ATEX - PTM mechatronics GmbH

ATEX is a certificate for devices and machines that allows them to be used in a potentially explosive environment. The abbreviation ATEX is derived from the French term for potentially explosive atmospheres (Atmosphères Explosibles). The ATEX regulations are set out in EU Directive 2014/34/EU, which has been in force since 2016.

An environment is at risk of explosion if a potentially explosive gas mixture can form in the atmosphere. This is the case wherever vapors can escape and come into contact with the ambient air, for example in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, fragrances and foodstuffs. This also includes dust mixtures.

A distinction is made between three ATEX zones, the zones
- 0 (Permanent explosion hazard),
- 1 (occasional risk of explosion) and
- 2 (theoretically possible explosion hazard).

The concrete definition of the zones can be as follows:
Example: Components of a complete agitator
Zone 0: Vessel with contents to be stirred and stirring device.
Zone 1: Drive, e.g. ATEX Radial piston motor from PTM.
Zone 2: Room, immediate surroundings in which the agitator is located.

An ATEX certificate is made up of up to nine parameters. Relevant information includes, for example, the temperature, the distinction between gas and dust, between electrical and non-electrical devices, etc. The individual numbers and letters of a certificate result in a key that defines the exact approved working environment. There are therefore different certificates for different conditions. Detailed information on this is provided by the testing institutes, such as TÜV Süd. These organizations test systems for their explosion protection and issue the corresponding ATEX certificate.

Even when combining different components that are already ATEX-certified individually, the entire apparatus must be re-certified. Exceptions are ATEX-certified complete systems, for example the Agitators of the eco-Series from PTM. In this case, there is no need for recertification.
In addition to ISO 9001:2015, PTM mechatronics' quality management is also certified in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU Annex IV with the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 80079-34. This makes it possible to develop ATEX-certified series products for ATEX zone 0 and, after a type examination by TÜV Süd, to manufacture and sell them independently in series in the future without further TÜV conformity assessments.