ATEX ZONE 22 CAT 3D

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Atex Zone 22 Definition

Atex Equipment Zone 22 Category 3D

Safe under normal operation only (dust)

Atex Zone 22 area is a place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only (from 0,1hrs to 10hrs/365d).

Category 3D explosion-proof conversion guarantees an electrical and mechanical protection eliminating any explosion risk for Atex Zone 22 Hazardous Area.

The features include:

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Maximum surface temperature T200° C, T135° C, T100° C

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Dust group IIIA, IIIB, IIIC

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Installation and conversion of components suitable for use in the operating zone

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Monitoring of surface temperatures

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Visual alarm signal

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Load handling device covered with spark-proof material

The use of explosion protection equipment in a potentially hazardous area is a requirement for the Ex supplier and also for the end user in order to be able to work in safety.

The Atex legislation has two different directives and relative requirement, from both the user and supplier of the ExpLosion-proof equipment in a potentially hazardous area: ATEX 1999/92/EC and ATEX 2014/34/EU.

ATEX 1999/92/EC is the directive for industries that operate with potentially explosive atmospheres and requires the companies to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres in the workplace, conduct a hazardous area risk assessment including the valuation of a potential source of ignition and classify the hazardous area Zones according to the frequency, time and the form in which the explosive atmosphere is present. ATEX 1999/92/EC requires companies to manage the risk.

Atex Zone 22 is classified as the medium risk area for the presence of flammable substances in the form of powder or dust potentially explosive, by the ATEX directive. Zone 22 hazardous areas are usually warehouses or storage areas, but in some cases they can be process areas.

SUMMARY>>> “The ATEX Zones classification”

The workplaces should be classified 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:

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ATEX Zone 1 (high risk gas/vapour)

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ATEX Zone 2 (medium risk gas/vapour)

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ATEX Zone 21 (high risk powder/dust)

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ATEX Zone 22 (medium risk powder/dust)

The ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive (previously 94/9/EC) is the legislation for companies that supply equipment for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres/hazardous areas. They must select the Atex explosion proof correct equipment according to the defined risk zone, place the correct signs at the entry of the area and prepare the relative explosion protection document, complying this directive. For Atex zone 22 Hazardous Area, the level of explosive protection and the construction requirements, are defined by the Category 3D.

SUMMARY>>> “The ATEX Categories”

Equipment (as mobile vehicles, special vehicles, engines, compressors, gensets, etc.) for operation in hazardous areas must comply with the requirements of ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive and be flameproof. The level of protection is known as a category which matches the risk:

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Category 2G/Zone 1

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Category 3G/Zone 2

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Category 2D/Zone 21

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Category 3D/Zone 22

Miretti can convert almost all brands of forklift trucks and vehicles for a safe operation in Zone 22 area (dust) with many standardized designs.

Combinations of conversions effective against both explosive gas and dust are available according to the Customer’s requirements: Atex Zone 2 + Atex Zone 22 explosion proof conversions.

All explosion proof conversions are developed to maintain the original safety levels and ergonomics in conformity with local standards. Our conversions do not alter the operation of the OEM unit nor do we compromise the footprint of the unit.