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ATEX & EXPLOSION PROTECTION

Combustible dusts pose a significant explosion risk in industrial processes. Without properly designed explosion protection, even low ignition energies can lead to severe damage to equipment, production downtime, and safety risks. The design and operation of dust collection systems require in-depth expertise in ATEX directives, zone classification, and the evaluation of dust-specific parameters such as minimum ignition energy (MIE), KSt value, and explosion pressure. Only a design that complies with standards ensures safe and reliable plant operation. As a specialist in industrial dust removal, Infastaub supports the development and implementation of comprehensive ATEX-compliant solutions—from risk assessment and the selection of suitable explosion protection concepts to standard-compliant system design. This results in safe, efficient, and compliant dust removal systems for demanding industrial applications.

Relevant Standards & Guidelines

Explosion protection concepts

Design based on minimum ignition energy (MZE)

 

RELEVANT STANDARDS & GUIDELINES

Dust control technology for combustible dusts is governed by a clearly defined set of standards. These principles form the foundation of every explosion protection concept.

ATEX 2014/34/EU

Equipment and Protective Systems European Product Directive for electrical and mechanical equipment in hazardous areas. Basis for the CE marking of filter units and their equipment category.

ATEX 1999/92/EG

Minimum Requirements for Worker Protection
Operator Guidelines: require the establishment of zones, a risk assessment, and the preparation of an explosion protection document.

TRBS 2152

Hazardous explosive atmospheres
BMAS technical regulations; these regulations provide further details on the BetrSichV and offer practical guidance on zone classification and protective measures.

VDI 2263

Dust Fires and Dust Explosions
Practical guidelines specifically for dust collection systems: design, operation, and safety measures for combustible dusts.

EN ISO 80079-36/-37

Non-electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres
Design requirements and assessment criteria for mechanical equipment, dust collection systems, and their components.

DIN EN 14491

Pressure Relief – Dust Explosions
Calculation and design of pressure relief openings (rupture discs, flaps) for filter housings based on KSt and pmax.

DIN EN 14460

Explosion-proof Equipment
Requirements for containers and filter housings designed to withstand explosion pressure surges – The basis for structural explosion protection

DIN EN 60076-10-2

Zone Classification – Dust
Classification of Ex Zones 20, 21, and 22 for areas at risk of dust explosions as the basis for the ATEX equipment category.

 

EXPLOSION PROTECTION STRATEGIES

Depending on the dust characteristics and the plant environment, different protection strategies are employed. Infastaub can advise you on choosing the right approach.

 

Standard

No ATEX required

If there are no flammable dusts, solvents, or gases present, no special explosion-proof measures are required for the filter. Standard units without special designs can be used. The operator is responsible for ensuring safe and proper use.

  • Standard filter
  • No special design
  • Non-flammable dusts

Preventive

Prevention of Ignition Sources

Ignition sources are eliminated by design: Grounding of all metal parts and conductive (dissipative) filter media prevent electrostatic charging. The operator must ensure that no external ignition sources are introduced. Suitable for MZE > 1 mJ.

  • Grounding
  • Dissipative filter media
  • MZE > 1 mJ
  • ATEX Zone 21/22

Preventive

Inerting

By introducing an inert gas (N₂ or CO₂), the oxygen concentration is permanently reduced below the ignition limit—physically preventing an explosion. Recommended for particularly sensitive dusts with a minimum ignition energy (MZE) < 1 mJ, as well as for hybrid mixtures.

  • Inert gas N₂ / CO₂
  • MZE < 1 mJ
  • Hybrid mixtures
  • Upon request

Constructive

Pressure-surge-resistant design

The filter withstands the maximum explosion pressure. An overload protection device is required for pressure-surge resistance of ≥ 1 bar. All upstream and downstream system components must be designed identically. Explosion decoupling must be provided by the customer.

  • ≥ 1 bar pressure surge resistance
  • Overload protection
  • Decoupling provided by the customer
  • DIN EN 14460

Constructive

Pressure Relief

Rupture discs or explosion vents release explosion pressure to the outside in a controlled manner. The design complies with DIN EN 14491 and is based on the KSt value, the vessel volume, and the maximum explosion pressure pmax.

  • Rupture Disc
  • Explosion Vent
  • DIN EN 14491
  • KSt-dependent

Constructive

Explosion Suppression

Sensors detect the pressure rise within milliseconds; an extinguishing agent system suppresses the explosion before it fully develops. Ideal for enclosed spaces where structural design prevents pressure relief to the outside.

  • Sensor System
  • Extinguishing Agent Injection
  • Indoor Systems
  • Available upon request

⚠ Note on Operator Responsibility
The operator is responsible for using the dust collection unit and its accessories in accordance with their intended purpose and for ensuring that no ignition sources are introduced into the filter. Customer-specific factory standards will only be taken into account if they are expressly specified in the quotation. Please contact us directly regarding inerting, explosion suppression, or hybrid mixtures.

 

 

DESIGN BASED ON MINIMUM IGNITION ENERGY (MIE)

The minimum ignition energy of the dust is the key factor in determining the explosion protection concept for your dust collector.

MZE / DUSTY

TYPICAL EXAMPLES

FILTER MAINTENANCE

CLASSIFICATION

Non-flammable

Limestone, gypsum, quartz sand, cement

No special measures are necessary

 Standard
MZE > 1 mJ

Wood dust, grain, sugar, plastic, coal

 Grounding + Conductive Filter Media (dsf) Preventive
MZE > 1 mJ

Aluminum, magnesium, and titanium powder

Dissipative design + pressure relief or inerting

 Increased

Design-related (all)

All combustible dusts as required

Pressure-surge-resistant design, overload protection ≥ 1 bar, decoupling

 Constructive

» Required ATEX parameters for your inquiry
To design a filter system that complies with standards, we require the following dust-specific data: Dust designation and description · Minimum ignition energy (MIE) · Ignition temperature of dust cloud/dust layer · KSt value · pmax · Explosion group (St 1/2/3) · Intended Ex zone (20/21/22). The more complete your information, the more precise our design will be.

 

DOES YOUR PROJECT REQUIRE ATEX EXPERTISE?

Tell us about your specific needs—we’ll analyze the dust characteristics, recommend the right protection strategy, and design your dust collection system to meet all applicable standards.

CONTACT US NOW