VDMA Air Pollution Control

Air Pollution Control

Lyoner Str. 18
60528 Frankfurt am Main
Germany

Contact
Christine Montigny Position Paper
Phone +49 69 6603-1860
Fax +49 69 6603-2860
E-Mail [Link]@[Link]
ATEX Directive –
Filtering Separators
Internet [Link]

DesignStudio

[Link]
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 1

Contents
Contents

Preface 3

1 Scope 3

2 Application of the Directive 2014/34/EU 4

2.1 Basic requirements 4
2.2 Decision tree 4
2.3 Conformity assessment procedure 6
2.4 Explosion protection measures 6
2.5 Existing systems 8
2.6 Inspections and explosion protection document 8

Annex I 11
Relationship of lower explosive limits (LEL)
and critical limits

Annex II 12
Flowchart for the determination of zones
in filtering separators

Annex III 13
Guide to ATEX § 35 and § 243

Annex IV 21
Authors
2 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

This position paper serves merely as an aid and offers only an

overview for the assessment of filtering separators with regard to
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. It does not claim to be exact, nor to
interpret the existing legal provisions with complete accuracy. It is
no substitute for scrutinizing the relevant directives, laws and
regulations. In addition, the particular features of the products in
question and the different ways in which they can be used should
be taken into account. A large number of other constellations
are therefore conceivable for the assessments and approaches
addressed in the position paper.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 3

Preface 1 Scope

The aim of this position paper is to establish The aim of this position paper is to establish a
a basis for the reliable evaluation of filtering basis for the application of the ATEX Directive
separators in accordance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (manufacturer’s directive) on filter-
2014/34/EU (manufacturer’s directive), which ing separators. In principle, the majority of filter-
superseded Directive 94/9/EC. ing separators do not fall into the scope of the
Directive 2014/34/EU. This also applies to filter-
The functional principle of such systems is that ing separators which are partially or completely
a dust/air mixture flows through the filtering intended for use in potentially explosive atmos-
separator. The volume flow is directed through pheres according to ATEX Directive 1999/92/EC
the filter medium so that the dust particles con- (operator’s directive). See Annex III for additional
tained in the dust/air stream can be separated. information on this.
With regenerative filtering separators, the filter
medium can be regenerated using a cleaning Should the manufacturer’s risk assessment lead
system (compressed air, vibration, purge air). to the result that a dangerous, potentially explo-
The dust particles accumulate in the lower part sive mixture forms in some areas of the filtering
of the filter housing. separator, then that risk must be eliminated and/
or a product chosen in accordance with Directive
2014/34/EU1.
Note:
Filtering separators within the meaning of this The following explanations are based on the
position paper include: wording of Directive 2014/34/EU and the guide-
lines adopted by the European Commission (April
• Separators 2016). To the extent that the conclusions made
• Dust extraction systems and positions taken are formulated on these basic
• Filters, filter equipment, filter systems. principles, these are the result of intense discus-
sions within VDMA.

Filtering separators which do not have a potential

ignition source of their own may be used in
potentially explosive areas. However, they are not
subject to Directive 2014/34/EU and therefore
may not bear an ATEX marking.

This position paper only refers to the filtering

separators and not the piping connected to them.
Explosion decoupling measures to be installed in
the piping are also subject to Directive 2014/34/
EU and must comply with its regulations.

1
Directive 2014/34/EU does not apply to hazardous,
explosive mixtures under non-atmospheric conditions.
In these cases, additional protective measures must
be taken by the manufacturer.
4 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

2 Application of the Directive 2014/34/EU

2.1 Basic requirements 2.2 Decision tree

The following information is required for plan- The following decision tree (see Figure 1) provides
ning a filtering separator in accordance with support in determining whether a conformity
Directive 2014/34/EU: assessment of the planned filtering separator
needs to be conducted and/or explosion protec-
Operator information tion measures need to be implemented.

