Explosion Risk Prevention / ATEX
Explosion Risk Prevention / ATEX
Special explosion-related risk factors must be considered when handling powders and and transferring ignitable bulk materials. Volkmann manufactures the world’s most secure powder handling systems for explosion risk protection and prevention, giving our customers peace of mind for their applications involving combustible dust and hazardous environments.
Volkmann pneumatic vacuum conveyors were the first air conveyors on the market to earn the full ATEX certification under European regulations as suitable for installation in all dust and gas explosion zones. Customers who are rightfully concerned about the risks of transferring ignitable materials can depend on Volkmann for safety, reliability, and a proven track record spanning many decades of explosion-proof performance.
Understand Ignition Sources to Avoid Explosions
Vacuum Conveying Of Bulk Material in Hazardous Areas
Volkmann offers safe best practice solutions for powder and bulk solids handling applications where flammable atmospheres and gases are present in addition to the conveyed material. This can include applications requiring the powders and bulk materials to be conveyed or loaded inside explosive and hazardous areas, where special considerations are required to avoid electric discharges caused by the electrostatically charged product.
All Volkmann VS and PPC Series Pneumatic Vacuum Conveyors are ATEX-certified and can be regarded “explosion-safe” for all dust explosion areas/zones (for conveying materials with MIE >1 mJ; MIE = minimum ignition energy) and if no inflammable gases are present.
Additionally, Volkmann offers INEX Series Pneumatic Vacuum Conveyors with an inerting system for applications where solvents or inflammable gas atmospheres occur. These special conveyors can even load powders and granulate materials into reactors with an internal solvent – alcohol atmosphere (for Explosion Zone 0* and 1). If you’re not sure if an inert system is necessary for your process, contact our engineering team.
Volkmann Pneumatic Vacuum Conveyors for hazardous materials and environments:
- Are free of ignition sources
- Operate completely pneumatically without electricity
- Feature a completely electrically conductive design
- Offer modest internal fill volumes and low transport velocity for gentle handling
- Generate no heat and have no hot surfaces
- Have no rotating parts
- Are easy to control and operate
(*Feeding into a “Zone 0” or Class 1 Div 1 zones requires further inerting. Typically, the zone is specified by the operator’s explosion and safety guideline.)
