ATEX safety: A drive with an agitator shaft is by no means an agitator

Due to their environment or the materials to be processed, many production and manufacturing processes are subject to the ATEX-directives of the EU. The directives are intended to reduce explosion risks and protect people.

ATEX certification in theory

Devices or machines that are used in ATEX areas must be ATEX-certified by a recognized testing body, such as TÜV. This always applies to the complete machine, i.e. each individual component of a machine consisting of several parts. If we take an agitator as an example, the components are the drive, the agitator shaft and the agitator element, apart from other individual components.

In practice

That's just the theory. In practice, many people now use an ATEX-certified drive when setting up an agitator. The agitator shaft and agitator element are then assembled. Is the agitator now ATEX-safe and ready for use in the ATEX area? Exactly not. Because for safe and compliant use, all components must be ATEX-certified, including all attachments. That makes sense, of course. After all, it doesn't help if the drive is designed for ATEX-safe use, but the components pose an ignition hazard due to their design, material or installation. Neither agitator manufacturers nor operators are often aware of this. However, they are taking high risks with regard to their liability in the event of accidents.

At PTM mechatronics, we build our agitators using our modular agitator system, which is registered with TÜV Süd. Together with our in-house ATEX-certified drive, this flexible system allows us to create individual ATEX-safe agitators for all container sizes. To do this, we consider bearing calculations, agitator shaft design, temperature development, torques, torsion, bending, shear forces and other specifics for a safe and result-oriented agitating process.

With our many years of practical experience, we will be happy to advise you on your application in potentially explosive atmospheres. Get in touch with our experts: +49 8134 25 797 0 or info@ptm-mechatronics.com.

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