The industrial vacuum cleaners market offers many models designed to be used in specific environments. Among the many available, we also have ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners. These vacuum cleaners are certified to be used in potentially explosive areas where maximum operational safety is required. So, it is important you have a solid understanding of these essential cleaning tools. Therefore, in this post we will outline what are ATEX Industrial Vacuum Cleaners and when should you choose one.
What are ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners
Let’s start with the definition of the term ATEX, an acronym that comes from the French words ATmosphères and EXplosives, or rather explosive atmospheres. ATEX also refers to the two European Union Directives governing the safety of areas with a potential explosion risk:
- Directive 2014/34/EU (also called “ATEX 114″ or ” ATEX Product Directive”) which regulates equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Directive 1999/92/EC (also known as “ATEX 137” or “ATEX Workplace Directive”) related to the safety and health of workers in potentially explosive atmospheres. In particular, the directive divides environments into various levels of danger for operators, classifying them for the presence of potentially flammable substances such as gases, mists and/or dusts in the atmosphere.
ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners work as standard vacuums but are designed with technical features that allow them to be used in areas where there is a potential risk of explosion. It is important to underline that the site security manager where the vacuum cleaner is used must determine the hazardous zone type in which explosive atmospheres may form (also called ATEX zones).
ATEX zones
Workplaces should therefore be classified into hazardous zones according to the frequency and duration time in which an explosive atmosphere is present in the form of gas, vapor, mist or dust. Below is a list of the criteria on which the classification of ATEX zones is currently based in Europe, i.e. zones with explosion risks:
European Classification | Zone definition |
Zone 0 (gas/vapor/mist) | A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is present continuously or for long periods or frequently. |
Zone 1 (gas/vapor/mist) | A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. |
Zone 2 (gas/vapor/mist) | A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only. |
Zone 20 (dust) | A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently. |
Zone 21 (dust) | A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. |
Zone 22 (dust) | A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only. |
ATEX 22 zone
ATEX 22 zone is the most widespread risk area and is classified by the ATEX directive as a medium risk area. This is due to the fact that it is an 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 to occur, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only (from 0.1h to 10h/365 days). Usually the hazardous areas of Zone 22 can be warehouses or storage areas, but in some cases they can be areas in the chemical and pharmaceutical or food sectors where flour is used.
When to choose an ATEX industrial vacuum cleaner?
We often think that the explosion problem is a concern of certain sectors such as the petrochemical, refinery and pharmaceutical industries. In reality, the issue affects many other sectors and companies. As a matter of fact, under certain conditions, even materials such as flour, light metal dust, wood, leather, carbon fiber, seeds, sugar, paper, cardboard, waste and organic compounds can cause explosions.
In fact, the presence of the following three elements is enough for an explosion to occur:
- Oxygen;
- Fuel (dangerous gas or dust);
- Source of ignition.
ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners are designed with technical features that prevent the ignition itself. In fact, according to the classification of areas with risk of explosion, any equipment used within the ATEX zones must be in compliance, in order to avoid the creation of an explosive atmosphere. For this reason, if you have to clean an area where there is a potential risk of explosion, you must choose an ATEX industrial vacuum cleaner as it respects the construction logic aimed at preventing the formation of ignition sources during its use.
New Comac ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners
Comac’s range of industrial vacuum cleaners has always included explosion-proof ATEX certified models created for Dust Zone 22. These ATEX vacuums are essential for working in areas where maximum operational safety is required. To offer products that are always up-to-date and in line with current regulations, the ATEX range has been updated. We now have three new models of ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners with the Comac brand available:
- CA ATEX22 30 XS, the smallest of the range with a 30 liter tank capacity.
- CA ATEX22 40M, the intermediate model which has a capacity of 60 liters.
- CA ATEX22 40L, the big one with a capacity of 100 liters.
If you still have any doubts about what ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners are and when you should choose one, do not hesitate to contact us. A worldwide network of Comac authorized dealers is ready to help you find the perfect professional cleaning solution to suit your requirements!
This post is also available in: Italian