ATEX

ATEX is a widely used synonym for the ATEX directives of the European Union. The term ATEX is derived from the French abbreviation for ATmosphères EXplosibles. The directive currently comprises two directives in the field of explosion protection, namely the ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU (relevant for us as a manufacturer) and the ATEX Operating Directive 1999/92/EC (relevant for the system operator).

For an explosion to occur, three components must come together: flammable substance in finely dispersed form, oxygen and an ignition source. These components can be visualised as a so-called ‘explosion triangle’. An explosion can no longer occur if one of these three components is missing.

There are therefore three basic approaches to ensuring explosion protection:

1. avoidance or containment of the ignition source
2. avoidance of flammable substances in an explosive form
3. inertisation (displacement of oxygen)

Of the 13 ignition sources, we are primarily concerned with hot surfaces, electrical discharges and mechanically generated sparks.