ATEX Polypropylene Fume Fans
Carbon Loaded Polypropylene Fans for use in Zone Two Explosive Atmospheres
Available for use in Category 3G Zone 2 ATEX applications and supplied with EEx nA (non-incendive) motors to order, our ATEX S and ST ranges are manufactured using carbon loaded moulded polypropylene to prevent static discharges.
Axair low to medium pressure optimised SA range fans cover air flow rates up to 10000m³/h and pressures to 1500Pa, while our Axair STA medium to high pressure optimised range of fans provide pressures to 2000Pa at moderate flow rates.
Being corrosion resistant, Axair ATEX polypropylene fans can handle aggressive chemical fumes internally, whilst externally they are protected against the weather. To ensure you receive the right specification for your application, we advise that you confirm which chemicals are present in the carried and ambient air.
Available in various handing and orientations on air inlet and can be mounted on a metal pedestal or a weather protecting box pedestal.
Enhancing Conductivity of Static Charges with Carbon Fillers
Due to the presence of static charges, polymers such as polypropylene must be turned into materials able of draining these charges and protect the devices from static discharges. Therefore, the polymers must be capable of conducting electricity to some extent. This is undertaken with our polypropylene through the addition of conductive agents during material processing.
By nature, without additives or fillers, commercial plastics, such as polypropylene, are electrical insulators. Charges deposited on the polymer surface are living there a long time, and the longer the lifetime, the more likely the possibility of an electrostatic discharge event such as static discharge. The rate of charge dissipation is known as the charge decay time, this considers the electric resistivity which tells us how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current, and the dielectric permittivity, which characterises the ability of the material of storing an electrical charge when subjected to an applied voltage.
For static dissipation, we must reduce the decay time of the charge, by enhancing conductivity and reducing permittivity. The loading of polymers with conducting additives such as carbon black, reduces the resistivity of polymers.
The addition of carbon enhances the conductivity of our polypropylene allowing it to dissipate accumulated static charge more effectively, minimising the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Where airflow passes through fan blades, friction can generate static charges on the fan surfaces, and in environments with combustible materials, static charges can ignite or trigger an explosion. In environments with potentially hazardous gases and/or dusts present, the prevention of static sparks and discharges is a key consideration of ATEX component supply.
ATEX is an acronym derived from the words “Atmospheres Explosibles” and forms part of a European equipment directive known as ATEX 2014/34/EU. ATEX 2014/34/EU was adopted within the UK Statutory guidance following Brexit, titled: Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres regulation 2016.
Industrial fans are classified according to their properties in two groups:
Electrical - such as ATEX motors and specific ground wire connection.
Mechanical - the use of anti sparking materials that are paired to avoid sparks, fan construction design and adhering to clearance and security distances between component parts.
If a fan meets the above mentioned construction requirements it is certified as ATEX and labelled according to its intended use in an explosive atmosphere. This includes gas or dust zone, temperature class and motor classification.
The Importance of Accurate ATEX Fume Fan Selections
ATEX component supply is highly regulated due to the potential explosion risk associated with hazardous areas. While our team are extremely knowledgeable about the fans and their integration into systems, by law we cannot specify the ATEX hazardous area classification information for you. Therefore we, and any other fan manufacturers, require clear written information from you before making a fan selection. If you’re unaware of the ATEX information, our DSEAR article here aims to help you to contact an independent consultant who can perform a hazardous area classification audit on your area as well as highlighting why it is so important to select an ATEX Fan in hazardous environments. On receiving your information in writing, email is fine, we’ll find the best fan on the shortest lead times, and provide a clear, comprehensive quote for you to confirm that it suits your requirements.
Our S and ST fume fans comprise a range of fans with single piece moulded high density polypropylene casing carbon loaded for static conductivity in ATEX environments. Each are constructed using industry standard round spigot sizes in a compact design that is easy to assemble with direct driven motors. All ATEX polypropylene fume fans are available from stock for competitive next day delivery including both high pressure and low pressure ranges. Contact our team for fan selection assistance.