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ATEX Zone 2 definition – What is ATEX Zone 2?

Zone 2 Hazardous Area Sign - What is Zone 2?The definition of ATEX Zone 2 is a hazardous area classified as an atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

ATEX Zone 2 hazardous areas are typically storage areas but can also be process areas.

ATEX Zone 2 applications

For ATEX Zone 2 materials handling applications, Pyroban predominantly uses active gas detection but when required can covert equipment using passive protection technology. We offer active gas detection with system6000 and passively protect equipment using Ex-tec 3G for electric materials handling equipment, and Euromech 3G for diesel equipment.

Pyroban are able to convert equipment to meet Zone 2 requirements for use across the world. We are able to meet the following legal certifications:

  • ATEX – Europe
  • GB – China
  • NEC – USA
  • IECEx – International

The use of explosion protection equipment in a potentially hazardous area is something which is a requirement from both the user and supplier of the Ex-proof equipment.

For example, European ATEX legislation has two different directives for the user and the supplier:

ATEX 1999/92/EC (ATEX 153) – For industries that operate with potentially explosive atmospheres

ATEX 1999/92/EC requires companies to manage the risk and the process safely. It is also now known as ATEX 153, but previously as ATEX 137 or 99/92/EC the “Worker Protection Directive”. Companies should:

  • Prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres in the workplace OR avoid the ignition of explosive atmospheres
  • Conduct a hazardous area risk assessment including the likelihood of explosive atmospheres and a source of ignition
  • Classify the workplaces into hazardous area Zones depending on the frequency and time that an explosive atmosphere is present in the form of gas, vapour, powder or dust. Hazardous area classification may designate areas as (for example):
  • Mark areas with signs at point of entry
  • Create and maintain an explosion protection document
  • Select ATEX 2014/34/EU compliant equipment according to the intended Zones

ATEX 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114) – For industries that supply equipment into hazardous area

Equipment for operation in hazardous areas must comply with the requirements of ATEX 2014/34/EU (also known as ATEX 114) Directive and be suitably protected. It was previously also known as ‘ATEX 95’ or ATEX 94/9/EC ‘the ATEX Equipment Directive’.

Equipment is built to a level of protection known as a category which matches the risk. (Category 2G/Zone 1, Category 3G/Zone 2, Category 2D/Zone 21, Category 3D/Zone 22)

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EXPLOSION PROTECTION FOR LIFT TRUCKS IN ATEX ZONE 2 HAZARDOUS AREAS

We offer explosion protection conversions for lift trucks, reach trucks, pallet and stacker trucks, VNA and pickers operating in Zone 2 hazardous areas. Conversions take place at Pyroban in the UK.

We also provide lift truck conversion solutions for other hazardous areas, including Zone 1 – ATEX 2G conversions, Zone 21 – ATEX 2D conversions, Zone 22 – ATEX 3D conversions and added safety systems.

EXPLOSION PROTECTION FOR CRANES, ACCESS PLATFORMS, SCRUBBER DRIERS…

For Cherry Pickers, scissor lifts, cranes, access platforms, scrubber driers, tractors and more, Pyroban provides ATEX compliant conversions for use in Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22

DIESEL ENGINE EXPLOSION PROTECTION FOR ZONE 2

Diesel engines are used in Zone 2 areas offshore to power temporary well service equipment such as Coiled Tubing Units, cementing units, air compressors and much more. Pyroban provides:

EXPLOSION PROTECTION COMPONENTS

Pyroban manufactures a wide range of explosion proof (ATEX) components certified for use in hazardous areas.