ATEX Pump
Comprehensive introduction to industrial pumps designed for safe use in explosive atmospheres, requiring Zone classification and Ex certification.
About ATEX
ATEX is an abbreviation of "ATmosphères EXplosibles" and takes its name from Directive 2014/34/EU of the European Union, which regulates equipment for explosive atmospheres. Pumps used in environments containing explosive gas, vapor, mist, or flammable dust are subject to fundamentally different design and certification requirements than standard industrial pumps. This directive establishes a legal framework that both equipment manufacturers and facility operators must comply with.
When it comes to ATEX pumps, the concept is not merely a certified label; it means that every component—from body material to diaphragm selection, from grounding design to motor protection type—is engineered with consideration for explosive atmosphere conditions. The difference between continuous explosive atmosphere in Zone 0 and intermittent explosive atmosphere in Zone 2 directly determines the pump category and the Ex protection type to be applied.
Hundreds of different process points in sectors such as oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, mining, paints, and fuels fall under ATEX scope. It is a legal requirement for operators to first determine the Zone classification in their fields and then select a certified pump in the appropriate category for that zone. Using equipment that does not meet ATEX requirements creates both serious safety risks and severe legal penalties.
Fundamental Concepts
Zone 0 is an area where explosive gas or vapor is present continuously or for long periods and represents the highest level of hazard. In Zone 1, explosive atmosphere arises intermittently under normal operating conditions; in Zone 2, it is expected to occur only under abnormal conditions and for short periods. Dust atmospheres are classified as Zone 20/21/22 using the same logic.
Electric motor-driven pumps can ignite explosive mixtures through sparks, arcs, or surface heat. ATEX motors prevent these ignition sources through protection types such as Ex d (flame-proof), Ex e (increased safety), or Ex n (non-sparking). Air-operated AODD pumps eliminate this risk by nature because they eliminate the electrical circuit.
Fluid flow and particle movement inside the pump can create static electricity accumulation; this accumulation results in ignition-causing spark upon sudden discharge. ATEX pumps use conductive or antistatic body material; grounding the pump body to the grounding line during installation is mandatory per directive.
Zone 0–1 is common in oil and gas fields; Zone 1 predominates in refineries and petrochemical facilities. In chemical and pharmaceutical industry, solvent-used areas are typically covered under Zone 1–2. Fuel stations are classified as Zone 1, and dust environments in food facilities are classified as Zone 21–22.
ATEX label contains in order: CE mark and Notified Body number, Ex hexagon mark, equipment group (I/II), category (1/2/3), environment type (G/D), protection type (d/e/ia etc.), gas group (IIA/IIB/IIC) and temperature class (T1–T6). Before selecting the pump, it is mandatory to verify that this code matches the Zone and process conditions.
In all ATEX pump installations, the pump body, piping and surrounding equipment must be connected to a common grounding system. In diaphragm pumps, the use of conductive hose and connection elements prevents static discharge and the accompanying ignition risk.
Zone Classification
| Zone | Environment Type | Description | Hazard Frequency | Required Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Gas / Vapor | Explosive atmosphere present continuously or for long periods | Continuous | Category 1G |
| Zone 1 | Gas / Vapor | Explosive atmosphere occasionally forms during normal operation | Occasionally | Category 2G |
| Zone 2 | Gas / Vapor | Short-term explosive atmosphere may form under abnormal conditions | Rare / Short-term | Category 3G |
| Zone 20 | Flammable Dust | Flammable dust cloud present continuously or for long periods | Continuous | Category 1D |
| Zone 21 | Flammable Dust | Flammable dust cloud occasionally forms during normal operation | Occasionally | Category 2D |
| Zone 22 | Flammable Dust | Short-term flammable dust cloud may form under abnormal conditions | Rare / Short-term | Category 3D |
Frequently Asked Questions