ATEX zone 0 is defined within the European Union by the ATEX directives and indicates that there is a permanently high risk of an explosive atmosphere. This zone identifies areas where the presence of explosive gases or vapors is likely to be present continuously or for long periods of time. Such conditions require strict safety precautions and certified equipment – Zone 0 fans are therefore used to ensure the safety of employees and systems.

Serafima stands for comprehensive service for the supply, installation and maintenance of tested and certified ATEX fans, including those for Zone 0.

What are Zone 0 fans?

A Zone 0 fan is specially designed for use in areas with the highest risk of explosion. It complies with the strict safety standards of the ATEX directives and can therefore be used in areas where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods of time. The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU regulates explosion protection throughout Europe and defines the requirements for products in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Explosion-proof fans, whether axial or centrifugal fans, are equipped with components that minimize potential ignition sources and limit the effects of explosions. These include, for example, explosion-proof housings, non-sparking motors and non-contact monitoring of speed and operating conditions. The use of approved material pairings and technical measures such as housing and rotor pressure relief are also important for the highest level of safety.

ATEX fans are available in different types:

• Ex-protected duct fans: Ideal for efficient air flow in duct systems and suitable for medium-sized rooms and installations.
• Explosion-proof centrifugal fans: Particularly suitable for high pressure generation in process gas systems.
• Axial fans explosion-proof: Perfect for uniform, axially directed air movement, e.g. in cooling or ventilation systems.

Areas of application for Zone 0 fans

Zone 0 fans are used in industrial areas where the risk of an explosive atmosphere is particularly high. Typical areas of application are the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, where the extraction of solvents can permanently generate explosive gas mixtures. In such processes, it is often neither possible nor advantageous to work outside the flammable concentration range – the use of zone 0 fans enables safe operation here – without the need for constant monitoring. Another important area of application is tank systems in which gasoline or kerosene vapors must be safely fed into a combustion or solvent recovery system. Zone 0 conditions often prevail in these areas, making the use of specially certified fans absolutely essential. Zone 0 fans are also used in the oil and gas industry, refineries and the food industry, where they contribute to the long-term safety and efficiency of production processes.

This defines zones 0 and 20

In zone 0, a hazardous surrounding atmosphere or atmosphere to be conveyed is present as a mixture of air and flammable gases, vapors or mists continuously, for long periods or frequently. This zone indicates the highest level of explosion hazard and therefore requires special safety precautions and certified equipment to effectively minimize the risk. Zone 20, on the other hand, describes areas in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust contained in the air is present continuously, for long periods or frequently. This zone is also considered extremely dangerous and requires stringent measures to protect against dust explosions in order to ensure safety.

Both zones are part of the comprehensive ATEX system for classifying potentially explosive atmospheres and determine what safety equipment is required in industrial environments.

Other ATEX zones are:

• Zone 1: In this environment, an explosive atmosphere as a mixture of air and flammable gases, vapors or mists is occasionally present under normal operating conditions.
• Zone 2: A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
• Zone 21: Explosive dusts occasionally occur here under normal operating conditions.
• Zone 22: An environment in which explosive dusts are not present in normal operation or are only present for a short time.

Hermetically sealed and more – this is important for ATEX fans

ATEX zone 0 fans must meet strict construction standards and regulations in order to qualify for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Among other things, the encapsulation of the fans is important in this context, as it prevents the flammable gases or vapors inside from coming into contact with the electrical components of the fan. On the other hand, the hermetically encapsulated fan ensures the required explosion pressure resistance. If an explosion should occur inside the fan, the housing must be able to withstand the explosion pressure without flames or sparks escaping to the outside.

Temperature management with temperature classes T1 to T6 also plays an important role in the selection of ATEX fans. These classes basically specify the maximum permissible surface temperature that the explosion-protected fan may reach so that it remains below the ignition temperature of the surrounding explosive atmosphere. The temperature classes range from T1 (max. 450° C) to T4 (max. 135° C) to T6 (max. 85° C), whereby the appropriate temperature class must be selected depending on the application and type of explosive atmosphere. In addition to the mechanical and thermal safety features, the properties of the electrical components and motors of the fans are also relevant. For example, they must have spark protection and non-sparking motors as well as approval in the form of ATEX certification. The fan may only be used if all these requirements are met and proof has been provided by an independent body.

Standards and directives for Zone 0 products

The application of the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) is the basis for all devices that are operated in potentially explosive atmospheres in Europe. Accordingly, fans must meet the requirements of DIN EN ISO 80079-36 and 80079-37, which describe basic safety principles and protective measures. In addition, standards such as EN 14986 for the design of fans and national regulations such as TRBS 2152 and TRGS 727 must be observed.

Serafima: Your expert for Zone 0 fans and compressors

At Serafima, we place the highest value on the safety of your production environment and the health of your employees. Our explosion-proof fans and tested components from renowned manufacturers offer you safety in the event of a possible ignition of gas mixtures and dusts. You can rely on our many years of expertise and receive tailor-made solutions for your requirements from our dedicated team – from selection to installation and maintenance.

Contact us today and we will help you to operate your industrial fans and compressors safely and effectively.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is a Zone 0 fan?

A zone 0 fan is a specially designed fan that is used in environments where a permanent, explosive and therefore flammable atmosphere is present. Zone 0 is the most dangerous zone according to the ATEX directive, in which explosive gas mixtures may be present continuously or for long periods of time.

In which industrial areas are Zone 0 fans required?

Industries that require zone 0 fans are primarily those with potentially explosive atmospheres. These include, for example, the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries. These fans are also required in applications such as oil and gas extraction, paint booths and certain areas of waste water treatment.

What are the most important standards and certificates for Zone 0 fans?

The most important standards and certificates for Zone 0 fans are

• ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU): This directive regulates the provision of equipment and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in the European Union.
• DIN EN ISO 80079-36 and 80079-37: These standards specify basic requirements and protective measures for devices without power and electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• EN 14986: This standard deals specifically with the design of electric fans for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

How is a Zone 0 fan correctly installed and maintained?

The installation and maintenance of Zone 0 fans requires special care and expertise:

• Installation: Before installation, all fan components must be selected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the relevant standards. The installation itself must be carried out taking into account the zoning and the specific requirements of the system in order to minimize the risk of ignition sources.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance of zone 0 fans is important, as this is the only way for companies to guarantee their functionality. This includes the inspection of all mechanical and electrical components and, if necessary, the replacement of wearing parts. All maintenance work should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the applicable standards.