ATEX - limiting extent of explosive zones

[cleahy]

I am looking at a scenario where a Zone 1/2 arises within an ink cartridge filling cabinet due to the risk of the solvent-based ink leaking from a filler head.

In theory, is it possible to limit the extent of the Zone within the cabinet to negligible extent through the use of forced extraction, thereby avoiding the need for ATEX electrical equipment within the cabinet? The cabinet is currently naturally ventilated.

Thanks,
Colm

 

[rbalex]

The ATEX Directive has no relevance in the National Electrical Code. In the US, domestic ?Zone? rated equipment are qualified under a different set of Standards. This is why there is an ?AEx? rather than ?EEx? marking required. See Section 505.9(C)(2)(3).

Having said that, ?Purging? is a recognized protection technique under both systems. Classifying the cabinet to ?unclassified? would depend on the amount of solvent handled and the ventilation rates.