To prevent the risk of explosion in facilities with explosive atmospheres, it is essential to have certified equipment prepared for this purpose. The construction of Sodeca’s equipment for ATEX explosive atmospheres is based on a non-spark fan operated by an electric motor that complies with the specifications of the most stringent standards.
Some of the standards that apply to explosive atmospheres are: Directive 2014/34/UE, US NEC 500, Canada NEC 505, international IECEx,…
Diagram of fans built in accordance with European ATEX directive (Directive 2014/34/UE)
Many applications exist that may require fans prepared to work in explosive atmospheres. Generally speaking, any application that takes place in a zone with a risk of explosion:
OIL REFINERIES
CHEMICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES
PAINT AND VARNISH BOOTHS
AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY
(flour, grain, cacao, animal feed,…)
WOOD AND CARPENTRY INDUSTRY
FUEL STORAGE FACILITIES
(liquid or gaseous)
SHIPBUILDING
OFF-SHORE
Any device installed in an explosive atmosphere must be prepared to prevent ignition that leads to an explosion. This gives rise to a considerable increase in the cost of facilities, maintenance and safety in industries with explosive atmospheres. For this reason, there is a tendency to declassify explosion risk zones in most industries.
For the total or partial declassification of a room or area with an explosive atmosphere, it must be vented with air free of gases or explosive dust to guarantee the concentration of these gases or dust is reduced below the explosive limits. This venting process reduces the level of risk in the premises or minimises the extension of the classified zone, thus reducing the anti-explosive requirements of the devices that are to be installed in the premises.