If pressure sensors, pressure transmitters and other field equipment are employed near flammable gases or dust, they might be subject to marking relative to the ATEX product guideline 94/9/EC. ATEX requires the type label of the sensor to include the ATEX marking, so usually this 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? following the approval number indicates that special conditions should be observed with all the device. These are either given in the approval document and in the corresponding manual. Most importantly, marking in accordance with ATEX gives info on the possible regions of application and the sort of protection useful for the pressure sensor:
Explosion group:
I Mining industry, II the areas of use Device class:
Use in zone 0/20 near von flammable gases (1G), dust (1D)
Used in zone 1/21 near flammable gases (2G), dust (2D)
Used 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 may be installed in a tank with flammable content. Incapable of the transmitter is located externally of the tank, and therefore in zone 1.
Examples for types 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 on the subject of hydrogen are available on the WIKA website. When you have any further questions, your contact will gladly help you.