Preventive measures against dust explosions

A lot of experience in ATEX overbelt magnets

Biomass power plants prefer to use secondary fuels such as wood pellets that do not contain metals, so that their burner beds are not contaminated. It is therefore very important for you as a wood processor that your end product is virtually metal-free. Especially for the dusty and fire-hazardous woodchip and pellet industry, we have a top band magnet with very strong neodymium magnets that is fully ATEX certified. The magnet is completely enclosed and all critical components are brought outside the zone. Bakker Magnetics has extensive experience with ATEX certification and can recommend the best configuration for you.

To clarify the following: ATEX directives are not standards, but mandatory instructions for the adaptation of national legislation in the participating states of the European Union (EU).

ATEX certified

Safety comes first

Working in an explosive environment requires guidelines and measures. Because magnet systems are often located in areas where a dust explosion can take place, the magnet system itself must not be a source of ignition.

Not only equipment and products must comply. Employees must also know how to work safely in hazardous areas.

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Magnets for applications in explosion-hazardous environments

Magnets and ATEX

The ATEX directives harmonize the laws in the countries of the EU with regard to the control of risks arising from explosive atmospheres. Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 153) provides guidance on hazard zone classification and measures in those hazard zones for the safety of workers at risk from possible explosive atmospheres. In particular, Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114) sets requirements for equipment with an inherent source of ignition and intended for use in hazardous areas.

The ATEX directives distinguish between gas and dust environments. Areas where there is a risk of the creation and persistence of explosive atmospheres are subdivided into distinct zone classes, depending on the probability of the occurrence and persistence of explosive atmosphere. We divide equipment suitable for use in ATEX zones into three categories: categories 1G, 2G and 3G for gas and categories 1D, 2D and 3D for flammable powder. These correspond to the protection levels: very high, high and normal.

Explosion hazardous environment
Protection level of equipmnt
Gas (G)
Dust (D)
Zone
Catagory
Zone
Catagory
Frequent to continuous
Very high; safe in exeptional conditions0
0
1G
20
1D
Now and then
High; safe for reasonably expected faillures
1
2G (1G)
21
2D (1D)
Improbable, infrequent short duration
Normal; safe for normal operation
2
3G (1G, 2G)
22
3D (1D, 2D)

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