Explosion-proof fans

ATEX stands for "Atmosphères Explosibles" and refers to the European directives for potentially explosive atmospheres.

The ATEX directive provides important specifications within the framework of industrial fan manufacturing to ensure that an industrial fan can be operated in an explosive environment. These conditions include, for example, the avoidance of sparks and electrostatic emissions as well as an increase in the temperature resistance of the motor and other components.

• Avoidance of sparks and electrostatic emissions
• Increase in the temperature resistance of the motor and other components
• Compliance with IECEx / ATEX certification standards
• Supplementary tests for the required motor test points
• Compliance with explosion safety-relevant requirements, including temperature class, voltage and current behavior
• Compliance with air flow requirements, including flow capacity, pressure loss and volume flow coefficient.

Explosion protection is an important consideration in a wide range of industries. In particular, explosive atmospheres are a feature of many processes involving the use of combustible materials. To ensure adequate explosion protection, key elements such as the materials used, construction parameters and operational safeguards must be considered.

Materials

The materials used must be suitable for the application, withstand potential explosions and minimize the risk of instruments becoming ignition points for explosions. There is no restriction to certain materials in the broadest sense. Pig iron, stainless steel, cast iron, zinc alloys, aluminum alloys, copper alloys or even plastics are used, provided that they meet the requirements for temperature resistance and chemical resistance.

Construction

Construction parameters ensure the safe operation of the equipment by preventing the build-up of a flammable atmosphere. Examples of design parameters that require special attention include a design suitable for the intended purpose, to ensure the necessary air flow, adequate insulation and protection against electrical sparks or electrostatic charge, as well as an increase in the temperature resistance of all components used.

Operational safety precautions

Finally, operational safety precautions are crucial to ensure that personnel and machinery can work safely in hazardous environments, avoiding dangerous situations or sparking from motion or electrical causes.

By giving these areas due consideration and keeping safety protocols at the forefront of your mind, explosion protection can be effectively guaranteed.

In many industries, potential sources of danger require the use of thermography or acoustic emission tests to ensure their early detection and prevention. These methods are of great importance when it comes to the safe operation of industrial fans.

Thermography is used for preventive maintenance of equipment by detecting temperature variations in components, while acoustic emission testing detects anomalies in the sounds emitted by defective parts before they lead to further, possibly dangerous, reactions.

Proper maintenance of centrifugal fans is essential to maintaining a safe work environment. Without regular inspection and servicing, the use of the industrial fan can become unsafe due to problems such as bearing wear and blade breakage, which can expose operators to dangerous conditions. Furthermore, improper lubrication or overloading can reduce efficiency and cause significant vibrations that can lead to structural damage in the workplace.

Proper maintenance of centrifugal fans is therefore crucial if safety standards are to be met. Regular inspections and routine maintenance should be carried out at least every six months – or earlier if necessary – in order to properly assess possible hazards posed by faulty or outdated components. This way, operators can rest assured that their workplace is safe and compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations.