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ATEX Area Classifications - ATEX Zones
Area classification is a method of analysing and classifying the environment where explosive atmospheres may occur to aid the proper selection and installation of apparatus to be used safely in that environment taking into account gas groups and temperature classes.
A place in which an explosive atmosphere may occur is deemed to be “Hazardous”. A place in which an explosive atmosphere is not expected to occur is deemed to be “Non Hazardous”
Flammable and/or combustible substances are considered as materials which may form an explosive atmosphere. A flammable material or substance is a material which is flammable of itself, or is capable of producing a flammable gas, vapour or mist.
In most practical situations where flammable materials are used, it is difficult to ensure that an explosive atmosphere will never occur. It is also difficult to ensure that equipment will never give rise to a source of ignition. Consequently, in areas where an explosive atmosphere has a high likelihood of occurring, reliance is placed on using apparatus that has a low likelihood of creating a source of ignition. Conversely, where the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring is reduced, apparatus constructed to a less rigorous standard may be used.
Hazardous areas are classified in terms of zones on the basis of the frequency and duration of the occurrences of an explosive atmosphere.
ATEX Zone 0 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently
ATEX Zone 1 - A place in which an explosive atmosphereis likely to occur in normal operation
ATEX Zone 2 - A place in which an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only
ATEX Zone 20 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, for long periods or frequently
ATEX Zone 21 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally
ATEX Zone 22 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur but, will persist for a short period only.
The basic elements for establishing the zones are the identification of the source of release and the determination of the grade of release: continuous, primary, secondary
Continuous - release which is continuous or is expected to occur frequently or for long periods
Primary - release which can be expected to occur periodically or occasionally during normal operation
Secondary - release which is not expected to occur in normal operation and, if it does occur, is likely to do so infrequently and for short periods
A source of release: is a point or location from which a flammable gas, vapour or liquid may be released into the atmosphere in such a way that an explosive gas atmosphere could be formed.
Normal operation: is a situation when the equipment is operating within its design parameters
The extent of the zone is based on the estimated or calculated distance over which an explosive atmosphere exists before it disperses to a concentration in air below its lower explosive limit.
If you need help and advice in identifying or sourcing "intrinsically safe" or ATEX certified hydraulic equipment, then contact our team on 0845 644 3640 or via: sales@hydraylicsonline.co.uk