In explosive atmospheres, knowledge and application of relevant safety standards, such as ATEX and IECEx, is key to ensuring the protection of both people and equipment. The chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical or mining industries are just some of the industries that face this challenge. In this blog post, we discuss the practical aspects of the norms and standards and present the range of JUMO products that have been designed to meet these stringent requirements. In addition, we answer some of your most frequently asked questions about our equipment and protective systems for explosive environments. Read on!
ATEX and IECEx are two international standards related to the safety of equipment and systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres. They are crucial for those industries where there is a risk of explosion, such as the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and mining sectors.
ATEX originates from the French "Atmosphères Explosibles". It is a European Union directive that specifies the minimum safety and health requirements for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The ATEX directive is divided into two main parts: ATEX 2014/34/EU concerning equipment manufacturers and ATEX 1999/92/EC relating to the users of this equipment.
IECEx, on the other hand, is the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) International Certification System for Equipment and Services for Use in Explosive Atmospheres. The IECEx system facilitates international trade in equipment and services by providing a uniform interpretation of standards and more efficient use of resources.
Each zone has specific requirements for the equipment that can be used in it, thereby ensuring an appropriate level of safety for workers and the environment.
To ensure that equipment is suitable for a specific zone, manufacturers must conduct rigorous testing and certification according to ATEX standards.
Equipment requirements vary according to the explosion risk zone (0 / 1 / 2)
Resistance temperature sensors are used as intrinsically safe devices or in flameproof enclosures for temperature measurement in liquid, gaseous media and under dusty conditions. Depending on the needs of the application and the measurement conditions, our temperature sensors for ex zones are available in various designs, including with suitable heads, process connections, matching thermowells, in versions with or without zone separation or with a mounted connection cable.
One of the temperature sensors we offer for this application is the JUMO PROCESStemp in plug-in or screw-in design. It is certified in accordance with ATEX and IECEx standards, which allows it to be used in areas with a higher risk of explosion. Thanks to its robust construction in materials such as stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, Inconel® or HASTELLOY®, it is the ideal choice for demanding industrial environments. In addition, it can operate at temperatures up to 600°C and offers IP65 protection against water and dust ingress.
A further offering is a shielded cable resistance temperature sensor with a choice of measurement sensors: Pt100, Pt1000 or on request Pt500, Pt2000, NTC. In addition, we offer the ATEX Multipoint Temperature Sensor for temperature measurement at different silo heights.
We also have an ATEX-certified wireless temperature sensor - the JUMO Wtrans T. This is a state-of-the-art solution for precise temperature measurement using a Pt1000 sensor. Thanks to radio technology, it guarantees a range of up to 300 m, eliminating the need for complex wiring.
JUMO PROCESStemp temperature sensor
Wireless temperature sensor in explosion-proof design wTRANS T
For level measurement in ATEX zones, we offer three types of explosion-proof equipment: the JUMO MAERA S29 SW titanium hydrostatic level probe and the JUMO dTRANS p33 pressure transmitter, as well as the NESOS series of float level indicators.
The JUMO dTRANS p33 pressure transmitter is an advanced device capable of precisely measuring the pressure and level of various substances. Developed for safe operation in hazardous areas, it can be reliably installed in zones 1 and 2 for gas hazards and zones 21 and 22 for dust hazards. In addition, its process connection is suitable for installation in zone 0 or zone 20
The JUMO MAERA S29 SW hydrostatic probe, made of titanium, is dedicated to the precise measurement of liquid levels in vented tanks. It is ATEX-certified, allowing it to be used safely in explosive atmospheres. Its specialised design ensures measurement accuracy even in the presence of foam or with specific electrical properties of the medium.
Float switches and level transmitters from the JUMO NESOS series are now available as SIL 2 in accordance with IEC 61508. Even line faults, such as a short circuit or line break, are reliably identified. Thanks to ATEX approval, they can be safely used in hazardous areas [Ex i and Ex d].
Pressure transmitters and level probes from the dTRANS series
We offer a wide range of pressure measurement devices with ATEX certification, including the dTRANS p20 series of transducers in a fireproof housing with built-in LCD display. Noteworthy is also the reverse polarity protected JUMO MIDAS S21 Ex and our new product – the miniature pressure transducer MIDAS S22 Ex, designed for use in oil, fuel, and gas installations.
We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these devices:
The permissible temperature values for the pressure transducer are:
Standard version:
Maximum medium temperature: +120 °C
Ambient temperature: -40 ... +85 °C
High-temperature version:
Maximum medium temperature: +200 °C
Ambient temperature: -40 ... +85 °C
For ATEX Ex ia version:
Temperature class T6:
Maximum medium temperature: +60 °C
Ambient temperature: -40 ... +50 °C
Temperature class T5:
Maximum medium temperature: +70 °C
Ambient temperature: -40 ... +65 °C
Temperature class T4:
Maximum medium temperature: +115 °C
Ambient temperature: -40 ... +85 °C
Temperature class T3:
Maximum medium temperature: +175 °C
Ambient temperature: -40 ... +85 °C
For ATEX Ex ia version with temperature class T105 °C:
Maximum medium temperature: +100 °C
Ambient temperature: -40 ... +60 °C
Pressure transmitters in fire-resistant housing dTRANS p20
The JUMO Ex-i isolated switching amplifier ensures safe and reliable signal transmission in areas with a high risk of explosion thanks to its three-way galvanic isolation and intrinsically safe inputs. The unit is compact to save space in the control cabinet and simple configuration via DIP switches reduces commissioning time.
Intrinsically safe switching amplifier JUMO Ex-i
The JUMO safetyM STB/STW Ex electronic safety temperature limiter/monitor complies with DIN EN 14597 and SIL2/3, PLD/e, also offering an ATEX version for monitoring in hazardous areas. The unit has an intrinsically safe input [Ex ia] and monitors ignition sources, ensuring high process reliability with its 1oo2D structure. Optional SIL, PL and GLD approvals are available.
Our range of equipment for use in hazardous areas also includes categories such as temperature transmitters, electromechanical thermostats, contact thermometers and bimetallic switches, signal and isolation converters and accessories such as thermowells. Contact us - we will select safe and reliable solutions for your application!
Electronic safety temperature limiter/monitor JUMO safetyM STB/STW Ex
My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in the field of content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I believe that even the most technical topics can be presented in a way that is interesting and accessible to everyone. Outside of work, I develop my creativity by making newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time most actively, walking my dog or running.
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