The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC deals with both electrical and mechanical equipment located in potentially explosive areas.
The main purpose of the ATEX directive is to minimize or completely eliminate the risk of ignition in potential flashpoints.
ATEX Directive classifies equipment into groups and categories depending on the intended use and the duration or frequency of the presence of explosive atmosphere. There are two groups: group 1 (mining industry) and group 2 (categories 1,2 and 3) for equipment used in open air environments. The client must identify and classify the hazardous areas according to the zone type.
Tank cleaning operations must comply with high safety standards; in general, work-sites are classified as follows:
Zone 0: inside the tank and on the roof (area in which an explosive gas/vapour atmosphere is present continuously for long periods or frequently). It is only Category I equipment that can be used in this zone.
Zone 1: inside the tank basin (area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally). It is only Category I and II equipment that can be used in Zone I.
Zone 2: outside the basin (area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it does occur, is likely to do so only infrequently and will exist for a short period only). Category I, II and III can be used in this zone.
The new telescopic rotating modules used during the BioRecOil process have been designed and produced meeting the requirements of EU machines directive, ATEX directive and API 650 standards.
The modules have been certified as group 1 category 1, which implies that they assure a very high level of protection.
They can also be operated in zones classified as 0.
Additionally Idrabel always operates in compliance with its health, safety and environmental management system with particular attention to personnel safety.