ATEX (ATmosphère EXplosible in French, or explosive atmospheres) pumps are essential to ensure safety in dedicated work environments, such as chemical, industrial and pharmaceutical. When working with potentially flammable substances, an explosive mixture can form. In the event of an explosion, even if due to external agents, dangerous fires or even explosions.
If you are dealing with the so-called “explosion triangle” (fuel + fuel agent + ignition source), the absence of adequate protective equipment can be disastrous for the company, plants and workers.
That is why, when working with ATEX-certified pumps, it is essential to ensure safety in the presence of potentially explosive atmospheres. Almost the entire product range of CDR Pompe can be used in this type of environment.
ATEX directives for environments at risk
ATEX pumps become important in environments at risk of explosion caused by unintentional phenomena. Companies must use all possible means (procedures and equipment) to minimise danger.
Potentially explosive atmospheres are those in which a mixture of highly flammable substances (both gases and dust) and oxidisers (such as air) that, under certain concentrations and in the presence of an external trigger (such as a spark or a too-hot surface), can cause incendiary or explosive reactions.
To this end, the European Union has issued two occupational health and safety directives, ATEX 2014/34/EU (or ATEX 114) and ATEX 1999/92/EC (or ATEX 153), regarding the risk from the presence of potentially explosive atmospheres.
- ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC establishes the minimum requirements for occupational safety in environments characterised by potentially explosive atmospheres, establishing the criteria according to which industrial products and equipment can operate;
- Directive 2014/34/EU is the most recent and entered into force in Italy in 2016. This new standard imposes the obligation for certification for the products and systems used in these environments.
ATEX directives: classification of areas and temperatures
One of the manufacturer’s main tasks is to assess the risk of working in these potentially explosive atmospheres and, consequently, take appropriate measures to ensure maximum possible safety.
Hazardous areas
In this case, the first step is to classify the risk areas by applying two standards:
- IEC EN 60079-10-1: “Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres”;
- IEC EN 60079-10-2: “Classification of areas – Explosive dust atmospheres”.
With regard to potentially flammable gases, three different zones are classified, defined as Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2:
| Zone | Description | Presence of Gas |
| Zone 0 | The mixture formed by air and gaseous flammable substances is present for long periods of time or indefinitely (always present) | For more than 1000 hours per year |
| Zone 1 | A mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gases is likely to arise during normal work activities | 10 to 1000 hours per year |
| Zone 2 | The mixture formed by air and gaseous flammable substances is unlikely or, if it occurs, would be of very short period | Less than 10 hours per year |
Data source: ATEX Italy
On the other hand, for flammable dust, the classification is divided into Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22:
| Zone | Description | Presence of Gas |
Zone 20 | The explosive atmosphere, formed by a cloud of combustible dust in the air, is present continuously or for long periods of time | For more than 1000 hours per year |
Zone 21 | The explosive atmosphere, formed by a cloud of combustible dust in the air, is likely to occur during normal activities | 10 to 1000 hours per year |
Zone 22 | An explosive atmosphere, formed by a cloud of combustible dust in the air, is unlikely to form. In the event it forms, it would be of short duration | Less than 10 hours per year |
Data source: ATEX Italy
Hazardous temperatures
Buildings and electrical systems that are working in potentially explosive environments must also be classified according to another parameter, namely the maximum surface temperature developed. This is because ignition can also occur in contact with gas/air with hot surfaces. The material used must always be at a temperature below the spontaneous combustion temperature of the explosive agents.
ATEX pumps are classified from T1 to T6:
| Temperature classification | Maximum temperature of the surface of the equipment | Ignition temperature |
| T1 | 450 ° | > 450 °C |
| T2 | 300 ° | > 300 °C |
| T3 | 200 ° | > 200 °C |
| T4 | 135 ° | > 135 °C |
| T5 | 100 ° | > 100 °C |
| T6 | 85 ° | > 85 °C |
Data source: ATEX Italy
CDR pumps for ATEX environments
CDR pumps can be tailored to the customer’s specific needs. They are designed to work with extreme safety in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres according to specific parameters. Almost all of our industrial pumps are highly functional and safe in ATEX Zones 1 and 2 and are rigorously tested and controlled to fall within temperature classes from T2 to T6.
Furthermore, CDR pumps meet the requirements of both magnetic drive pumps and mechanical seal pumps.
UTS: steel process centrifugal pump with closed impeller
The UTS magnetic drive is our top steel process pump with a closed impeller that is suitable for ATEX environments. The elite product in CDR’s product range, it is perfect for different fields of application, especially for 24/7 continuous use.
This type of ATEX pump is ideal for handling toxic, flammable and hazardous liquids. Thanks to internal European certification, they are also perfect pumps for handling non-conductive liquids.
With a fluid temperature range ranging from -140 °C to +300 °C, these pumps have numerous fields of application, such as distillation, basic and fine chemicals processes, temperature control and loading/unloading tanks.
ATEX pumps for special applications: the XTS and XTN series
XTS – B: Steel magnetic drive pump with open impeller
The XTS – B pump is the ideal solution for suspended solids. This series of pumps is suitable for corrosive, toxic or hazardous liquids where the presence of a considerable number of solids would clog a standard magnetic drive pump.
These ATEX pumps are certified according to European regulations for working in interior and exterior Zone 1 areas. They guarantee zero emissions and very low maintenance costs.
Large internal flow channels ensure the passage of fluids even in the presence of high loads of solid particles. The stainless steel internal rotating shaft has no welds or joints. This ensures a continuous exchange of pumped liquid between the rear casing and the volute.
The XTS – B pump is perfect for different fields of application, such as:
- Fine Chemicals Service
- Basic Chemicals Service
- Pharmaceutical industries (API)
- Transfer of reactor process solutions
XTN-BL – magnetic drive centrifugal pump with open impeller
This is another pump at the top of the CDR range. The XTN – BL pump is suitable for working with corrosive, toxic and hazardous liquids and is a better choice than traditional magnetic drive pumps.
With a fluid temperature range of up to 160 °C, it falls within the ATEX regulations for indoor and outdoor Zone 1.
CDR Pompe is an Italian and international company in the process, service pump sector, and magnetic drive and mechanical seal centrifuge pumps. Our business is present in more than 50 countries thanks to a well-established network of experts and trusted partners. Whatever your needs, we can find the perfect solution thanks to our sales team. Contact us, and together we will find the right pump for you.