ATEX Design Principles

WHAT IS ATEX ?
Acronymn from ATmosphere Explosive, it is a set of internationally
accepted guidelines that have consequential impact on filtering unit
design. This governs as well the usage of corresponding accessories
like filter elements, blowers, solenoid valves, explosion relief panel,
venting valves, control panels, PLC controllers etc.

Contrary to common believe, ATEX filters does not fully eliminate

explosive risk. However ATEX-rules are designed to significantly reduce
explosion contributing factors, and also enable safe explosion venting
to protect occupants in a factory

SAVE LIVES , SAVE INVESTMENT

Dust filters in nature collect dust in large quantities, hence increasing
the risk of explosion that can disintegrate a filter unit and causing
collateral damage. The tragic outcome could be a loss if of lives
resulting in hefty compensation claims. The loss of production facility
also create production downtime, resulting in greater financial loss.

A suitably ATEX protected filter unit prevents filter disintegration by

safely venting the explosive force build-up. The benefits are numerous:
No flying shrapnel protects nearby works, saving lives
Filter unit can be quickly rebuilt by replacing suitable spares
Prevents extended production stoppages

DETERMINING EXPLOSION RISK ATEX identification string is attached to the equipment indication the
Companies who intend to have these systems installed are ATEX characteristic and the risks borne by the user.
required to have an explosion risk assessment carried out by
qualified personnel for material to handled by the filter unit.
This is to be carried out regardless whether the material
contains mist, dust, gas, vapours from the processing line.

Assessment includes:
CE Marking
a. Analysing of risk posed to the industrial activity
b. Analysing environment volatility where system is installed
ATEX Marking
c. Analysing the frequency of potential incidents
d. Assessing acceptable risk with considered protection
Protection Group II
e. Verifying risk reduction measures have been adopted.
f. Analysing the type of dust / vapours passing the system Very High 1
High 2 Explosive Mix
to determine the Pmax and Kst value Gas (G) Dust (D)
Presence
Normal 3
Continuously Zone 0 Zone 20
Pmax Max explosion Kst indicates the rate of Intermittently Zone 1 Zone 21
pressure build-up following pressure build-up within the Seldom/Rarely Zone 2 Zone 22
an explosion. Essential for filter chamber, depending as
selecting a suitable filter unit well on the concentration of the Pmax (bar) Kst (bar*m/s) Explosion Type Dust Type
that can withstand the explosive dust. This is important
0 bar 0 bar*m/s None St0
pressure build-up during to choosing the correct venting
10 bar 0 200 bar*m/s Weak St1
explosion. device / systems
10 bar 200 300 bar*m/s Strong St2
12 bar > 300 bar*m/s Very Strong St3
 ATEX Design Principles
ATEX DESIGN BRIEF
Appropriate design of filter require thorough understanding of
workplace safety risk to protect occupant as result of explosion.
Many factor can help minimise the risk of explosion and control
the venting of the explosion including
A. Ground of all filter panel to prevent static charge buildup.
B. Usage of Anti-Static filtering element
C. Usage of relevant ATEX parts and components Electro-valve Electronic Panel
Solenoid membrane valve Control panel management
ATEX II 2GD Zone 22/21 ATEX II 2GD Zone 22/21

RELIEF VALVE
Spring load valve
ATEX II 3D Zone 22

Rupture Disc
Cartridge Filter
Explosion Relief Panel
M-PES/AX
ATEX II 2GD Zone 22/21
EXAM APPROVED

QBOX
Explosion Diffusion
ATEX II 3D Zone 22

Filter Sleeve
PES550/AX
EXAM APPROVED

ECONOMISER
PLC Pulsejet Controller
ATEX II 3D

Ground Wire
Grounding wire
Between panels
ROTARY STAR VALVE
Fire Extinguisher Chemical Barrier
For continuous unloading
Powder extinguisher Chemical injection to
ATEX II 3D Zone 22
with Temperature probe dampen explosive force
ATEX Filtering Units

ATEX CERTIFIED
AIRALT / AIRALT-M
. Designed to work in environment in
accordance to ATEX 94/9/EC
. Can be certified to St1/St2/St3 dust
with resistance up to Pred=2barg
. High structural resistance through FEM
design analysis complying with EN288-4
. Welding in accordance with 97/23 rule
. Choose from a whole range of protection
accessories to match your requirement
. Price on application Only EURODRY EX-3D
Technical Specs See Page 2.10 For use on Zone 22 Areas
Technical Specs See Page 2.14

