The pump itself must not be installed and operated in explosion hazard
areas.
Areas in which explosive atmospheres (gases, dusts, vapours or mists) can
occur in the air are subdivided into three zones corresponding to the frequen-
cy and duration of occurrence of an explosive atmosphere. These zones are
designated as 0, 1 and 2.
The definitions for these zones are described in Annex I of the “Atex Directive
(Directive 99/92/EG) for improving the safety and health protection of workers
potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres”.
Information as to the classification of the areas with explosive atmospheres in
the 3 Zones, is provided in the Directive 99/92/EG and the corresponding
guide (COM (2003) 515) together with the European standard EN 60079-10
(Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres - Part 10: Classification
of hazardous areas). Additionally, further information on the avoidance of
explosions and on the topic of explosion protection can be found in the
Directive 99/92/EG and the corresponding guide.
This information can be downloaded from the EC Internet site.
Gas Composition
It is important to note that the composition of the gas at the intake on the
suction side of the pump and at the discharge to the atmosphere may pos-
sibly differ. This may possibly have an influence on the zone assignments (EG
Directive 99/92/EG).
Ignition Temperatures of Gases/Vapours
The pumps are suited only for applications in which potentially explosive gas
and vapour mixtures exhibit an ignition temperature of over 160 °C.
The ignition temperatures (sometimes also called self ignition temperature) of
gases and vapours can be taken from the material safety data sheets.
The pump is not suited for operation in potentially explosive gas mixtures in
which the oxygen concentration exceeds 21% or if reactive, aggressive or
corrosive gases are present.
Ignition Temperatures of Dusts
In accordance with Directive 99/92/EG, the system operator is committed to
provide a hazard assessment. For this reason the minimum glow point tem-
perature and the minimum ignition temperature of the dust must be known to
him.
Two calculations for determining two limit temperatures must be performed:
a) Limit temperature 1 =
2
/
3
of the minimum ignition temperature
b) Limit temperature 2 = minimum glow point temperature* less 75 K
DANGER
To Next Page
Loading...
