ATEX certified centrifugal pumps: in which cases they are necessary and mandatory


When and why to request pumps that comply with EU directives for safety in potentially explosive working environments.



In particular work environments, the propagation in the air of flammable substances or solvents can form, under certain conditions, an explosive mixture which in the event of ignition can give rise to explosion and fire.

This dangerous situation occurs when we find ourselves in the presence of the so-called 'explosive triangle': fuel (dust or gas) + fuel agent (very often oxygen) + ignition source (a source of energy capable of triggering an explosion).

ATEX: the two directives of the European Union

To protect the safety of workers in potentially dangerous workplaces, the European Union has introduced two directives which are called ATEX (ATmosphères and EXplosives):

  • 2014/34 / EU for the regulation of equipment intended for use in areas at risk of explosion; the directive is aimed at manufacturers of equipment intended for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres and is manifested by the obligation to certify these products;
  • 99/92 / EC for the safety and health of workers in explosive atmospheres; it is applied in environments where there is a risk of explosion, where certified plants and equipment are put into operation and is therefore aimed at users.

In particular, the Directive 2014/34 / EU imposes ATEX certification on all products sold within the European Union if installed in places at risk of explosion.

IEC zone system scheme: the principle of classification in zones

Within companies that work in these contexts, potentially dangerous environments are classified into different areas according to a scheme that serves to simplify the choice and installation of the instruments to be used, based on the groups and classes of gas temperatures:

  • Zone 0: area in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is present continuously, for often or long periods. Attendance is over 1000 hours per year.
  • Zone 1: area in which during normal activities the formation of an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is likely. Presence is in the range of 10-1000 hours / year.
  • Zone 2: area in which during normal activities the formation of an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely and, if it occurs, it is only of short period of time. Attendance is less than 10 hours / year.

Centrifugal pumps operating in such environments must therefore also adopt construction criteria that can avoid possible causes of explosive or inflammatory ignition, whether they work in normal conditions or they work in abnormal conditions.

CDR pumps are ATEX certified

All CDR centrifugal pumps, whether they are centrifugal pumps with magnetic drive or centrifugal pumps with mechanical seal, metal or plastic, ensure compliance with the requirements of the equipment and protection systems envisaged for the use in potentially explosive atmospheres and are ATEX certified in accordance with the Directive 2014/34 / UE.

Atex CDR Pompe

The aim of CDR Pompe is in fact to always guarantee high safety standards even in the ATEX environment and to safeguard the health and safety of the centrifugal pumps users on the plant.

The specific construction and the choice of the most suitable materials allow CDR centrifugal pumps to comply with ATEX regulations in order to:

  • Prevent the formation of potentially explosive atmospheres that can be produced or released by the equipment or by the protection systems themselves
  • Prevent the ignition of explosive atmospheres, taking into account the nature of each source of electric and non-electric ignition

Our sales office is at your complete disposal for any information regarding ATEX regulations.