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The basics of explosion protection

How does an explosion occur?

In principle, three factors must come together to create a potentially explosive area. Presence of oxygen, an explosive medium and a source of ignition. The absence or avoidance of any of these three factors prevents an explosion.

Based on this fact, there are three possible strategies to protect against potential explosions:

 

Primary explosion protection

Measures which prevent or limit (avoid) the formation of a dangerous potentially explosive atmosphere.

 

Secondary explosion protection

Measures which prevent the ignition of a potentially dangerous explosive atmosphere (avoiding effective sources of ignition).

 

Tertiary explosion protection

Measures that limit the effects of an explosion to a harmless level (Constructional explosion protection).

 

Components from pi safety serve to

avoid effective sources of ignition and are therefore a secondary measure explosion protection.


Zones - explanation and classification

Hazardous areas in which potentially explosive environments can arise are divided into zones according to the time it takes for a hazardous explosive environment to develop.

 

For gases, these are zones 0, 1 and 2.
In the case of dust, a distinction is made between zones 20, 21 and 22.

Classification of zones for gases:

 

Zone 0

A hazardous, explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air, combustible gases, vapours or mist is present continuously, for long periods or frequently

 

Zone 1

A hazardous, explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air, combustible gases, vapours or mists is occasionally present during normal operation.

 

Zone 2

A hazardous, explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air, combustible gases, vapours or mists does not normally exist or only exists for a short time.

 

Classification of dust zones:

Zone 20

A dangerous, explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust is constant, over long periods or frequently present.

 

Zone 21

A dangerous, explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust is present during normal operation or occasionally.

 

Zone 22

A dangerous, explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust is usually not present or only for a short time.

Legal basis

Apart from the usual standards that define the legal basis for the area of explosion protection, the  following standards and regulation apply in particular:

 

ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU Explosion Protection Ordinance ExVo
Operational Safety Ordinance
BetrSichV

 

A differentiation between manufacturer and operator is made:

 

Division of the danger areas into zones:

Classification of dust zones:

 

Zone 20
A dangerous, explosive atmosphere in the form
of a cloud of combustible dust is constant, over
long periods or frequently present.


Zone 21
A dangerous, explosive atmosphere in the form
of a cloud of combustible dust is present during
normal operation or occasionally.


Zone 22
A dangerous, explosive atmosphere in the form
of a cloud of combustible dust is usually not
present or only for a short time.

Legal basis

Apart from the usual standards that define the legal basis for the area of explosion the following
standards and regulation apply in particular:


ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU Explosion
Protection Ordinance ExVo Operational
Safety Ordinance
BetrSichV


A differentiation between manufacturer and operator is made
Manufacturer labelling EX-device Operator labelling
EX-area:

 

 

Labelling explosion protection devices

 

Graphic to download