LENZE
General
Explosion protection
1
1-6
G-motion atex en 06/2011
Primary and secondary measures
In order for an explosion to take place, a flammable
substance (gas, dust, liquid), a sufficient quantity of oxygen
and an ignition source all need to be present in the correct
mix ratio. There are currently 13 different known such
ignition sources, of which only half are electrical. In
addition to sparks, arcing or static charges, hot surfaces,
mechanically generated sparks and ultrasound all play an
important role.
Explosion protection is not just a matter of flammable
gases or evaporated liquids. Today, a significant number of
explosions can be traced back to the inadequate protection
of dust areas. This is why the ATEX directive is much more
concerned with dust explosion protection than previous
legislation and, under the ATEX directive, the designation
and certification of equipment for use in these areas has
been substantially expanded.
Primary explosion protection is another important aspect
of the ATEX directive. Suitable measures are implemented
to prevent explosive atmospheres from forming in the first
place. These measures include, for example, the general
avoidance of flammable substances and the use of non or
hardly combustible raw materials. Additional measures
include the inerting of systems, involving the careful use of
inert gases to reduce the explosiveness of flammable
mixtures. Means of preventative explosion protection
include the restriction of emissions and the natural and
technical ventilation of production areas.
1)
G = Gaseous atmosphere, D = Dusty atmosphere
Explosion-protected equipment
Device group I
Device group II
Mines, mine gas
Other potentially explosive atmospheres (gas or dust)
Category
M1
M2
1
2
3
Potentially
explosive
G
D
G
D
G
D
atmospheres
1)
Zone
0
20
1
21
2
22
Gearbox type of
protection
c, k
c, k
c
c