres so that companies and suppliers can take appropriate safety measures.
ATEX fans Definition
ATEX fans, also known as explosion-proof fans, are specially designed axial and centrifugal fans that have been developed in accordance with the strict safety standards of the European Union’s ATEX directives. They are used in environments with a certain risk of explosive atmospheres, such as those often found in chemical production plants. These fans have a special design with explosion-proof components and sensors and approved material pairings that can minimize potential ignition sources and limit the effects of explosions. Various technical measures are also used, including housing and rotor pressure relief, non-sparking motors and non-contact speed monitoring.
The selection and installation of ATEX fans requires a thorough risk assessment and strict compliance with safety regulations in accordance with the ATEX directives, as this is the only way to ensure the long-term protection of employees and systems.
Types of ATEX fans
There are various types of ATEX fans, including
- Ex-protected tube fans,
- Centrifugal fans explosion-proof and
- Axial fans explosion-proof.
An explosion-proof duct fan is particularly suitable for efficient air flow in pipe systems. The tube fan is ideal for medium-sized rooms and systems where continuous ventilation is required. Centrifugal fans, on the other hand, are characterized by their high pressure generation and are preferably used in process gas systems. Axial fans, on the other hand, generate a uniform air flow and are used where an axially directed air movement is required, such as in cooling or ventilation systems.
This is important when selecting ATEX fans
When selecting Ex fans, it is particularly important to pay attention to the marking of the Ex protection zones. This marking indicates the environments with potentially explosive atmospheres for which the respective device is suitable. These zones are divided into 0, 1 and 2 for potentially explosive atmospheres caused by gases and into 20, 21 and 22 for areas with potentially explosive dusts. All fans that have potential ignition sources and fall under the ATEX directive must be labeled.
Marking is done by affixing the CE mark and the Ex mark, whereby additional information such as the equipment group, the equipment category and the type of potentially explosive atmosphere must also be indicated. If a product has no marking, this may indicate that it is either not suitable for use in hazardous areas and may not be operated in accordance with the ATEX Directive.
Areas of application for ATEX fans
Explosion-proof fans are indispensable in all industries where the risk of explosive gas mixtures and atmospheres is high. These include the chemical industry, the oil and gas industry, refineries, the pharmaceutical industry, mining and other sectors in which hazardous gas and/or dust mixtures can occur. The robust design and certification of the ATEX fans in accordance with the ATEX directives ensure reliable operation even under extreme conditions. From conveying dust-laden air to conveying explosive gas mixtures in chemical production plants, these explosion-proof fans help to ensure the long-term safety of employees and systems and efficiently support production processes in potentially explosive environments.
Necessity of ATEX fans in industrial environments
ATEX fans are indispensable in industrial plants with an increased risk of explosions due to the handling of chemicals and gases or extreme temperatures. They are used wherever flammable air mixtures, mists, vapors or dusts occur. These special fans minimize the risk of explosion and enable the safe extraction or conveyance of explosive gas mixtures. An explosion-proof fan is characterized by the spark-free processing of its electrical components and has all the necessary certifications in accordance with the latest safety standards.
Serafima: Your expert for ATEX fans and compressors
Explosion-proof fans are crucial for the safety and efficiency of your industrial plant. At Serafima, we understand the importance of high quality and reliable ATEX fans for safe operation. Our experienced team is on hand to develop customized solutions tailored to your exact requirements. From selecting the right fans to procurement, installation and maintenance, we offer you comprehensive support. We are also often happy to assist you with any ATEX-related questions regarding existing systems and fans, such as re-certification, reclassification or existing protection. With our expertise and our commitment to quality and service, we ensure the long-term operation of your system – at fair conditions and on an equal footing.
Contact us today and our team of experts will support you with the procurement, installation and commissioning of your industrial fans and compressors.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is an ATEX Zone 22?
ATEX Zone 22 designates an area in which there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere due to the presence of flammable dusts. It is important that all devices and systems used in ATEX Zone 22 are certified in accordance with the ATEX directives to ensure the safety of employees and machines.
What does Ex approval mean?
An Ex approval designates the certification of a product in accordance with the requirements of the ATEX Directive or comparable international regulations. This approval confirms that the product can be used safely in potentially explosive atmospheres.
What is an ATEX area?
An ATEX area is a zone in which there is a risk of an explosive atmosphere. These areas are divided into different zones according to the ATEX directives, depending on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of the explosive atmosphere. It is important that all devices and systems that are installed in ATEX-