ATEX pumps
ATEX pumps play a crucial role in many industries where they ensure that processes run safely and efficiently in potentially explosive environments. To fully grasp the importance and relevance of ATEX pumps, it is necessary to look at the ATEX directives, the relevant regulations, categories and finally how pumps function in this context.
What does ATEX mean?
ATEX is an abbreviation for the EU directives on protection against explosions. The term ATEX comes from the French and stands for "ATmosphères EXplosibles". These directives were developed to minimise the risk of explosions caused by flammable gases, vapours or dusts.
ATEX directives and their relevance
The ATEX regulations are made up of two basic EU directives that set requirements for both manufacturers of equipment and protective systems in potentially explosive atmospheres and employers who operate such workplaces:
ATEX 2014/34/EU: This directive concerns equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres and sets out the safety requirements that products must meet in order to be sold on the EU market.
ATEX 1999/92/EC: This directive aims to protect the safety and health of workers who may work in potentially explosive atmospheres. It requires employers to carry out a risk assessment to identify areas where explosive atmospheres could occur and to take appropriate measures to prevent explosions.
ATEX pumps and their role in industry
The role of ATEX pumps in various industries is crucial. They are used in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and oil and gas. ATEX pumps are specially designed to work safely in potentially explosive environments. They are manufactured and certified according to ATEX directives to meet the specific requirements of each application.
ATEX classes and categories
Hazardous areas are classified by ATEX into different zones based on the frequency and duration of the presence of an explosive atmosphere:
Zones 0, 1 and 2 apply to gaseous explosive atmospheres.
Zones 20, 21 and 22 refer to dust explosion hazards.
ATEX equipment is also divided into groups and categories to indicate where the particular equipment can be safely used. The categorisation takes into account the risk, with stricter requirements for equipment used in higher risk environments.
Air-operated diaphragm pumps
Air-operated diaphragm pumps are an indispensable component in a wide range of industrial processes and have established themselves as a highly reliable solution for demanding applications. Their outstanding feature is their ability to be used even in ATEX zones up to zone 0, the area with the highest risk of an explosive atmosphere.
The versatility of the air-operated double diaphragm pumps is particularly crucial in ATEX environments. Thanks to their dry suction capability, these pumps are ideal for pumping chemicals from storage tanks. Their robust design and dry running capability ensure safe and efficient operation, even in demanding industrial environments with explosive atmospheres. This makes them the ideal choice for companies that have to comply with the highest safety standards in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Electrical diaphragm pumps
Electric diaphragm pumps are another powerful alternative for use in ATEX zones up to zone 1. They prove extremely useful in situations where neither compressed air is available nor the air network is overloaded. By cleverly combining the advantages of air-operated diaphragm pumps with the convenience of an electric drive, they offer a high-quality solution for various industrial applications.
In environments where the use of compressed air is not possible for practical or economic reasons, electric diaphragm pumps stand out for their high reliability and efficiency. Their robust design and dry suction capability make them particularly suitable for applications where chemicals need to be pumped from storage tanks. These pumps are an excellent choice for companies working in ATEX-certified environments that need to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
Centrifugal pumps
The range of ATEX-certified pumps is usefully complemented by centrifugal pumps, which are characterised by their ability to handle large volume flows efficiently. Centrifugal pumps are known for their continuous liquid delivery and offer high energy efficiency in many applications. They prove particularly useful in environments where continuous and constant volumes of liquid are required.
Their robust design and performance make them an excellent choice for companies working in ATEX-certified environments and needing to handle large liquid flows.
Peristaltic pumps
Our range of ATEX-certified pumps is complemented by peristaltic pumps, known for their impressive pumping speed and ability to create near-vacuum conditions. Peristaltic pumps are extremely versatile and find application in various industries working in ATEX certified environments.
They are the preferred choice when it comes to precise dosing of liquids or pumping of sensitive, abrasive or corrosive media. They are also used for pumping liquids with solids or for handling sludge and silt in wastewater treatment plants. The flexibility and performance of these pumps make them indispensable tools in demanding industrial environments.