What is an explosive atmosphere?
An explosive atmosphere is an ideal mixture of air under atmospheric conditions and combustible substances in the form of dust or gas in which the combustion, after ignition, propagates throughout the unused mixture.
How to comply with Explosion Zoning directives
Every manufacturer which is working with or produces a explosible substance (dust, vapor or gasses) will need to comply to the ATEX/Explosion Zoning directives, like the 1999/92/EG (known as the social directive) or the 2014/34/EU directive, also known as the equipment or process directive. This directive describes the minimum requirements for equipment used in ATEX zones or in which explosive material is handled. This directive is therefore more driven by conformity.
Reduced Explosion zoning can be realized with different interventions depending on whether Dust or Vapor and Gas needs to be handled with (see image below).
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Housekeeping
Cleaning on a regular basis, using a Central Vacuum Cleaning (CVC) system
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Source extraction
Eliminating explosive atmospheres at the source by extraction / the explosive atmosphere to dilute the concentration to below LEL value (In an extraction system we want to achieve less than 10% LEL)
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Ventilation
diluting the working area to avoid explosible concentrations
Learn more about ATEX and Reduced Explosion zoning in our webinar: Watch Webinar on Reduced Explosion Zoning
98+% source elimination
Prevent combustible dust
Acoustic Agglomeration is known as a powerful method to battle ultra-fine particulates by sound waves. To prevent UFP's and aerosols, which have direct adverse effects on company members, read JOA's paper which addresses an integrated solution that protects workers.
