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ATEX Oil Leak Sensor
In today’s world, environmental sustainability and safety are paramount. Consequently, the demand for advanced solutions to detect petrol and diesel leaks is rising. A key player in this domain is our ATEX Oil Leak Sensor. This cutting-edge device swiftly detect leaks, preventing soil and water contamination. Additionally, it ensures compliance with stringent regulations and priortise intrinsic safety. Join us as we explore the significance of ATEX leak sensors in modern fuel management practices.
Unraveling the ATEX Origin
ATEX, originates from the French phrase “ATmosphères EXplosibles.” This European Union directive sets high standards to ensure that equipment is deemed intrinsically safe. This means that devices have been ” designed to be incapable of producing heat or spark sufficient to ignite an explosive atmosphere, even if the device has experienced deterioration or has been damaged.”
The ATEX directive comprises two key components (one for the manufacturer and one for the user of the equipment):
- The ATEX 114 “equipment” Directive 2014/34/EU – focusing on equipment and protective systems for potentially explosive atmospheres
- The ATEX 153 “workplace” Directive 1999/92/EC – outlining safety requirements for workers at risk from explosive atmospheres.
The aim of Directive 2014/34/EU is to facilitate the free trade of ATEX equipment within the EU by eliminating the need for separate testing and documentation across member states. It encompasses both electrical and mechanical equipment, including protective systems, categorized as ‘I’ for mining and ‘II’ for surface industries. Compliance with the directive, indicated by the CE marking and the Ex marking, allows seamless distribution of equipment across the EU without extra requirements. This directive encompasses a wide range of equipment, applicable in diverse settings such as fixed offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, mines, and flour mills, where potentially explosive atmospheres may exist. For further reading on the detailed regulations, visit the European Commision page.
Understanding ATEX Zones
The ATEX Directive addresses the risk of explosions stemming from flammable gases, vapors, combustible dust, and fibers. In accordance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR), an explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture of hazardous substances within the air under specific atmospheric conditions. These substances exist in the form of gases or airborne particulates, wherein combustion, once initiated, can propagate throughout the entire mixture.
These atmospheric conditions typically encompass temperatures ranging from −20 to 40°C and pressures between 0.8 to 1.1 bar. ATEX ratings further classify hazardous areas into distinct zones based on the likelihood and persistence of explosive atmospheres. Zone 2 posing the lowest risk and Zones 0 and 1 representing progressively higher risks.
- Zone 2: A region where explosive atmospheres are unlikely during normal operations but may occur briefly.
- Zone 1: An area where explosive atmospheres may occasionally form during normal operations.
- Zone 0: An environment where explosive atmospheres are continuously or frequently present.
By categorizing hazardous areas into these zones, the ATEX Directive provides a systematic approach to assessing and mitigating the potential risks associated with explosive atmospheres. This promotes safer working environments and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
ATEX certification for our AOSP sensor
Our ATEX-rated sensor has been certified for:
- II 1: This indicates the equipment group and category. “II” denotes equipment intended for use in surface industries (as opposed to mines), and “1” represents the highest level of protection against explosion within that group.
- Ex ia: This specifies the type of protection provided by the equipment. “Ex ia” stands for intrinsic safety, meaning the device is designed to prevent the ignition of a hazardous atmosphere by limiting the energy available for ignition.
- T4: This denotes the maximum surface temperature of the equipment under normal operating conditions. “T4” indicates that the equipment’s maximum surface temperature is 135°C.
- Ga: This indicates the equipment’s suitability for use in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or mists may be present. “Ga” refers to the equipment’s ability to operate safely in atmospheres containing flammable gases of explosion group IIA.
In summary, both ratings indicate that the ATEX Oil Leak Sensor is designed to be intrinsically safe.
The Role of Namur Sensors
To ensure that our AOSP oil leak sensor can be used in an ATEX Zone 0, we have integrated a NAMUR sensor. NAMUR and ATEX are closely related in the context of industrial safety and compliance with regulations in hazardous environments. NAMUR sensors are often designed with intrinsically safe circuitry to prevent the generation of sparks, arcs, or excessive temperatures that could ignite flammable atmospheres.
A NAMUR sensor is powered by a nominal 8.2 VDC supply, sourced from a switch amplifier. To prevent an arc, the sensor does not switch a transistor output (open or closed). Instead it uses a 2-wire connecting cable to modify the impediance. It differentiates between the presence and absence of a liquid by switching between two distinct current levels. When there is no oil or petrol touching the sensor, the impedance increases and the current drops below 1mA. When the liquid touches the sensor, the impedance descreases and the current increases to more than 3mA.
The Significance of Intrinsic Barriers
To connect our ATEX Oil Leak Sensor with the Two-Zone Oil Leak Alarm – Type ODS2-3, you must use an Intrinsic barrier.
An intrinsic barrier serves as a safeguard for electrical equipment in hazardous locales. It acts akin to a pressure valve, shielding devices from power surges and mitigating ignition risks. To ensure optimal safety and performance, the intrinsic barrier must be positioned between the Namur sensor in the hazardous area (ATEX Zone 0) and the Oil Leak Alarm in the Safe Area.
Conclusion: importance of the ATEX Oil Leak Sensor
Recognizing the importance of ATEX, Namur sensors, and intrinsic barriers is crucial for safety in hazardous environments. This becomes vital when monitoring critical areas for petrol and diesel leaks. Adhering to ATEX regulations not only provides peace of mind in safeguarding personnel and assets but also demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and best practices in industrial safety.
If you’re eager to delve deeper into details about our ATEX oil/fuel leak sensor, don’t hesitate to reach out to CMR Electrical at 01825 733600, or simply drop us a message for a prompt response.
