ATEX regulations affect bulk handling

With the introduction of the new ATEX guidelines 94/9/EG and 99/92/EG due for implementation on 1 July, 2003, operators have to think about their in-plant processes especially in regard to their powder and bulk material handling.

The new regulations dictate that processors should all appraise their operating environments and assign an explosive zone rating to each area. The consideration of operating zones will often show that two linked areas have two different zone ratings.

For instance, a material storage facility could be zone 22 rated but the point of use of this product could be rated zone 1.

It is now more important than ever to consider the many aspects of a product, product handling and the environmental conditions in which it is used to assign a zone rating for each stage of the process.

The difficulty in assigning a zone classification to an area or process is to understand and to be able to identify the many elements that can be combined to create a risk.

Volkmann will sponsor its tenth ATEX seminar on 3 September, 2003 in Birmingham, UK, where industry expert Dr Geoff Lunn* will discuss how to identify the risks of explosion and how to provide explosive protection.

The seminar will also explore electrostatic charging - especially critical during product transportation - potential areas of ignition, dust and gas explosions and hybrid mixtures, as well as considering ways to overcome the identified explosive risk and to transport products safely throughout the plant. A variety of process solutions will be offered, and ways to load products into flammable liquids, load reactors and mixers in hazardous environments and powder loading in zone 0 will be discussed. This will encompass conveying systems, powder-locking devices to isolate products from the atmosphere and/or from the process, nitrogen inert systems and reliable dust free conveying of bulk material in hazardous areas.

The knowledge provided in this seminar together with the comprehensive seminar course book will allow the participant to identify the risks and provide workable solutions to overcome the workplace problems. They will then be able to use this assessment when selecting new equipment for the operating area.

The purchase and operation of new equipment should now take into account the self-assigned area zone ratings and from 1 July 2003 new equipment should be used only if it is designed and approved to the appropriate ATEX standard. Existing equipment will eventually have to be replaced or upgraded to meet the new regulations.

The seminar will be especially useful to production managers, project managers, process engineers, health and safety managers, foremen and other production personnel involved in moving or processing powders, granules, tablets, capsules and other bulk materials safely in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Time will be made available for participants to discuss their individual process problems in a group format, which will allow for a better understanding of the practical issues faced in manufacturing plants today.