• Safety-related parameters of the dust/air The introduction of a potential ignition source

mixture from connected piping is to be taken into account
• Mode of operation (e.g. amount of substance here.
to be extracted, suction volume flow,
operating life) The relevant technical rules are to be applied
• Interfaces to connected systems or ignition for defining structural explosion protection
sources, if applicable measures. The state-of-the-art technology for
• Ambient conditions at the installation site explosion protection on filtering separators is
(potentially explosive area/hazardous area summarized in the Guideline VDI 2263 Part 6
or zone classification in accordance with the and Part 6.1.
German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances
(GefStoffV) Annex I No. 1)
• Result of the risk assessment in accordance
with the German Industrial Safety Ordinance
(BetrSichV) § 3 Paragraph 3 and GefStoffV § 6
Paragraph 9.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 5

Decision tree

Planned filtering
separator

Is the
filtering separator
located in an explosive no
atmosphere?

yes

Does the
filtering separator
have its own potential no
ignition sources on
the outside?

yes

Equipment according to Directive No equipment according to

2014/34/EU Directive 2014/34/EU

Conformity assessment
according to Directive 2014/34/
EU (see chapter 2.3)

Is there
an explosive
atmosphere inside the no
filtering separator?

yes

Does the
filtering separator have
its own potential ignition no
sources inside?

yes

Additional preventive and, if

applicable, constructive
No additional
explosion protection measures
explosion protection measures
required (see chapter 2.4)
required

Figure 1: Decision tree

6 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

2.3 Conformity assessment procedure

If the filtering separator is subject to Directive

2014/34/EU, a conformity assessment is to be
carried out in the corresponding module specified
in the Directive (see Figure 2).

Equipment according to Directive 2014/34/EU

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3

(Zone 20, Zone 0) (Zone 21, Zone 1) (Zone 22, Zone 2)

Electrical and non- Electrical Non-electrical Electrical and non-

electrical equipment equipment equipment electrical equipment

EU-type EU-type Internal production Internal production

examination examination control and certifica- control and
tion by the manufac- certification by the
turer, Documentation manufacturer
deposited at a notified
body
Marking according Marking according Marking according Marking according
to Directive to Directive to Directive to Directive
2014/34/EU 2014/34/EU 2014/34/EU 2014/34/EU

Figure 2: Conformity assessment in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU

2.4 Explosion protection measures is to be carried out in accordance with DIN EN

ISO 80079-36 and DIN EN ISO 80079-37, as long
For further explosion protection measures, the as equipment is used that has not already been
analysis of ignition sources and ignition hazards certified. The electrical and non-electrical equip-
for non-electrical equipment in the ment used must be designed according to the
respective equipment category as per Directive
• dust-loaded part, 2014/34/EU.
• clean air part
The following flowchart can be used to deter-
mine the required category of equipment inside
the filtering separator (see Figure 3, example for
dust).
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 7

Determining the equipment category

Is there
a potentially
explosive atmosphere No requirements for
no equipment category
in the filtering
separator?

yes

Is the Is the
atmosphere cleaning active
constantly explosive most of the time? Cleaning is
Dust-loaded part no no occasionally active.
because of the dust
concentration?

yes yes

Required equipment Required equipment Required equipment

category 1D category 1D category 2D

Has zone
shifting been
taken into account No requirements for
Clean air part no
under intended use*? equipment category

yes

Required equipment
category 3D

* taking into account the particular maintenance intervals and depending on the project-specific risk analysis

Figure 3: Flowchart for determining the equipment category (using the example of dust)
8 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

2.5 Existing systems 2.6 Inspections and explosion protection

document
Existing systems complying with state-of-the-art
technology at the time of putting into service In accordance with § 6 Paragraph (4) of the Gef­
may continued to be used. The employer must StoffV, the employer is responsible for determining,
assess the risks (risk assessment) arising before as part of a risk assessment, whether the dust to
the use of the equipment (filtering separators are be separated can create hazardous explosive
considered equipment according to BetrSichV) mixtures.
and derive the necessary and appropriate protec-
tion measures. The risks resulting from hazardous explosive mix-
tures shall be compiled in an explosion protection
In accordance with BetrSichV § 3 (7), the document (in accordance with § 6 Paragraph (9) of
employer must regularly review the risk assess- the GefStoffV). The protective measures adopted
ment, taking the state-of-the-art technology into shall be derived from these findings.
account. The employer must promptly update the
risk assessment if: If the risk assessment establishes that no
hazardous explosive mixtures can form, explosion
1. this is necessary due to safety-relevant protection measures are not necessary. In addition,
changes to the working conditions, including no potentially explosive areas (zones) are identified
a change in equipment, and the filtering separator does not require moni-
2. new information, particularly knowledge toring.
from accidents or from occupational medical
care becomes available, or If the risk assessment shows that hazardous explo-
3. the testing of the effectiveness of the sive mixtures can be created, explosion protection
protective measures has shown that measures must be taken and zones can also be
the protective measures adopted are assigned. In accordance with BetrSichV Section 3
ineffective or insufficient. and Annex 2 Section 3, all equipment subject to
explosion protection measures, including connect-
If the review of the risk assessment shows that ing elements, is considered to be a system requi­
no update is necessary, the employer must record ring monitoring.
this fact including the date.
According to BetrSichV §§ 15 and 16 and Annex 2,
Amendments to the ATEX Directive or harmo- Section 3, Items 4.1, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3, the employer
nized standards do not automatically imply that must ensure that systems requiring monitoring
existing systems no longer correspond to the installed in potentially explosive areas are inspected
state-of-the-art technology! for explosion safety prior to being commissioned
and recurrently. The following is a general overview
of the items to be inspected and the relevant
maximum intervals for the inspection (see Table 1).

