Emmission monitors are ATEX-approved
PCME, which specialises in the field of stack particulate and dust emission monitoring, has introduced a range of category 1/2 ATEX-approved dust emission monitoring systems suitable for use in explosive dust zones 20, 21 and 22. This product launch coincides with industrial operators finding solutions to the two European ATEX directives which concentrate on reducing the risk of explosions from dust and gas atmospheres, putting special focus on dust zones.
1999/92/EC covers health and safety of workers potentially at risk from exposure to explosive atmospheres. It requires documented evidence of risk analysis; area classification and site inspections to be carried out where potentially explosive atmospheres (gas or dust) may develop. This directive calls for classification of endangered areas into Zones 0, 1 or 2 for gas and 20, 21 or 22 for dust, and ensures that only ATEX-certified electrical, mechanical and safety related systems are installed in these areas.
New workplaces will be required to comply by July 2003 and existing workplaces three years later, by July 2006.
Under the (94/9/EC) directive, manufacturers must design and test components to prevent production or release of explosive atmospheres and must take account of every possible electrical/non-electrical source of ignition.
Products are required to be categorised by the level of protection that they offer against the risk of them becoming a potential source of ignition in an explosive atmosphere. The equipment conformity categories are 1, 2 and 3 and, subject to possible modification following the risk assessment, the directive directly relates zones and categories.
The DA50X/60X and DT990X dust emission monitors, which are suitable for dust collector and stack applications, are approved as category 1/2 devices for dust zones. The design is approved by DMT, the German Notification Body and holds 11 1/2 D lP64 T -20 to +40°C marking. Unlike previous systems, these instruments avoid the need for zenor barrier grounding since the system utilises in-built galvanic isolation.