ATEX Compliant - Spark-free
Free of electrical components, air-powered; Ex-certified for Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 0 in the appropriate category.
Sector Application
Petrochemical
ATEX Pump Solutions
ATEX compliant, spark-free air diaphragm pump systems for crude oil, fuel and aromatic solvent transfer.
Petrochemical Sector
Safe Transfer in Explosive Environments
Petrochemical and refinery facilities contain ATEX explosive atmosphere zones with flammable gases and vapors; refineries are mostly Zone 1. Any equipment to be used in these areas must not be a source of ignition and must comply with the ATEX directive.
Air diaphragm pumps have a natural advantage here: no electric motor or electrical components, they are powered by compressed air. Since there is no ignition source, they can be safely used in all ATEX zones - including Zone 0 - with conductive/antistatic material and mandatory earthing connection. FKM/Viton is preferred for aromatic hydrocarbons (gasoline, toluene, xylene) and PTFE diaphragm for a wide range of chemicals.
Pumpport PA series metal casing ATEX diaphragm pumps offer safe performance in the transfer of crude oil, fuel and petrochemical products with cast aluminum and SS316L casing, FKM/PTFE diaphragm options and Ex certification.
- No ignition source - no electricity required, air powered
- Suitable for all ATEX zones (including Zone 0)
- Conductive/antistatic material + mandatory earthing connection
- Aromatic hydrocarbon FKM/Viton; wide range: PTFE diaphragm
- Die-cast aluminum and SS316L body options
- Crude oil, fuel and aromatic solvent transfer
Advantages
Highlights for Petrochemicals
Antistatic + Grounding
Static discharge sparking is prevented by conductive material and mandatory earthing connection.
Hydrocarbon Compatible Diaphragm
FKM/Viton for aromatic hydrocarbons and fuels; PTFE diaphragm for a wide range of chemicals.
Dry Run & Deadhead
When the line is empty or the outlet valve is closed, the pump continues to operate without damage.
Application Areas
Where is it used in petrochemicals?
Crude Oil & Condensate
ATEX compliant, safe transfer of crude oil components and condensate.
Fuel Transfer
Long life operation with FKM/Viton diaphragm in gasoline, diesel and fuel transmission.
Aromatic Solvents
FKM for toluene, xylene and naphtha; PTFE diaphragm for a wide range of chemicals.
Additive & Chemical Dosage
Controlled, adjustable dosing of process additives and chemicals.
Barrel & Tanker Unloading
Safe self-priming discharge from drums, tankers and tanks.
ATEX Safety
Safety Requirements in ATEX
| Necessity | Why? | Pumpport PA Series |
|---|---|---|
| Absence of ignition source | Spark risk in explosive atmosphere | Air-powered - no electrical parts |
| Conductive / antistatic material | Static electricity accumulation | Conductive body and aperture options |
| Grounding | Static discharge spark | Mandatory earthing connection point |
| Correct Zone category | Zone 0/1/2 class compliance | Ex-certified models in the appropriate category |
| Ex marking | Traceability and compliance | Ex II 2G marking |
Recommended Products
Pumps for Petrochemical Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Curiosities in Petrochemical Pump Selection
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No. Under the ATEX directive, only ATEX approved equipment of the appropriate category may be used in areas classified as Zone 0/1/2 (gas) or Zone 20/21/22 (dust). The use of non-ATEX equipment is both a legal violation and a serious safety risk; refining and petrochemicals are generally dominated by Zone 1.
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Air diaphragm pumps contain no electric motor or electrical components; they are powered by compressed air. Since there is no ignition source, they can be safely used in all ATEX zones - including Zone 0 - with appropriate antistatic material and grounding.
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The movement of fluid and particles in the pump can accumulate static electricity; the discharge of this charge can create sparks and ignition. For this reason, ATEX pumps require conductive/antistatic casing-diaphragm material and the pump must be connected to the grounding line. Without certified earthing, ATEX conformity is invalid.
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For aromatic hydrocarbons (gasoline, toluene, xylene, naphtha) FKM (Viton) diaphragm is preferred; this material shows high resistance to hydrocarbons and fuels. For a very wide range of chemicals or aggressive solvents, PTFE diaphragm is safer. For mineral oils and diesel, FKM/NBR is suitable.
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The viscosity of crude oil changes significantly with temperature; it increases in cold temperatures. Pumpport makes pump selection by applying flow correction factor according to the specified operating temperature and viscosity values. At high viscosity, suction line should be kept short and wide and suction height should be limited.
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The diaphragm material determines the temperature limit: NBR is suitable up to about 100°C, FKM up to 150-200°C, PTFE up to +200°C. For high temperature applications, PTFE diaphragm and suitable housing material are selected; for limit cases, consultation with the technical team is recommended.
Information Center
Related Guides
ATEX Pump Guide
Explosive atmosphere directive, Zone classification and Ex certification requirements.
ReviewMetal Diaphragm Pump
AL / Cast Iron / SS316, 8.4 bar, −18°C. For heavy industry and petrochemistry.
ReviewMaterial Compatibility Guide
Chemical resistance summary for PP, PVDF, aluminum, SS316L body and PTFE, EPDM, NBR diaphragm.
ReviewChemical Compatibility Chart
Check the chemical resistance of the pump casing and diaphragm material as A/B/C/D from the table.