The Technical Rule for Operational Safety 1201

Part 1 (TRBS 1201 Part 1) substantiates the em­­
ployer’s obligations with regard to the necessary
inspections of systems requiring monitoring.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 9

Table 1
Maximum intervals for the inspection of systems requiring
monitoring with regard to explosion protection in accordance with
BetrSichV Annex 2, Section 3, Items 4.1, 5.1 5.2 and 5.3.

Items to be inspected
Prior to Recurrently
commissioning

Annually Every 3 years Every 6 years
Source: Source: Source: Source:
Item 4.1 Item 5.3 Item 5.2 Item 5.1
Ventilation systems directly used for explosion
protection (e.g. for preventing the formation
of potentially explosive atmospheres)

Gas warning and inertization facilities

Components to be used in potentially

explosive areas

Completeness and plausibility of the technical

documentation required for the inspection

Inspections in accordance with the BetrSichV

Annex 2, Section 3, Item 4.1, Sentence 7
fully conducted and checked whether
identified deficiencies have been rectified.

Completeness of the documentation of the

annual and 3-yearly inspections

Ensuring the safe use of the system in

accordance with the BetrSichV

Suitability and effectiveness of the technical

measures and suitability of the organizational
measures for explosion protection

If applicable, suitability of an alternative

maintenance concept
(in accordance with Item 5.4)
10 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

In addition to approved notified bodies, the

annual and 3-yearly inspections may also be
performed by persons authorized in accordance
with BetrSichV Annex 2, Section 3, Item 3.1. The
6-yearly tests are to be carried out by an approved
notified body or a person authorized in accord-
ance with BetrSichV Annex 2, Section 3, Item 3.3.

In accordance with BetrSichV Annex 2, Section 3,

Item 5.4, periodic inspections according to Items
5.2 and 5.3 can be waived, if the employer has
specified an equivalent maintenance concept in
the documentation of the risk assessment that
serves to ensure that the system is kept in a safe
state and that explosion safety is permanently
ensured. This document is to be kept on file at the
site of operation at all times (including in elec-
tronic format) and submitted to the authorities
upon request.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 11

Annex I

Relationship of lower explosive limit (LEL) and critical limits

Figure 4: Relationship of lower explosive limit (LEL) and critical limits

12 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

Annex II

Flowchart for the determination of zones in filtering separators

Is there
a potentially
explosive No zone
no
atmosphere in the
filtering
separator?

yes

Is the Is the
atmosphere cleaning active Cleaning is
permanently explosive most of the time? occasionally
Dust-loaded part no no
because of the dust active.
concentration?

yes yes

Zone 20 Zone 20 Zone 21

Has zone
shifting been
Clean air part taken into account no No zone
under intended
use*?

yes

Zone 22

* taking into account the particular maintenance intervals and depending on the project-specific risk analysis

Figure 5: Flowchart for the determination of zones in filtering separators (example: dust)
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 13

Annex III Guide to ATEX §35 and §243

§ 35 Interface to different potentially However, any equipment inside this „container“

explosive atmospheres will, so long as it fulfils the criteria for inclusion in
scope, need to comply with the relevant provi-
This point seeks to provide guidance on the sions.
application of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU to
equipment20 intended to operate with interfaces The categorisation of equipment is to be deter-
to different potentially explosive atmospheres. mined on the basis of the ignition risk assess-
ment21 by the manufacturer or his authorised
At this point it is necessary to note that equip- representative and the equipment‘s relationship
ment that contains a potentially explosive atmos- with respect to its interface with its process
phere but is neither connected to, nor intended atmosphere and any external atmosphere.
for use in, an external or process related poten-
tially explosive atmosphere does not fall under
the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU. The following diagram illustrates this point:

