If pressure sensors, pressure transmitters and other field equipment are employed near flammable gases or dust, they may be subject to marking relative to the ATEX product guideline 94/9/EC. ATEX requires the type label of the sensor to add the ATEX marking, so usually that 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 the user. For instance, an ?X? after the approval number indicates that special conditions should be observed with all the device. Direct 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 used for the pressure sensor:
Explosion group:
I Mining industry, II other areas useful Device class:
Used in zone 0/20 near von flammable gases (1G), dust (1D)
Used in zone 1/21 in the vicinity of flammable gases (2G), dust (2D)
Used in zone 2/22 near flammable gases (3G), dust (3D)
However, there are also devices where only certain parts may be installed in other zones, for example, a pressure sensor marked 1/2G may be installed in a tank with flammable content. The electronic area of the transmitter is located externally of the tank, and thus 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, suitable 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 about hydrogen can be found on the WIKA website. For those who have any further questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.