ATEX Zone Measurement and Control

ATEX zones refer to areas classified according to the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dusts. These zones are defined in the ATEX Directive, a European Union (EU) directive that regulates equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The term "ATEX" comes from the French "Atmosphères Explosibles," which translates as "explosive atmospheres." ATEX zones are categorized into three main zones according to the frequency and duration of the explosive atmosphere:

• Zone 0: This zone represents areas where an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for extended periods. It requires equipment with the highest level of protection against ignition sources.
• Zone 1: In Zone 1, explosive atmospheres are likely to occur under normal operating conditions. Equipment used in these areas must be designed to prevent ignition of the explosive atmosphere.
• Zone 2: This zone comprises areas where an explosive atmosphere is unlikely to occur under normal operating conditions or occurs only infrequently and for short periods. Equipment intended for use in Zone 2 must provide protection against potential ignition sources.

The ATEX Directive aims to ensure a high level of protection for workers and the environment by harmonizing regulations for equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres throughout the EU. It establishes essential health and safety requirements that manufacturers must meet when designing and manufacturing equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres.

The Directive applies to a wide range of products, including electrical and non-electrical equipment, protective systems, and components. It requires manufacturers to conduct a risk assessment to determine the suitability of their products for use in specific ATEX zones and to ensure compliance with the relevant safety standards.

Furthermore, the ATEX Directive requires manufacturers to affix the CE marking to their products to indicate compliance with EU regulations. Products that meet the requirements of the ATEX Directive can be placed on the EU market and used in potentially explosive atmospheres within designated areas.

In short, the ATEX Directive plays a crucial role in ensuring worker safety and preventing accidents in industries where explosive atmospheres may be present, such as chemical plants, oil refineries, and mines, among others.

Differential pressure switches (up to 5000Pa) for HVAC filter systems or ventilation systems in pharmaceutical, manufacturing, chemical, or offshore plants, for zones 1, 2 (gas) and zones 21, 22 (dust). Programmable on-site.

Transmitters equipped with probes for measuring temperature and/or humidity in HVAC systems for chemical, pharmaceutical, or offshore industries, for zones 1 and 2 (gas) and zones 21 and 22 (dust). All sensors are programmable on-site.

Rotary actuators for zones 1, 2, 21 and 22. With different actuation time adjustment options of 3, 15, 30, 60, 120 seconds / 90°, control can be carried out by On-Off, 3-position or analog control.