For example, the inside or process side of a pump

for flammable liquid which normally runs full but
occasionally contains an explosive atmosphere
may, depending on the actual situation, be con-
sidered zone 1 if no other measures have been
taken to prevent the pump running dry. If it has
been decided that the surroundings or external
explosive atmosphere is zone 2 then a pump
20
Equipment here is taken to mean all products within
scope of Directive 2014/34/EU. conforming to category 2 inside and category
21
The category classification is performed by the person 3 outside must be used to meet the essential
responsible for making the EU declaration of conformity
according to Directive 2014/34/EU.
health and safety requirements of the Directive.
22
„Zoning“ is not a concept to be found in Directive
2014/34/EU but in Directive 1999/92/EC dealing with
employer‘s obligations with respect to employees operat-
ing in hazardous atmospheres. It is not the responsibility
of the manufacturer to „zone“ but evidently this it is help-
ful to give an example of the area of intended use.
14 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

Note Such equipment can only be used when it is

connected to an explosive atmosphere which is
The process atmosphere zone (and the respective present continuously (i.e. zone 0/20) if additional
category) needs not necessarily to be the same for ignition protection or a protective system is
the two connections to the process atmosphere. fitted (see Directive 1999/92/EC).

Where a piece of equipment is fitted with an

The following guidelines may help in the autonomous protective system such as flame
selection of an appropriate category: arresters, or a suppression system which is
already compliant to Directive 2014/34/EU, addi-
The ATEX category (or categories) assigned to tional testing and conformity assessment of the
equipment shall be determined for each part of resulting assembly, i.e. equipment together with
the equipment which comes into contact with, the protective system, is not required provided
or is connected to, a zone with a potentially the protective system is used within its intended
explosive atmosphere (see Directive 1999/92/EC). design capabilities covering the specific case, is
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
The category assigned to a piece of equipment instructions and no new ignition hazards are
intended to contain a potentially explosive introduced. However, an ignition risk assessment
atmosphere not connected to the outside of that will be required and relevant action taken if
equipment is determined by the ignition risk additional hazards are identified.
associated with the outside parts of the equip-
ment, not by its internal atmosphere i.e. only the Similarly, Directive 2014/34/EU does not require
part of the equipment which is intended to come that the pressure resistance of a vessel or con-
into contact with a zone is relevant for the tainer protected against the effects of an explo-
assignment of the appropriate category. sion by an autonomous protective system be
tested, if it has been demonstrated that the
The category (or categories) assigned to the pro- autonomous protective system successfully
cess connecting points of equipment containing detects and suppresses an explosion and if the
an explosive atmosphere cannot be higher than vessel can withstand the residual pressure peak
that appropriate to the ignition risk. of the suppressed explosion.

For example, consider the case of a fan conveying

an explosive gas atmosphere over its rotating
blades, or a powder mill producing an explosive
dust atmosphere inside the mill. Each having an
outlet connected to an external potentially explo-
sive atmosphere. The ignition risk assessment for
both these items of equipment has shown for
these specific examples that an effective ignition
source (for the explosive atmosphere connected
to them) is not present in normal operation
but may be present in the case of an expected
malfunction. If such equipment/assembly is
placed on the market without additional ignition
protection or a protective system it can only be
23
Additional measures to cover expected malfunctions may
classified as category 323 (see section § 44 on provide category 2; if two faults or one rare fault are dealt
combined equipment (assemblies)). with, category 1 can be reached.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 15

Example The ignition hazard assessment carried out by the

manufacturer has identified that in this case:
Note
The following is one of many examples that can • there is no ignition source inside the mill which
be used to illustrate the above points. The can become effective in normal operation24,
assumptions made in this example should not be • there is an ignition source inside the mill which
taken as the only possible situation. The categori- can become effective during expected malfunc-
sation of a particular piece of equipment will tions.
depend on the specific ignition hazard assess-
ment that is made of the equipment and its The highest category that can be assigned to the
intended use together with any ignition protec- mill is therefore category 3 when it is placed on
tion measures applied. The example only consid- the market as shown. The outlet from the mill in
ers the inside and connecting explosive atmos- this case produces fine dust in the form of a
pheres, i.e. the process side. A separate ignition potentially explosive dust cloud which is continu-
hazard assessment and categorisation must be ously present in normal operation, i.e. category 1
made of the outside if the equipment is to be is required. In cases when category 1 cannot be
used in potentially explosive atmosphere. provided, the manufacturer has to take additional
measures that the mill can used safely, e.g. to
Consider a powder mill as shown in the following provide an explosion-resistant design of the mill.
scheme: If the explosion safety can be reached through
additional explosion prevention or protection
measures of the end-user, the manufacturer‘s
instructions must therefore make clear that the
mill can only be used with these additional
measures.

