In today’s highly advanced and interconnected world, industries like oil & gas, chemical and petrochemical have achieved remarkable strides in enhancing efficiency and productivity. However, these sectors primarily operate in challenging and hazardous environments characterised by the presence of flammable gases, vapours, and dust particles. Ensuring safety in such conditions is of utmost importance, and one crucial aspect that plays a significant role in enabling a safe working environment is the ATEX certification.

This certification, established in accordance with the strict European Union guidelines, sets standards for equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres. By adhering to ATEX regulations, companies can mitigate risks, protect human life, and safeguard valuable assets, ensuring operations proceed smoothly and securely.

Understanding ATEX Certification

ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) is a comprehensive certification standard that was originally developed in the European Union to meticulously regulate equipment and protective systems designed for usage in potentially explosive atmospheres. This certification guarantees that devices, machinery, and components not only comply with stringent safety requirements but also undergo rigorous testing to minimise the risk of explosions or fires in hazardous environments. By setting the bar high in terms of safety, ATEX ensures utmost protection and peace of mind in potentially volatile settings.

Zone Classifications

ATEX certification classifies hazardous environments into distinct zones, determined by the frequency and duration of explosive atmospheres’ presence. These zone are:

1. Zone 0: In this zone, an explosive atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods. Equipment designed for Zone 0 environments must possess the highest level of protection to prevent ignition.
2. Zone 1: Explosive atmospheres are likely to occur during normal operations. Equipment used in Zone 1 areas must be suitably designed and certified to prevent ignition under such conditions.
3. Zone 2: Explosive atmospheres are less likely to occur, and if they do, they are of short duration. Devices intended for Zone 2 must still be constructed to prevent ignition but with slightly relaxed requirements compared to Zone 1.

Zone 2 Requirements

For devices to achieve ATEX certification for Zone 2, they must meet stringent criteria:

• Enclosure and Housing: Devices must feature robust construction with well-sealed enclosures to prevent the ingress of potentially explosive substances.
• Temperature Limits: All components must operate within prescribed temperature limits to avoid generating sparks or excessive heat.
• Electrical and Mechanical Design: Wiring and internal components should be designed to minimise the risk of sparks or ignition.
• Testing and Certification: Devices undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet the specified safety standards for Zone 2 environments.

ATEX vs. IP Rating

While ATEX certification specifically concentrates on preventing explosions in hazardous atmospheres, the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system assesses a device’s resistance to solid particles and liquids, covering a broader range of environmental factors. It is worth noting that IP ratings, although comprehensive, do not directly address explosion risks, making ATEX certification more suitable and imperative for environments where explosive hazards exist. Therefore, it is crucial to consider both ATEX certification and IP ratings when selecting equipment for hazardous environments to ensure optimal safety and functionality.

Industries Requiring ATEX Zone 2 Certified Devices

ATEX Zone 2 certified devices play a crucial role in various sectors, ensuring safety and preventing potential hazards in environments where explosive atmospheres are less likely but still possible. These industries rely on such devices to maintain operational efficiency while adhering to stringent safety standards. Here are some key sectors and industries that require ATEX Zone 2 certified devices:

• Oil and Gas Industry: The primary sector relies heavily on ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. These devices are essential due to the presence of flammable gases and vapours throughout drilling, refining, storage, and transportation processes.
• Chemical Industry: Chemical facilities can greatly benefit from employing ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. These devices effectively mitigate the risks of explosions during routine operations, ensuring enhanced safety measures throughout production, handling, and storage processes.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: In pharmaceutical plants, the utilisation of volatile substances necessitates the usage of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. This imperative measure ensures the safety of workers and mitigates the risk of potential explosions.
• Food and Beverage Processing: Industries engaged in food processing and packaging may require the use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices to ensure compliance with safety standards when dealing with combustible dust and vapours. Adopting such measures is crucial to maintain a secure operational environment.
• Paint and Coatings Manufacturing: ATEX Zone 2 certified devices are vital in facilities that handle paints, solvents, and coatings due to the potential explosion risks associated with these substances.
• Wastewater Treatment: To ensure compliance with safety regulations, treatment plants handling wastewater, sewage, and other hazardous substances must utilise devices that are certified for ATEX Zone 2. This certification guarantees utmost safety while maintaining the intended meaning and purpose.
• Mining Industry: Flammable gases and dust particles commonly exist within mines, amplifying the importance of employing ATEX Zone 2 certified devices. These devices play a critical role in ensuring effective communication, monitoring, and safety measures are in place.
• Power Generation: To ensure safe operation, power plants utilising diverse energy sources may necessitate the use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices, especially in locations where combustible substances are present. This precautionary measure is crucial for maintaining security and mitigating potential hazards.
• Petrochemical Industry: Petrochemical facilities involved in the refining and processing of hydrocarbons, much like the oil and gas sector, derive advantages from the utilisation of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices.
• Agricultural and Farming: Environments where flammable gases and vapours are present, such as storage areas for agricultural chemicals and fuel, can utilise ATEX Zone 2 certified devices.
• Textile Manufacturing: In the textile industry, there are specific processes that involve combustible materials. For this reason, it is crucial to prioritise the use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices to ensure a safe working environment is maintained.
• Transportation and Logistics: Locations like fuel storage depots, warehouses, and distribution centres may require ATEX Zone 2 certified devices to ensure safety during handling and storage of hazardous substances.
• Aerospace Industry: The use of ATEX Zone 2 certified devices is essential in aerospace manufacturing where volatile materials are involved. This ensures safety and compliance while maintaining high standards of operation.

Rugged Mobile Devices in the Hazardous Industry

Rugged mobile devices are essential tools for maintaining communication, monitoring processes, and ensuring worker safety. These devices, often used in Zone 2 environments, require ATEX certification to guarantee their safe operation. Features of ATEX-certified rugged mobile devices include:

• Durability: Rugged devices are designed to withstand harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and mechanical stress.
• Sealing: ATEX-certified devices have robust sealing mechanisms to prevent the entry of hazardous substances.
• Intrinsically Safe Design: These devices are engineered to prevent sparking or overheating, reducing the risk of ignition.
• Battery Safety: Batteries used in ATEX-certified devices are designed to minimise the potential for energy discharge that could cause ignition.
• Emergency Communication: Rugged mobile devices enable workers to stay connected, call for help, or report incidents promptly, enhancing overall safety.

The presence of ATEX certification is crucial for maintaining safety in hazardous environments. ATEX-certified rugged mobile devices are indispensable tools, allowing workers to communicate, monitor, and collaborate efficiently while mitigating risks in potentially explosive atmospheres. With technological advancements, the integration of Conker ATEX-certified devices into industrial processes significantly enhances both worker safety and overall operational efficiency.

Conker Rugged Devices

Conker is a leading provider of rugged devices that are designed to withstand tough environments and challenging conditions. Our devices are built to withstand drops, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and exposure to water and dust, making them ideal for use in industrial, commercial, and outdoor settings. Conker devices are also highly customizable, with a range of accessories and add-ons available to meet the specific needs of different industries and applications.

One important feature of Conker’s rugged devices has been their IP rating. Building on the popularity and success of the IP67 rated SX50 2D, Conker is proud to introduce an ATEX rated device, the SX51, that not only a high degree of protection against dust, water, and other environmental hazards but is covered by ATEX Zone 2 certification. This makes them well-suited for use in environments where dust, water, and where explosive atmospheres are less likely but still possible, such as oil & gas, chemical and mining industry.

To find the right rugged device with the perfect amount of ruggedness for your business, get in touch with us today.