ATEX refers to European regulations covering equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

DSEAR stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations and requires employers to assess and control risks from combustible dusts, vapours and gases.

Do all powders require ATEX equipment?

No. The requirement depends on the explosibility characteristics of the material and the findings of the customer's dust risk assessment or DSEAR assessment.

Can Entecon supply ATEX-compliant powder handling equipment?

Yes. Entecon can design and manufacture powder handling systems suitable for operation in hazardous dust environments where ATEX compliance is required.

What information is required before specifying an ATEX system?

Typically, hazardous area classification details and combustible dust properties such as Kst, Pmax, MEC and ignition temperatures are required to correctly specify equipment.

Entecon Industries Ltd : ATEX & DSEAR Compliant Powder Handling Systems

ATEX Compliant Powder Handling Equipment by Entecon

Many organic powders and finely divided metal powders can create explosive dust atmospheres when dispersed in air under the right conditions. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 ( DSEAR) require employers to control the risks to safety from fire and explosions. Entecon have designed ATEX and DSEAR compliant systems for many years, delivering bespoke equipment that meets a client’s process demands and the safety critical ATEX regulations.

What is ATEX?

ATEX refers to the regulations and standards used to control explosion risks in hazardous environments where combustible dusts, powders, gases or vapours may be present. In the UK, these requirements are implemented through DSEAR and relevant EN 60079 standards.

Industries handling powders such as sugar, flour, starch, chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals and metal powders often require ATEX-compliant equipment to reduce the risk of ignition and explosion.

Do I Need ATEX Equipment?

Many powders can create explosive dust clouds under the right conditions.

You may require ATEX-compliant equipment if:

Your product has a Kst value greater than 0.
Your product has a combustible dust cloud.
Your process creates airborne dust.
Your site has a Zone 20, 21 or 22 classification.
Your DSEAR assessment identifies explosion risks.

ATEX Dust Zones Explained

Zone 20

Explosive dust atmosphere present continuously.

Zone 21

Explosive dust atmosphere likely during normal operation.

Zone 22

Explosive dust atmosphere unlikely but possible infrequently.

Entecon’s ATEX Design Approach

We achieve ATEX compliance by applying these guiding principles:

01

Technical support from a leading Notified Body, TÜV SÜD , a recognised ATEX Notified Body.

02

All designs are aligned with relevant EN 60079 series standards and customer specific risk assessments.

03

Electrostatic dissipation via continuous earthing and effective earth bonding.

04

Mechanical Integrity via controlled clearances and low friction designs to reduce the risk of hot spots or sparks.

05

Dust Containment using the principle of enclosure to reduce dust release and minimise the risk of secondary explosions.

06

Correct Equipment Selection

Typically ATEX Category 2D equipment for Zone 21 and ATEX Category 3D equipment for Zone 22.
Supported with appropriate documentation and certification.

Information We Require For ATEX Projects

To ensure correct equipment selection, we typically request:

Dust test data
Kst
Pmax
MEC
MIT
Layer Ignition Temperature
Existing DSEAR assessment
Hazardous area classification

Speak to a company with many years of ATEX experience.

Our engineers can review your process requirements and advise on hazardous area classification, dust containment, equipment selection and compliance requirements.
If you are planning a new installation or addressing ATEX Zone compliance, our team is ready to help.

Designed & Built by Entecon

Entecon Industries Ltd are leading UK specialists in bulk material and powder handling. Every machine is engineered to order, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and long-term reliability.

For more information about ATEX or any of our products or services, please contact us. +44 (0) 1276 414540 .

ATEX Compliant Sack Opening and Bag Handling Equipment

ATEX & DSEAR Compliant Powder Handling Equipment for Explosive Dust Environments

ATEX Compliant Powder Handling Equipment by Entecon

What is ATEX?

Do I Need ATEX Equipment?