24
It is clear that for some milling technologies an ignition
source may be unavoidable.
16 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

Analysis These measures are essential for the grinding

system to fulfil the requirements of Directive
Directive 2014/34/EU defines equipment as 2014/34/EU.
follows: Consequently:

• intended for use in potentially explosive • all requirements on the construction of the
atmospheres; grinding assembly (e.g. suitable selection of
• and/or for the processing of material; material and bearings, minimum distances
• capable of causing an explosion through their between rotating and fixed parts), on certain
own potential sources of ignition. equipment of the mill (e.g. foreign particles
separator, overload protection, temperature
This definition applies to the grinding assembly detector at the bearings)
of a mill for combustible materials of the food
and fodder industry. Therefore, these are within and
the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU.
• all construction measures of the mill (explosion
The intended purpose of a grinding assembly in a pressure resistant design for the maximum
mill is the grinding of combustible materials explosion pressure, or explosion pressure
whereby the content of fine particles is increased resistant design for the reduced explosion
considerably. pressure in combination with explosion pres-
sure relief or explosion suppression, and in
According to the risk assessment the grinding most cases additional explosion decoupling for
installation should fulfil the requirements for connected installations)
category 1, but in the best case it will meet
category 3. Despite all construction measures to are necessary to make the grinding operation
prevent ignition sources, the occurrence of dust safe.
explosions cannot be excluded definitely. There-
fore, the mill when fully installed must be
provided with additional protection measures,
which reduce the effect of a dust explosion for
people and goods to below a dangerous level.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 17

§ 243 Filter units and vented silo bins Electrostatic hazards may exist from insulating
surfaces inside the filter, from the filter elements
The question arises, how should the Directive be or from cone discharges in silos. This risk depends
applied to filter units and vented silo for example on the properties of the dust being
bins? collected, and other operating conditions. But any
electrostatic risks are not considered as giving the
Most filters and silo bins will have an explosive filter or silos its own potential source of ignition,
dust cloud inside at some point during so these filters or silos do not fulfil the definition
normal operation. of equipment in Article 1(3)a.

The inside may be areas in which an explosive Remark

atmosphere caused by air/dust mixtures are pres- These filters or silos do not fulfil the other criteria
ent continuously, for long periods or frequently, of the definition.
or areas in which such an atmosphere is likely to
occur, depending on the operating conditions. The electrostatic risks can be covered by other
directives, for example the Machinery Directive
Many filters and silos are located in the open air, when the filter is part of a machine. In this case
or in a room in a building which does not need to the manufacturer of the machine is responsible
be classified as hazardous. to avoid this risk according to the provisions of
the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (see section
With the exception of 5) a) and 7) the description § 233). In all cases these risks must be controlled
below of different cases assumes that filters and by the user under Directive 1999/92/EC. The
silos themselves will not be a source of dust electrostatic risks are covered in the standard
release that would give rise to a potentially EN ISO 80079-36 “Explosive atmospheres – Part
explosive atmosphere in the surrounding area. 36: Non-electrical equipment for explosive
atmospheres – Basic method and requirements”.
This description also considers that many appara-
tuses with filters inside are fitted with explosion 2) The filter has moving parts inside that can be
protection devices, such as vent panels, doors or considered as mechanical equipment, such as
suppression equipment. a bag shaking mechanism, or a screw feeder
to remove collected dust. The whole filter is
1) The filter or the silo bin has no moving parts located in a non-hazardous area.
or electrical equipment on the inside, and is
located in a non-hazardous area. Conclusion
The manufacturer must assess whether the
Conclusion moving parts create its own potential source of
These filters or silos are not in scope of the ignition. If the moving parts do not create any
Directive 2014/34/EU. potential source of ignition, perhaps because
they have low power, or move very slowly, the
situation is the same as case 1, and the filter is
not in scope of the Directive.
18 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

Remark That means, when it is not possible to prevent

Low power in this sense is not given, when for the ignition source sufficiently – according to the
example the power source is strong and only the „state of the art“ – to reach category 1, category 2
power inside the equipment is reduced by protec- can be sufficient when the manufacturer takes
tion methods in order to avoid an ignition risk. additional measures „to halt it immediately and/
There is a similar situation in case of the electrical or to limit the range of explosion flames and
type of protection the „intrinsic safety“. explosion pressures to a sufficient level of safety“
(see Annex II 1.0.1 indent 3). It is in the responsi-
If the mechanical equipment on the inside does bility of the manufacturer to take this decision.
create an ignition risk, this equipment (as part of
the complete apparatus) must comply with the The explosion vent can be seen as an example of
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (see section § 34 on integrated explosion safety as described under
place of intended use). Annex II 1.0.1.

