ATEX certification for powders
Introduction
The packaging of dry materials in the form of powders or granules exposes production sites to risks that are often invisible. In the food, fine chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors, the handling of flour, sugar, milk powder or active ingredients generates dust clouds which, upon contact with a source of ignition, can cause explosions. To prevent such accidents, obtaining ATEX certification for bagging machines has become a regulatory and technical necessity.
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Halpaq, a designer of bagging solutions, addresses these issues. By combining a strictly hygienic design with compliance with explosive atmosphere regulations, the company enables manufacturers to secure their processes without compromising on ease of cleaning. This dual requirement ensures that every packaging unit meets the most stringent safety audits whilst protecting the physical safety of operators and infrastructure.
Halpaq’s expertise: Engineering for preventive safety
Halpaq’s expertise lies in the design of open-mouth bag filling equipment for environments where hygiene and safety go hand in hand. This expertise is crucial in the bagging of sensitive powdered products, where material movement must be controlled to limit dust dispersion.
The inclusion of ATEX certification stems from an analysis of real risks: in the food or chemical industries, the friction of particles during transport or dosing creates electrostatic charges. Without a specific design, these charges become sources of ignition. Halpaq therefore steps in to supply machines capable of operating in these environments without triggering an incident. This compliance covers the entire line located in the risk zone, primarily the bagging machines in the BM ranges, but also the dosing units and intermediate storage hoppers.
The technical adaptation of the equipment fundamentally alters its design. The changes relate to the selection of specific electrical components, the conductivity of materials to facilitate charge dissipation, and enhanced sealing of the control cabinets.” “The management of equipotential bonding and the systematic earthing of each moving part are integrated from the design phase onwards. This process begins with the analysis of the specifications and continues through to final on-site calibration, ensuring that every hardware modification complies with the washability requirements specific to Halpaq’s hygienic design.”
ATEX Certification: Regulatory Framework and Dust Zoning
ATEX (Atmospheres with a Risk of Explosion) comprises the European directives that impose strict rules on equipment used in the presence of flammable substances. For manufacturers handling powders, the risk is classified according to the frequency and duration of the presence of a combustible dust cloud. This classification helps to define the level of protection required for machinery.
In a bagging line, the risk is not uniform. It varies depending on proximity to the volatile product and the layout of the building. The table below details the three dust-specific zones and their practical application within a facility:
| ATEX Zone | Frequency of the risk | Actual situation on the line |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 20 | Permanent | Inside a bagging machine or dosing hopper |
| Zone 21 | Part-time | Bag filling spout |
| Zone 22 | Accidental | The workshop floor following a leak |
Zone 20 refers to areas where dust is confined and constantly present in the form of a cloud, such as inside dosing ducts.
Zone 21 is generally located around transfer points, where dust emissions are to be expected during the filling cycle.
Finally, Zone 22 refers to peripheral areas where dust is not expected to be present, except in the event of a malfunction or failure to clean.
Extended risk: The ATEX framework for gases and vapours
Although Halpaq’s business focuses on the handling of powders and particulates, certain industrial environments combine the presence of dust with that of flammable gases or solvent vapours (particularly in fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals), for which we can also certify equipment. The regulations therefore define specific zoning for gases, similar to that for dust, but with a separate classification system.
| ATEX zone | Frequency of risk | Actual situation on the production line |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Permanent | Closed solvent tank |
| Zone 1 | Occasional | Inspection hatch open during production |
| Zone 2 | Accidental | Ventilated storage area |
By choosing equipment designed to meet these requirements right from the manufacturing stage, companies can ensure the long-term safety of their production facilities and enable technicians to work in a safer environment.
