IS & Ex


Safe motion control in Ex areas

April 2018 IS & Ex

Machinery and moving equipment is a vital element in all areas of modern automated industry, but what happens when the atmosphere in the working environment is potentially explosive? In short, regulations and directives govern which machinery and equipment components can be used in such scenarios. This is particularly pertinent to motion control devices utilising pneumatics, hydraulics and electromechanical technologies. All motion creates friction on one level or another, which, if of sufficient magnitude, could provide a source of heat or ignition. Similarly, a simple switch could also be viewed as a potential ignition source. With these facts in mind, machinery and equipment OEMs must be sure only to use motion control components that are tested, rated and certified for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Hazardous environments

Explosive atmospheres in the workplace can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours, or by combustible dusts. If there is enough of the substance mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an explosion.

ATEX (derived from the French term ATmospheres EXplosive) is the name commonly given to the European directives for controlling equipment designated for operation in explosive atmospheres. Directive 94/9/EC (also known as ATEX 100a), which came into force in 2003, concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within the EU, setting out the minimum safety requirements.

In 2016, Directive 94/9/EC was replaced by Directive 2014/34/EU without a transition period. Although there was little effect for technology manufacturers, some of the changes included more explicit requirements for traceability of products and supply chains, as well as the roles of ‘economic operators’ such as manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers and distributors, to help market surveillance authorities. Furthermore, the titles of some documents have changed and there is a new list of formal administrative requirements relating to CE mark, declarations and markings.

For those wondering about the Machinery Directive 98/37/EC, note that a number of external requirements in 2014/34/EU refer to hazards arising from potentially explosive atmospheres, whereas the Machinery Directive only contains general requirements relating to explosion safety (Annex I 1.5.7). As a result, Directive 2014/34/EU takes precedence over the Machinery Directive with regard to protection in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Put simply, the directives state that employers have a duty to eliminate or control the risks from explosive atmospheres in the workplace. Areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur must be classified into zones. The classification given to a particular zone, and its size and location, depends on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence if it does.

Zones and classifications

There are three zones classifying the presence of a potentially explosive atmosphere: present continuously or for long periods (Gas Zone 0, Dust Zone 20); likely to occur in normal operation occasionally, typically between 10 and 1 000 hours per annum (G1, D21); and not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a period typically less than 10 hours a year (G2, D22).

Equipment and protective systems earmarked for deployment in these zoned areas should be selected to meet the requirements of the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996 (EPS). EPS implements the ATEX directive within the UK, regulating the supply, but not subsequent safe use of, products intended for operation in these hazardous environments. However, EPS does require the supplier to provide instructions for the safe operation of the products.

To help with equipment classification, two classification groups have been established. Group 1 equipment is intended for use in underground mines and surface installations of such mines likely to be endangered by flammable vapours and/or dusts, while Group 2 equipment is intended for use in other places exposed to explosive atmospheres. The level of protection offered in each group can be classified into normal, high and very high categories.

Motion control solutions

There are many examples of potentially explosive atmospheres across industry, not least in sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, chemical, pharmaceutical, wood processing and paint spraying. Deploying motion control solutions in these industries means using a supplier with a thorough understanding of ATEX and products that can be operated safely and with confidence.

A broad choice backed by applications expertise is vital to end users seeking a safe and effective solution to motion control in potentially explosive environments. Parker offers many components suitable for use in ATEX environments, such as cylinders (including rodless types), valves, filters/absorbers, air motors, logic controllers, push buttons, solenoids, coils, limit switches and sensors.

The company’s product catalogues contain copies of the declaration of conformity demonstrating that the components meet the requirements of ATEX. However, the declaration is only valid in conjunction with the instructions contained in the installation manual relating to the safe use of the product throughout its service life. The instructions relating to the conditions in the surrounding area are particularly important, as the certificate is invalidated if adherence to the information has been ignored during product operation.

For more information contact Lisa de Beer, Parker Hannifin SA, +27 (0)11 961 0700, lisa.debeer@parker.com, www.parker.com/za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Field service regime key for effective PDS/CPS operation
IS & Ex
While their primary objective is to ensure the safety of people, proximity detection system and collision prevention system installations also have a direct bearing on other critical parameters such as equipment availability and productivity.

Read more...
World’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21
Extech Safety Systems IS & Ex
i.safe MOBILE has launched the world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector.

Read more...
Electrifying the future
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
A revolution is underway, transforming the way we power compact construction machines and heavy-duty mobile machinery. This is the electrification of equipment, a movement propelled by the need for environmental sustainability, lower emissions, reduced noise levels, and the pursuit of a cleaner, greener future.

Read more...
Oil and gas industry shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
The oil and gas industry is undergoing a paradigm shift as it grapples with the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables, and oil and gas companies are investing in renewable energy as part of their decarbonisation efforts.

Read more...
Parker’s control systems in the 2024 America’s Cup
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa News
Parker Hannifin will design and implement advanced control systems for New York Yacht Club’s American Magic racing yachts, and support the challenger’s pursuit of the 37th America’s Cup.

Read more...
What you need to know when you start using hydrogen as your fuel source
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
OEMs are taking a more serious look at hydrogen options. Although much of the market is still focused on the potential of battery-powered vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a viable supplement that is better suited for longer ranges and faster refuelling.

Read more...
Parker’s non-welded flange technology for hydraulics
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Parker’s 37 non-welded flange technology is known for its ability to reduce the installation time and cost of hydraulic systems compared to traditional welded flanges. Hidroser, a Parker Premier Distributor in Turkey, has started this technology for hydraulic operated systems on board its vessels.

Read more...
Parker join forces for FIA World Rallycross season
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa News
Parker Hannifin and the CE Dealer Team by Volvo Construction Equipment will join forces once again for the FIA World Rallycross 2024 season, marking two years of partnership dedicated to advancing electrification on and off the racing track.

Read more...
Fully Ex-certified access point solutions for wireless communication
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
Pepperl+Fuchs now offers a wireless access point solution that is fully certified in accordance with ATEX/IECEx standards, and forms the basis for end-to-end Wi-Fi communication in hazardous areas.

Read more...
Secure, digital communication in potentially explosive atmospheres
Pepperl+Fuchs IS & Ex
Consistently digitalised processes in the smart factory are a matter of course today, but not in potentially explosive atmospheres. The systems and devices used in these areas must have optimal protection mechanisms to ensure maximum safety.

Read more...