If inside the filter an explosive atmosphere In this case, and if the complete apparatus (filter
caused by air/dust mixtures is present continu- with explosion vent panel or doors) is produced
ously, for long periods or frequently, according to and integrated by the same manufacturer, not
Annex I for the equipment inside, conformity only the mechanical but all equipment inside
with category 1 should be reached. But this will falls under the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU.
in respect of the state of the art not always be Consequently the manufacturer takes the follow-
possible. ing measures:

In these cases according to: • preventing sufficiently the ignition source

inside (according to the „state of the art“);
• Annex II A, technological knowledge must be • selecting an appropriate protective system in
taken into account order to limit the range of explosion flames
and pressure;
and • designing the filter in such a way that it can
withstand an internal explosion without
• Annex II 1.0.1, the principles of integrated rupturing (design for the reduced explosion
explosion safety must be applied. pressure in conjunction with explosion
pressure relief or explosion suppression).

3) The complete filter or the silo bin has electri-

cal equipment inside. In filters this electrical
equipment may be a pressure switch, or level
switch on the container that collects the dust,
in silos level indicators are widely used.

Conclusion
This electrical equipment is equipment in the
sense of Article 1.1 of the Directive 2014/34/EU
and therefore must comply with this Directive.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 19

4) The silo bin or the complete apparatus with Case a)

the filter is fitted by the manufacturer with These are not autonomous protective systems
explosion vent panels or doors, supplied by according to Article 2(2) because they are placed
another manufacturer. on the market as a part of an equipment in the
sense of Article 1(1) and not separately. Therefore
Conclusion Article 13(2) has not to be applied. The protective
These panels or doors are ‚protective systems‘ in system alone is not in the scope of the Directive
the sense of the Directive 2014/34/EU and the but the whole equipment. That means the con-
manufacturer of these systems has to apply the formity procedure of the equipment includes the
Directive when placing this as an autonomous protective system.
system on the market. That means the procedure
set out in Article 13(2) has to be applied and However, if another manufacturer sells complete
they must be CE and marked. Selecting the replacement vent panels or doors as spare parts,
correct panel or door (for example: size, quality, these are autonomous protective systems, sepa-
function) depends on the application and has to rately placed on the market and then he must
be done by the manufacturer of the apparatus. apply the Directive 2014/34/EU. That means they
must for example be tested, CE and marked
5) The silo bin or the complete apparatus with in the same way as complete panels or doors
the filter is fitted with explosion vent panels separately placed on the market from other
or doors produced and integrated into the manufacturers.
filter or silo by the filter/silo manufacturer
themselves. Case b)
These complete apparatus or explosion vent pan-
Conclusion els or doors are autonomous protective systems
For filters we have to distinguish two cases: according to Article 2(2) because they are sepa-
rately placed on the marked in the sense of the
a) The complete apparatus is in the scope of the Directive and therefore Article 13(2) has to be
Directive 2014/34/EU. applied. That is because they are not placed on
b) The complete apparatus is not in the scope of the market as a part of an equipment in the
the Directive 2014/34/EU. sense of Article 1(1).

For silos, generally case b) is applicable. Remark for filters

In case 4 or 5, the manufacturer in any case car-
ries responsibility for ensuring that the body of
the filter will not fail in the event of an explosion,
even though it is not covered by specific EU
legislation. Users should ask the manufacturers
how they can be sure that the filter complies
with the safety requirements of the Work Equip-
ment Directive 2009/104/EC (that repealed the
Directive 89/655/EC amended by 95/63/EC and
2001/45/EC); especially Annex I, 2.7.
20 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

