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What is ATEX?
Mobile weighing in ATEX zones.
Does your company work with flammable substances, explosive gases or dust particles? Then it is essential to understand what ATEX means and which guidelines apply. ATEX certification is required by law in work environments where there is a risk of explosion. This means that all equipment – including weighing systems – must meet strict safety standards to prevent sparking and static discharge.
Mobile weighing in ATEX zones, such as ATEX Zone 21 and ATEX Zone 22, is subject to requirements to ensure a safe working environment. But what exactly does ATEX stand for? How are these zones determined? And which explosion-proof weighing systems can you use to continue working safely? In this article, we explain everything about ATEX, the different zones and the role of explosion-proof mobile weighing systems.
Where do the rules apply?
The different ATEX zones
To minimize the risk of explosions, companies that work with flammable substances must divide their work environment into ATEX zones. These zones indicate the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere developing and determine which safety measures and equipment are needed.
ATEX zones are subdivided into two categories: one for gas and vapor environments and one for dust environments.
ATEX zones for gas and vapor
- Zone 0: Explosive gases or vapors are present permanently or for long periods of time.
- Zone 1: Explosive gases or vapors occur regularly, for example during production processes.
- Zone 2: Explosive gases or vapors occur occasionally, for example in the case of leaks.
ATEX zones for dust
- Zone 20: Explosive dust is present permanently or for long periods, for example in silos.
- Zone 21: Explosive dust occurs regularly, such as during packaging or grinding processes.
- Zone 22: Explosive dust occurs occasionally, for example when dust accumulates around machinery.
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Safety and efficiency
Mobile weighing in ATEX zones
Working in an ATEX zone involves strict safety requirements, but that does not mean that efficiency in the process has to be lost. Mobile weighing within ATEX zones offers companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and logistics sectors a safe and practical solution.
Instead of moving materials to a fixed weighing location, the weighing process is integrated into the workflow, which has several advantages.
- Safe weighing without risk of explosion: thanks to intrinsically safe electronics, antistatic wheels and non-sparking materials, mobile weighing systems comply with ATEX directives and minimize the risk of explosions.
- Time savings and higher efficiency: Materials can be weighed directly in the workplace, eliminating unnecessary transportation within the factory and increasing productivity.
- Less chemical waste and lower costs: Because ingredients are weighed directly into a mixing tub or barrel, pipes and pumps stay cleaner, which reduces waste and waste processing costs.
- Optimized ergonomics and less physical strain: Operators need to move heavy barrels or pallets less often, which reduces physical strain and creates a safer work environment.
- Direct data exchange for better business operations: Weighing data can be sent directly to WMS, ERP or TMS via wireless connectivity, providing real-time insight and more efficient decision-making.
Customer story
Herberts / Global Paint Products
Explosion-proof mobile weighing can make a big difference in speed and efficiency. Herberts, a specialist in industrial coatings, optimized their production process with the RAVAS ProLine 2100 EXi. By weighing directly on the pallet truck, they saved time, reduced product loss and improved safety in their ATEX-certified work environment.
Discover how Herberts lifted their process to a higher level with explosion-proof weighing.
ATEX-certified
Discover our pallet trucks
RAVAS 2100 EXi
An explosion-proof hand pallet truck specially designed for hazardous environments. ATEX certified and fitted with stainless steel fork shoes.
- Weighing capacity: 2,000 kg
- Scale part: 0.2 - 1 kg
- Optional: calibrated version class OIML III, completely stainless steel
RAVAS 2560 EXi
The RAVAS 2560 EXi is an explosion-proof pallet truck with integrated scale, specially designed for use in hazardous environments.
- Weighing capacity: 2,000 kg
- Scale part: 0.2 - 1 kg
- Optional: calibrated version class OIML III or wifi
RAVAS ProLine 2560 EXi
Discover the RAVAS 2560 EXi, a high-precision, explosion-proof pallet truck with integrated scale and stainless steel fork shoes. Ideal when accuracy and safety are both priorities.
- Weighing capacity: 2,000 kg
- Scale part: 0,1 - 0,5 kg
- Optional: calibrated version class OIML III or wifi