IPERJET-DF 3D St1 PULSOTRONIC 3D St1

MEC 3D St1
PES400/AX ATEX Shaker
ATEX Rotary Valve
Explosion Relief Panel
Technical Spec See Page 2.12
MPES/AX EcoPulsejet
ATEX Solenoid Valves
Explosion Relief Panel
Technical Spec Page 2.9
MPES/AX EcoPulsejet
ATEX Solenoid Valves
Explosion Relief Panel
Technical Spec Page 2.8
AIRCOM-CVS EX-3D
PES550/AX EcoPulsejet ATEX
Solenoid Valves - Explosion Relief
Panel ATEX Rotary Valve
Technical Spec See Page 2.12

AIRCOMPACT EX-3D AIRCOM-CVS EX-3D

MPES/AX EcoPulsejet
ATEX Solenoid Valves
Explosion Relief Panel
Technical Spec Page 2.9
AIRCOMPACT-CVS EX-3D
MPES/AX EcoPulsejet ATEX Solenoid
Valves - Explosion Relief Panel ATEX
Rotary Valve
Technical Spec See Page 2.9
AIRCOM EX-3D PES550/AX EcoPulsejet ATEX
PES550/AX EcoPulsejet Solenoid Valves - Explosion Relief Panel
ATEX Solenoid Valves ATEX Rotary Valve
Explosion Relief Panel Technical Spec Page 2.12
Technical Spec Page 2.12
 ATEX Filter Line Protection Accessories
Explosion Relief
QBOX (St1)
Explosion venting diffusion box for
indoor placement of filtering unit.
Greatly reduces damage for venting
trajectory line of sight
Duct Protection
ATEX DEVISORE
Explosion venting diffusion box for
indoor placement of filtering unit.
Greatly reduces damage for venting
trajectory line of sight
Suppression System
CHEMICAL BARRIER
Chemical barrier powder that detect
explosion pressure buildup and release
suppression powder.
System Accessory
ATEX BLOWER
Centrifugal fan with ATEX certification
3D, 3G, 2G classification
RELIEF VALVE (St1-St2)
Explosion venting valve with spring-
loaded with automatic opening and
closing for pressure relief
ATEX FLAP CHECK VALVE
Explosion venting valve with spring-
loaded with automatic opening and
closing for pressure relief
AUTO EXTINGUISHER
Automatic fire fighting system with
powder extinguisher and temperature
sensing probe
ATEX SUCTION BENCH
Downdraft bench with special hopper
design with no dust residue
EXPLOSION RELIEF PANEL
Relief panel for venting of explosive
pressure force buildup within filter unit.
For outdoor placement requiring clear
line of sight in front of panel
ATEX ROTARY VALVE
Rotary vale with reinforced construction
and ATEX certification
SPARK DETECTOR
Infra-red detector for detecting sparks
inside ductwork with Water
extinguishing control system
ATEX SUCTION ARM
Suction arm with SS304 arms and Fire
retardant flex hose
Application : ATEX UNITS
PULSOTRONIC 1000 (ATEX 3D) 2.8
Aviation industry vacuum filtration unit
for handling of composites for CNC
machining
Total handling capacity 1,000 m3/hr
AIRCOMPACT 12C 3DSt1 Compliant
Metalworking industry for handling of steel-alu
dust mix from Wide Belt Sanding machines
Total handling capacity 12,700 m3/hr
AIRCOM LS2300 3DSt1 2.12
Filtration of fine dust from feed-mill
processing plant. Potentially explosive fine
dust.
Total handling capacity 22,000 m3/hr
MINIDRY ATEX 2.13
Spray painting booth for use in volatile environment
Zone 2G. Carbon post filter with ATEX control panel,
ATEX lamps, Fire resistant filters
2.9 AIRALT 360 (EX-3D) with FLAP600 2.10
Aerospace industry processing powder
containing Methyl methacrylate organic
compound.
Total handling capacity 24,000 m3/hr
AIRALT 81 in INOX316 (ATEX ST2) 2.10
Beverage processing powder for filtration of
explosive glucose powders
Total handling capacity 4,000 m3/hr
AIRALT 248 (ATEX-3D) 2.10
Automotive industry for handling of
powders from productions of brake pads
Total handling capacity 12,000 m3/hr
AIRCOMPACT 16C 3DSt1 2.9
Metal sanding dust filtering from
downflow bench, with Q-BOX.
Total handling capacity 16,200 m3/hr
AIRALT 51 (ATEX ST1) + QBOX 2.10
Aircraft engine manufacturer for filtering
composites dust with explosion diffusion
QBOX
Total handling capacity 650 m3/hr