The placement of a vacuum pump is more significant for an ATEX vacuum system than for a normal vacuum system. This is because the pump is blowing out the air and the explosive atmosphere is pulled in at the suction cup. Placing the pump outside of the ATEX zone or in another room might be a good option for reducing noise or saving space in a limited area. However, placing the pump outside of the ATEX zone does not remove or reduce the need for an ATEX certified pump for the correct zone. The explosive atmosphere will still travel through the inside of the pump, therefore, the pump is required to be protected from ignition risk and approved for a certain temperature.
Zones 1 and 21
The vacuum lifters and accessories approved for ATEX use are manufactured in stainless steel and are connected with ground/earth wires to make sure no static electricity can create an ignition. The ATEX lifter and accessories are therefore rated for zones 1 & 21 and every lower rated zone.
The only pump option available for zone 1 and 21 is the compressed air driven ejector. There are no moving parts in the ejector and are therefore no risk of ignition or heat generation. This makes it a viable option for zones 1 or 21. TAWI can also provide a variety of different crane solutions manufactured in stainless steel, approved for ATEX use.
Zones 2 and 22
All equipment approved for zones 1 and 21 will also be approved for use in an ATEX zone with a lower rating. Therefore, the TAWI VacuEasylift, accessories, compressed air driven ejector and ATEX approved stainless steel cranes etc. will work for zones 2 and 22.
In addition to the equipment mentioned above, TAWI can provide a variety of electric ATEX pumps for zone 2 or 22, differentiated by GAS or DUST classification.
To find the right lifting solution for your ATEX requirements, contact us today.
