Certification Stages for Explosion-Proof Equipment

Certification Stages for Exproof Equipment Used in Process Safety Today, flammable and explosive gases and dusts are used in many industrial sectors to ensure production continuity. It is a legal requirement for facilities using explosive gases and dusts to conduct a ZONE (hazardous area) classification under ATEX 153 Regulation (Regulation on the protection of workers from the dangers of explosive atmospheres). All equipment located within the ZONE (hazardous areas) resulting from the ZONE classification performed must be certified in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU, meaning "equipment designed so the environment will not explode" (exproof). The certification process for such exproof equipment varies depending on the equipment's group/category definition, the applicable protection type standard, and its intended use.

Flame Arrestor Certification

During the manufacturer's application stage, flame arrestor types (end-of-line deflagration, in-line deflagration, prevolume deflagration, in-line stable detonation, in-line unstable detonation and end-of-line stable detonation), gas groups (IIA1, IIA, IIB1, IIB2, IIB3, IIB, IIC) and dimensions must be specified. The Notified Body determines the applicable tests according to ISO 16852 standard and the flame arrestor classification, then sends the contract to the company. Following contract signature, the technical file prepared by the manufacturer in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU ATEX is sent to the Notified Body. The technical file is reviewed by the Notified Body. If it meets the regulation and relevant standard requirements, samples are requested from the manufacturer. Once the sample reaches the Notified Body, its conformity with the technical file is verified. If conformity is confirmed, tests are conducted according to the relevant standard. Upon successful test completion, information required for certification is uploaded to the ONTEK system of the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, a QR code specific to the certificate assigned by the system is created, and the certificate is issued to the manufacturer. References: 2014/34/EU ATEX DIRECTIVE 2014/34/EU ATEX DIRECTIVE GUIDELINES 3rd Edition – May 2020 EN ISO 16852:2016 Flame arresters – Performance requirements, Test methods and limits for use SCA Belgelendirme ve Özel Eğitim Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti., which commenced work on "2014/34/EU Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres" and "ATEX 153 Regulation on the Protection of Workers from the Dangers of Explosive Atmospheres", has been accredited by the Turkish Accreditation Authority (TÜRKAK) under EN 17065 standard with file number AB-0123-U within the ATEX scope and has been authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology with reference number NB 2336, holding the title of "Accredited and Notified Body". Emre Kocuklu Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer - Technical Expert SCA Belgelendirme ve Özel Eğt. Hizm. Ltd. Şti.