What is ATEX?

1.Explosion hazard zones

The basic distinction of zones is the division due to the place of their occurrence 

We can distinguish:

• external explosion hazard zones – located outside devices and installations (e.g. open material storage areas), 
• internal explosion hazard zones – located inside devices and installations (e.g. conveyors, silos).

In order to be able to accurately determine the hazard level, three zones were distinguished based on the frequency of occurrence:

(among other things, to select equipment with the appropriate degree of protection) 

• Zone 20 – an area in which the dust-air mixture persists continuously or for long periods; 
• Zone 21 – an area in which the dust-air mixture persists temporarily;
• Zone 22 - an area in which the dust-air mixture occurs occasionally

2.Devices for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

To meet the requirements of the European ATEX Directive, devices for use in explosion hazard zones feature special solutions. Such solutions include Ex sensors and drives, bearings mounted outside the dust zone. Each device designed to work in an explosive zone is properly marked.