If pressure sensors, pressure transmitters along with other field equipment are used near flammable gases or dust, they may be subject to marking relative to the ATEX product guideline 94/9/EC. ATEX requires the type label of the sensor to add the ATEX marking, so usually that is labelled directly onto the sensor during production.
Close to the Notified Body and the approval number, the marking of pressure sensors also includes important information for an individual. For instance, an ?X? after the approval number indicates that special conditions must be observed when using the device. These are either given in the approval document and in the corresponding manual. Above all, marking according to ATEX gives info on the possible areas of application and the sort of protection useful for the pressure sensor:
Explosion group:
I Mining industry, II other areas useful Device class:
Use in zone 0/20 in the vicinity of von flammable gases (1G), dust (1D)
Used in zone 1/21 in the vicinity of flammable gases (2G), dust (2D)
Use in zone 2/22 in the vicinity of flammable gases (3G), dust (3D)
However, additionally, there are devices where only certain parts may be installed in other zones, for instance, a pressure sensor marked 1/2G could be installed in a tank with flammable content. The electronic area of the transmitter is located on the outside of the tank, and thus in zone 1.
Examples for forms of protection:
i intrinsic safety (Limitation of electrical ignition energy by limiting current and voltage)
ia for Zone 0 or Zone 20 (for Zone 20 also iaD)
ib for Zone 1 or Zone 21 (for Zone 21 also ibD)
ic for Zone 2 d
flameproof / explosion proof enclosure, suitable for zone 1/21 and 2/22 n
non-incendive, ideal for zone 2/22 m
encapsulation suitable for zone 1/21 and 2/22 Gas group and temperature class: i.e. IIC T1 for hydrogen
Note:
Further information about hydrogen are available on the WIKA website. Assuming Agitated have any more questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.