The ATEX ('ATmosphere EXplosive') declaration is a declaration of conformity required for products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This refers to environments in which mixtures of flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts with air can occur, creating conditions in which an explosion could occur.

Risk factors
In order for a potentially explosive atmosphere to form, flammable and/or combustible substances must be present in a certain concentration; if the concentration is too low (poor mixture) or too high (rich mixture), there is little tendency for an explosion to form but a combustion reaction, or even no reaction at all, may occur. An explosion can only occur in the presence of an ignition source and when the concentration is within the explosibility range in mass or volume of the substances, between the lowest (LFL) and highest (UFL) limits. The explosibility limits depend on the ambient pressure and the percentage of oxidising agent present in the atmosphere.

Atex legislation and declaration
The ATEX legislation is a set of European directives that establish safety requirements for products intended for use in these hazardous conditions. Compliance with the minimum requirements defined by the legislation is confirmed by a declaration issued by the manufacturer. In essence, the ATEX declaration serves to ensure that products intended for use in potentially explosive environments are designed and manufactured in accordance with the safety standards necessary to prevent the risk. This is particularly important in applications where the presence of flammable substances can pose a significant safety hazard. For example, where a refrigerant gas with low global warming potential (PRG) but derived from hydrocarbons (e.g. propane or isobutane) is required, which is typical of air conditioning or refrigeration systems, or in contexts such as hydrocarbon processing or distribution (e.g. fuel stations). Sacet is able to provide the Atex declaration for use in Zone 2, i.e. for those areas in which, during normal activities, the formation of an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist (not dust) is not probable and, if it does occur, is only of short duration (< 10 hours/year). Atex Directive 2014/34/EU

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