Remark for silos Conclusion

Even protective systems such as vent areas which In respect of the complete apparatus the
are integrated in the cell ceiling of silos or Directive 2014/34/EU is only relevant for the
inserted lightweight constructions are protective manufacturer, if it is equipment in the sense
systems for the purpose of Directive 2014/34/EU of this Directive. To find out if the whole appara-
and must be placed separately on the market as tus is such equipment, the manufacturer of this
autonomous protective systems and must there- apparatus for example must examine if it creates
fore be treated as such with regard to assessment any possible sources of ignition, which can ignite
of conformity and marking. an explosive atmosphere on the outside. When
this can happen, he has to apply the Directive
6) A – normally small – apparatus with only a fil- 2014/34/EU.
ter sock, plastic collection bag and fan, but no
metal enclosure. The apparatus must in this case conform to
category 3.
Conclusion
If during the intended use a dangerous explosion Remark
pressure cannot be formed in such a small appa- Equipment of this type may be needed if there
ratus when a dust cloud inside the filter is are for example sources of dust release from
ignited, the inside is not to be classified as a other equipment nearby.
hazardous area and the equipment used inside is
not in the scope of the Directive 2014/34/EU. As silos have no own possible ignition source,
which can ignite an explosive atmosphere on the
This is the case with some filters used for outside, they will not conform to category 3.
collecting wood dust and wood-waste.
General remark for autonomous protective
7) The silo or an apparatus with a filter is systems
intended to be installed in an area, in which Measures for the indirect explosion pressure
air/dust mixtures are unlikely to occur or, venting at buildings, like for example windows,
if they do occur, are likely to do so only infre- walls of lightweight construction or similar, do
quently and for a short period only. not fall within the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU.
The employer/operator himself is responsible to
implement such measures. In doing so, priority
shall be given to the requirements according to
the building regulations.
 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 21

Annex IV Standards, Guidelines and Publications

Directive 2006/42/EC Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006
on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast)

Directive 2014/34/EU Directive 2014/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February
2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment
and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (recast)
[Link] (ATEX 114)

11. ProdSV Eleventh Regulation following the Product Safety Law (Explosion protection
regulation – 11. ProdSV) dated 6. January 2016; Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2016 Teil I
Nr. 2, issued in Bonn on 15. January 2016

Directive 1999/92/EC Directive 1999/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December
1999 on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of
workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres (15th individual Directive
within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
htttp://[Link]/comm/enterprise/atex/[Link]
(ATEX 137, former ATEX 118a)

BetrSichV National implementation of the Directive 2009/104/EG and partial implementation

of the Directive 1999/92/EG - Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health for the use of
work equipment (Industrial Health and Safety Ordinance / Betriebssicherheitsverord-
nung – BetrSichV), June 2015

ATEX-2014/34/EU Guidelines Guide to application of the Directive 2014/34/EU of the of the European Parliament
and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Mem-
ber States relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially
explosive atmospheres
[Link]

DGUV Rule 113-001:2015 Explosion prevention regulations (EX-RL)

DGUV Rule 109-002:2004 Workplace air – Ventilation technical measures

DIN EN 1127-1:2011-10 Explosive atmospheres – Explosion prevention and protection - Part 1: Basic concepts
and methodology; German version EN 1127-1:2011

DIN EN 14986:2017-04 Design of fans working in potentially explosive atmospheres; German version
EN 14986:2017

DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016-12 Explosive atmospheres – Part 36: Non-electrical equipment for explosive
atmospheres – Basic method and requirements (ISO 80079-36:2016);
German version EN ISO 80079-36:2016
22 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

DIN EN ISO 80079-37:2016-12 Explosive atmospheres – Part 37: Non-electrical equipment for explosive
atmospheres – Non-electrical type of protection constructional safety „c“,
control of ignition sources „b“, liquid immersion „k“ (ISO 80079-37:2016);
German version EN ISO 80079-37:2016

DIN EN ISO 19353:2016-07 Safety of machinery – Fire prevention and fire protection (ISO 19353:2015);
German version EN ISO 19353:2016

GESTIS Substance Database Information system on hazardous substances of the German Social Accident Insurance
[Link]/ifa/stoffdatenbank

ISO 6184-1:1985-11 Explosion protection systems – Part 1: Determination of explosion indices of

combustible dusts in air

TRBS 1201 Part 1:2006 Technical Rule for Operational Safety – Part 1: Testing of plants in hazardous areas and
examination of work places in hazardous areas

TRGS 727:2016 Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances – Avoiding ignition hazards as a result of
electrostatic charges

VDI 2263:1992-05 Dust fires and dust explosions – Hazards, assessment, protective measures

VDI 2263 Part 1:1990-05 Dust fires and dust explosions – Hazards, assessment, protective measures –
Test methods for the determination of the safety characteristic of dusts

VDI 2263 Part 2:1992-05 Dust fires and dust explosions – Hazards, assessment, protective measures – Inerting

