Ex-protected ATEX extraction unit
Find reliable ATEX-compliant extraction solutions for use in hazardous areas here. On this page, you can find out which Hengst systems have been specially developed for dust extraction in potentially explosive atmospheres - and what you need to pay attention to when selecting, planning and operating them.
Industrial extraction systems for explosive dusts
Many industrial processes produce fine, combustible dusts - for example when working with metals, plastics, wood or foodstuffs. When these swirl in the air and mix with oxygen, a single spark can be enough to trigger an explosion.
Extraction systems in particular play a key role here: they not only ensure clean air, but also have to make sure that the captured media do not become a hazard. It is crucial that all safety-related requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres are met.
Hengst offers specialized dust extraction systems that are designed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres - with a focus on operational safety, legal compliance and application-oriented flexibility.
What is ATEX and why is it relevant for extraction systems?
ATEX refers to two EU directives that regulate the safe use of devices and systems in potentially explosive atmospheres. The name comes from the French "ATmosphères EXplosibles".
In industrial environments - for example when processing metals, plastics, wood or foodstuffs - combustible dusts, vapors or gases can be produced during processing. If these are collected by an extraction system, there is a risk that these substances will ignite and cause an explosion - especially in the case of fine dusts in high concentrations.
The two ATEX directives at a glance:
ATEX Product Directive (2014/34/EU): Regulates the requirements for devices and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
ATEX Operating Directive (1999/92/EC): Defines the obligations of operators, e.g. for zone classification and risk assessment.
Our extraction systems with explosion protection at a glance
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Which system is right for you depends on many factors - from the materials used to the applicable ATEX zones and spatial conditions. Our experts will help you find the optimum solution for your business - safe, efficient and tailored to your individual requirements.
What are the benefits of ATEX extraction systems from Hengst for your company?
ATEX-compliant extraction systems from Hengst combine reliable explosion protection with decades of filtration experience. You receive a sophisticated overall solution - technically safe, economically efficient and ideally tailored to industrial requirements.
Certified explosion protection
Hengst offers extraction systems in ATEX-compliant design in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU - e.g. for Zone 22. The systems are designed for maximum safety and documented in accordance with applicable legislation.
Filter media from our own production
As a manufacturer of filtration solutions, Hengst not only produces systems, but also the appropriate Filter Elements itself. This ensures quality, optimum coordination and short delivery times - all from a single source.
Low operating costs
Thanks to their robust design, automatic filter cleaning and low-cost spare parts supply thanks to in-house filter production, the systems score highly in continuous operation with high efficiency and minimal maintenance requirements.
Adaptable to your application
Whether fine dust, aggressive media or confined spaces: Hengst offers modular systems that can be flexibly adapted to your processes, air volumes and spatial conditions.
Everything from a single source
From technical design and construction to documentation and declaration of conformity - Hengst provides you with a complete solution with personal advice and short coordination times.
Worldwide service
An international service network ensures rapid assistance with commissioning, maintenance and spare parts logistics - even in an emergency. This means you benefit from long-term operational reliability and technical support.
Typical areas of application
Ex-protected extraction systems from Hengst are used wherever combustible dusts are produced and a potentially explosive atmosphere cannot be ruled out.
Our ATEX extraction technology not only ensures clean air, but also reliably protects your employees, systems and processes from the consequences of a possible dust explosion:
Metalworking
Grinding, polishing, welding or laser cutting produce fine metal dusts that can be highly flammable.
FAQ
When do I need an ATEX-compliant extraction system?
ATEX-compliant dust extraction systems are required if your process generates combustible dusts that can form an explosive atmosphere together with air. Typical examples are metal dust, wood dust, flour and sugar dust or plastic particles.
In addition to the dust class (M or H according to EN 60335-2-69, Annex AA), the explosion-relevant properties of the dusts also play a role. These include
- Dust explosion class (St class): describes how violent a dust explosion can be (St 1 = weak, St 2 = strong, St 3 = very strong).
- Minimum ignition energy (MIE): the smallest amount of energy that is sufficient to ignite a dust-air mixture.
The lower the MIE and the higher the St class, the greater the risk - and the more urgent the need for an ATEX-compliant extraction solution.
What ATEX zones are there for dust extraction?
The zone classification shows how likely explosive atmospheres are to occur:
- Zone 20: Dust explosive mixtures are constantly or frequently present (e.g. in filters or silos).
- Zone 21: Explosive atmospheres occur occasionally (e.g. at filling stations).
- Zone 22: Explosive atmospheres occur rarely and only briefly (e.g. in the vicinity of machines).
The zone classification alone is not sufficient for an exact assessment:
Substance properties such as St class and MIE must also be taken into account in order to realistically assess the risk and select the correct system technology.
Which standards and directives must an ATEX extraction system comply with?
Clear legal requirements apply to ATEX extraction systems in Europe:
- ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU - Requirements for equipment and protective systems for Ex zones.
- ATEX Operating Directive 1999/92/EC - Obligations for operators (zone classification, risk assessment, documentation).
- EN 60335-2-69, Annex AA - Definition of dust classes L, M and H, incl. maximum degrees of permeability.
- Further standards: DIN EN 1127-1 (Explosion protection principles), DIN EN 60079 (Equipment requirements), VDI 2263 (Dust explosions).
In addition to these standards, the characterization of the dust is also decisive for the risk assessment:
- Dust class (health-relevant, AGW)
- St class (explosion severity)
- MZE (ignition sensitivity)
Only by combining these factors can an extraction system be selected that ensures both health protection (dust class M/H) and explosion protection (ATEX).
Talk to our experts - we will help you to classify the standards correctly and select the right ATEX extraction solution for your company.
Is there a difference between explosion protection and ATEX?
ATEX is a sub-area of explosion protection - i.e. a specific legal regulation within explosion protection.
Explosion protection (short for explosion protection) is the general term for all measures designed to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres (e.g. due to flammable gases, vapors or dusts).
ATEX refers to two European directives that specifically regulate explosion protection:
- The ATEX Product Directive (2014/34/EU) concerns manufacturers of equipment and protective systems for Ex zones.
- The ATEX Operating Directive (1999/92/EC) is aimed at operators of such systems and describes requirements such as zone classification, risk assessment and documentation.
