ATEX Fans

by

Oleg TchetchelThe ATEX directive coordinates various technical and legal conditions throughout Europe to ensure a high level of safety for the end-user by reducing the explosion risk through established design methods. ATEX (ATmosphres EXplosibles) is a conglomeration of European Union (EU) directives outlining equipment installed and operated in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Since July 1, 2003, equipment manufactured for operation in potentially explosive environments has been required to comply with the EU’s ATEX Manufacturer’s Directive (94/9/EC). The ATEX Directive applies to all countries in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA).

The ATEX Directive places the burden directly on the end-user. The end-user is responsible for the following:

Prevention of the formation of explosive atmospheres and possible ignition threats

Evaluating the risk of explosion for their specific atmosphere and process Eliminating or reducing the level of risk for a specific atmosphere and/or process Classifying the work and equipment environment into zones/categories for determining preparation of documentation for explosion protection Identifying hazardous areas and utilizing warning signs to alert personnel and equipment suppliers of the potential hazard Specifying suitably safe equipment for use in the zone to the engineer or equipment supplier

The end-user is required to evaluate the environment where equipment is to be located and operated. When evaluating hazardous locations, it is important to consider the hazardous material (gases or dusts) itself, how the material may interact with the surroundings (atmosphere, equipment and personnel), likelihood of explosion due to the surroundings, and the level of any anticipated effects.

Since the introduction of the ATEX Directives in 2003, mechanical equipment manufacturers have been subject to similar certification requirements as electrical equipment manufacturers. Fan manufacturers have been allowed to subscribe to the manufacturing process as detailed in the European Standard EN 14986:2006, Design of fans working in potentially explosive atmospheres, which provides a guide for meeting the ATEX Directive (94/9/EC).

European Standard EN 14986 outlines manufacturing and design criteria for fan manufacturers to adhere to. Such design requirements include, but are not limited to, permissible material pairings, minimum clearances between rotating elements and the fan casing, casing design, bearing selection, impeller-to-shaft attachment and motor/electrical selection. As long as the fan manufacturer meets the requirements of the European Standard EN 14986:2006, they are in compliance with the ATEX directive (94/9/EC).

Tenderall Fan industrial aerfoil (AF) blowers and fans are supplied with aluminum wheel or corten wheel to meet requirements of AMCA A, and AMCA B spark resistant construction. Mild steel wheels are of all welded construction. If higher pressure is required wheel can be furnished of high strenght steel. Stainless steel wheel in 304 SS, 316 SS, 316 SS, 2205 SST are supplied for corrosive applications, or high temeparature applications. The pressure curve remains stable at the top are of the fan curve and to the right of the pick point.

SWSI and DWDI industrial aerofoil fan blowers are supplied in welded heavy gauge steel construction to prevent flexing at high pressure. Tenderall centrifugal fans are available in direct drive arrangements 4 / 4V / 4H / 7 / 8 and belt drive arrangements 1/3/9. Tenderall airfoil fans are Available in single width single inlet (SWSI), or double width double inlet (DWDI). Capacities: to 500,000 CFM. Static pressure up to 50 inches water gauge depending on the class of construction. Typical class of construction is Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Additional information can be found at the Tenderall Fan company web site http://www.tenderall.com/index.html

Oleg Chetchel

Air Handling Systems Engineernisco@globalserve.netTenderall Fan Co.http://www.tenderall.com/airhandler/index.htmlhttp://www.tenderall.com/inquiry/index.html

Oleg Chetchel

Air Handling Systems Engineernisco@globalserve.netTenderall Fan Co.http://tenderall.com/airhandler/index.htmlhttp://tenderall.com/inquiry/index.html

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