VDI 2263 Part 3:1990-05 Dust fires and dust explosions – Hazards, assessment, protective measures –
Pressure-shock-resistant vessels and apparatus – Calculation, construction and tests

VDI 2263 Part 4:1992-04 Dust fires and dust explosions – Hazards, assessment, protective measures –
Suppression of dust explosions

VDI 2263 Part 6:2007-09 Dust fires and dust explosions – Hazards, assessment, protective measures –
Dust fires and explosion protection in dust extracting installations

VDI 2263 Part 6:2016-01 Dust fires and dust explosions – Hazards - assessment - protective measures –
Dust fires and explosion protection in dust extracting installations; Draft

VDI 2264:2001-07 Commissioning, operation and maintenance of separator systems for the removal
of gaseous and particulate substances from gas streams

VDI 3673 Part 1:2002-11 Pressure venting of dust explosions

VDMA 24180:2005-05 Extraction systems – Fire and explosion protection

 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS 23

VdS 2106:2012-12 VdS-Guideline for spark detection, spark separation and spark extinguishing systems
– Planning and installation

VdS 3445:2008-09 Data sheet on damage prevention – Fire protection in dust extraction systems

Internet resources

• The “CE coach” learning application is a free tool offered by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection and
the Energy Sector Baden-Württemberg, compiling basic knowledge on the subject of “CE marking and market access
conditions for machinery”.
[Link]

• EUR-Lex provides free access to the following documents in 24 official EU languages:

– the Official Journal of the European Union
– EU law (EU contracts, directives, regulations, resolutions and decisions, consolidated legislation etc.)
– Preparatory work (legislative proposals, reports, green and white papers etc.)
– EU jurisdiction (rulings, resolutions etc.), international conventions
– EFTA documents
– other publicly available documents
[Link]
[Link]

• Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)

Research for work and safety
Safe and healthy working conditions are a symbol of social progress and a competitive economy. The Federal Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) conducts research and development in the field of health and safety at
work, promotes the transfer of knowledge into practice, advises policy-makers and fulfills official tasks – all with
regards to legislation on hazardous substances, product safety and the health data archive. The BAuA is a departmen-
tal research institute within the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS).
[Link]
[Link]

• Synopsis of the new German Industrial Safety Ordinance (BetrSichV) 2002 – 2015
[Link]
[Link]
24 ATEX DIRECTIVE – FILTERING SEPARATORS

Annex V Authors

The following experts contributed to developing Dr. Johannes Lottermann,

this position paper: REMBE® GmbH Safety + Control, Brilon

Ursula Aich, Christine Montigny,

Darmstadt Regional Council, VDMA e.V., Frankfurt
Dept. IV, Wiesbaden
Klaus Rabenstein,
Volker Hagedorn, Herding GmbH Filtertechnik, Amberg
Spänex GmbH, Uslar
Ulrich Siemers,
Christopher Muschiol, Rippert Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG,
HET Filter GmbH, Altenstadt Herzebrock-Clarholz

Peter Kolb, René Stachel,

ESTA Apparatebau GmbH, Senden Nederman MikroPul GmbH, Köln

Ulf Kruse, Hartwig Straub,

ILT Industrie-Luftfiltertechnik GmbH, ts-systemfilter gmbh, Ahorn-Berolzheim
Ruppichteroth

Friedrich Klütsch,
VDMA e.V., Frankfurt
Imprint
Imprint
VDMA Editor
Air Pollution Control Christine Montigny ([Link].)

Lyoner Str. 18 Layout and Typesetting

60528 Frankfurt am Main VDMA Verlag GmbH, DesignStudio
Germany
Printing
h. reuffurth gmbh, Mühlheim am Main
Contact www. [Link]
Christine Montigny
Phone +49 69 6603-1860 Image Sources
Fax +49 69 6603-2860 Cover illustration Rippert Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
E-mail [Link]@[Link] Images 1, 2 and 4 Herding GmbH Filtertechnik
Internet [Link] Images 3 and 5 Rippert Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Edition
February 2017

© Copyright by Air Handling Technology

VDMA Air Pollution Control
Air Pollution Control

Lyoner Str. 18
60528 Frankfurt am Main
Germany

Contact
Christine Montigny Position Paper
Phone +49 69 6603-1860
Fax +49 69 6603-2860
E-Mail [Link]@[Link]
ATEX Directive –
Filtering Separators
Internet [Link]

DesignStudio

[Link]