15/03/2023  Intelligent Motion Control (INMOCO Ltd)

14/03/2023  Babcock Wanson UK Ltd

ATEX requirements for geared motors

Plans to replace the ATEX regulations, for use of equipment in explosive atmospheres, with new UKCA (UKEX) standards have been paused. Instead, Atex Type Certificates will remain critical for the use of equipment in hazardous environments — like in mining, quarrying and oil and gas — until the end of 2024. Here Marek Lukaszczyk, marketing manager for Europe and the Middle East at geared motor manufacturer, WEG, explains the requirements of ATEX-certified geared motors.

If you are planning to use a geared motor in an environment that includes any explosive atmospheres caused by flammable gases, mists, vapours or combustible dust, adhering to the relevant ATEX Directives is vital. Notably, Directive 99/92/EC, sometimes referred to as ATEX 137 or the ATEX Workplace Directive, focuses on the protection of workers. In addition, Directive 94/9/EC, also known as the ATEX Equipment Directive, ensures the safety of equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

Plant operators working in hazardous atmospheres must comply with these directives at all times — not only when operating on site, but also when selecting machinery, parts and components, such as gearboxes and motors. This first involves an understanding of the environment and the specific types of hazard it presents.

How the environment impacts motor choice

Hazardous atmospheres in plant environments are categorised as zones by the ATEX regulations — and these zones are numbered one, two, 21 and 22. ATEX zone one is characterised by high-risk gas and vapour, and zone two by medium-risk gas and vapour. Zone 21 is characterised by high-risk power and dust, and Zone 22 by the same elements as a medium-risk.

These zones distinguish between places that have a high chance of an explosive atmosphere developing and those places where an explosive atmosphere may only occur occasionally or in abnormal circumstances. This classification not only affects the health and safety guidance for workers in these areas, but also the equipment that can be used, and how it should be mounted and installed.

Another ATEX regulation is the Directive 2014/34/EU, to which equipment for operation in hazardous areas must comply. Plant managers can specify compliant equipment, certified by the manufacturer. Geared motors must comply with the ATEX Category 2G standard for zone one, ATEX Category 3G for zone two, ATEX Category 2D for zone 21 and ATEX Category 3D for zone 22. The WEG WG20 range of geared motors, for example, are designed specifically for use in explosion-protected areas and carry an ATEX-certification.

There are also installation differences for the different zones. Geared motors in in zones two and 22 can be mounted directly, whereas for zones one and 21 an adaptor is required. Mounting geared motors can reap technical benefits and is also a straightforward process. Market standards have dictated certain fitting dimensions for geared motors, so it’s advantageous to select a geared motor that is fully compatible with these standards.

For WEG, designing motors to the ATEX standard ensures plant managers do not have to modify their systems to meet the regulations. It also allows machine manufacturers to retrofit WEG’s motors to their existing equipment without any major modifications.

Should a motor flange adapter be required, which is responsible for converting the transfer of motion from a motor or engine to another device machine, then manufacturers can use the adaptor to combine the gearbox with other equipment. For instance, the entire range of WG20 gear units can be combined with explosion proof WEG IEC energy efficient motors for applications in hazardous zones one and 21.

Overlooking these requirements can result in dire consequences for machine manufacturers serving the oil and gas, quarrying and mining industries. Not only does adhering to ATEX regulations protect the manufacturer from non-compliance, but incorrect equipment used in these sectors can be incredibly dangerous — hence the stringent regulations associated with the markets.

WEG designs, manufactures, and supplies equipment for hazardous areas and explosive environments. More information on the WEG WG20 ATEX-certified gearbox range can be found online. In fact, the company has recently published a series of whitepapers to advise and inform plant managers on the requirements of purchasing a geared motor.

For more information, please contact: Marek Lukaszczyk WEG (UK) Ltd Broad Ground Road Lakeside Redditch Worcestershire B98 8YP Tel: +44 (0)1527 513800 Email: info-uk@weg.net Web: https://www.weg.net

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