Issue link: https://onenorgren.uberflip.com/i/1505207
22 Process Fluid Control » Hot Surfaces » Flames and Hot Gases » Mechanically Generated Sparks » Electrically Generated Sparks » Electro-statically Generated Sparks » Adiabatic Compression » Electro-Magnetic Radiation » Ionising Radiation » Chemical Reactions » Ultra-sound » Flashes ATEX Find out more norgren.com In order to apply a single level for health and safety requirements and to overcome barriers of trade within Europe, national regulations for explosion prevention were harmonised in 1975 with the European Frame Directive 76/117/EEC. The EC-Directive 94/9/EG was valid from 1994 until 2016 and was replaced through the new EU-Directive 2014/34/ EU. This Directive is widely known as "ATEX" – which derives from the original working title "ATmosphère EXplosible". In addition to Directive 2014/34/EU, which is concerned with the requirements of equipment and protective systems another directive – 1999/92/EC exists. This is concerned with the requirements for the erection, installation and operation of systems. Explosive atmospheres (Ex areas) are prerequisite for an explosion and can be found where a mixture of air, flammable gases, vapours or dusts are being produced, transformed or stored in the presence of oxygen. Most important is the prevention of the formation of an explosive atmosphere. If this is not possible, potential sources of ignition must be avoided. For electrical equipment for use with gases, vapours and mists special design methods are described in comprehensive works standards and are assigned to "ignition protection categories". Several ignition protection categories can be combined in one unit. The methods of protection with explosive dusts concentrates mainly on the sealing of the housing (IP protection). Principles and requirements for non-electrical equipment for use in explosive areas are described in the EN 13463-1. (This standard is only valid until the end of 2019 and is replaced by ISO EN 80079-36.) Measures that can be taken to reliably exclude potential sources of ignition, depend upon the equipment category required. In the foreground is usually the consideration of the permissible light metal alloys, electrostatic charge, possible sparks caused by impact or friction and heat due to friction. How can explosions occur? How can an explosion be prevented? Typical sources of Ignition Ignition protection categories Your Reliable Partner for Maximum Explosion Protection