How to choose the right ATEX motor for your system – including expert tips
What is an explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification and why is it essential for oil & gas facilities?
Ein explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification is specifically designed to safely operate in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres, which are common in oil & gas facilities. The ATEX certification (according to EU directive 2014/34/EU) confirms that the motor does not represent an ignition source thereby protecting personnel and installations. Noncompliance can lead to serious accidents and high penalties resulting.
What ATEX zones are typical for oil & gas facilities and what motor categories are required?
In oil & gas facilities, the zones 1 (occasionally explosive atmosphere) und zone 2 (rarely and briefly explosive atmosphere) are frequently encountered. For zone 1, devices from category 2G are required, for zone 2 devices from category 3G. Choosing the correct category is safety-critical..
What should I pay attention to when selecting an ATEX motor for my specific application in the oil and gas industry?
Pay attention to the correct zoning classification, the required device category (e.g. 2G), the gas group (e.g. IIA, IIB, IIC), the temperature class (T1-T6) and the appropriate type of protection against ignition (e.g. ‘Ex d’ for pressure-tight encapsulation). Also consider power, design, environmental conditions, and any necessary additional certifications such as IECEx..
What role do gas groups and temperature classes play in ATEX motors?
Gas groups (e.g. IIC for hydrogen, acetylene) classify gases according to their ignition capability. The temperature class (e.g. T4 for max. 135°C surface temperature) ensures that the maximum surface temperature of the motor remains below the ignition temperature of the surrounding gas mixture at all times. An incorrect selection can have catastrophic consequences .
Are OMEX motors from ATEK suitable for use with frequency converters in Ex areas?
Many motors in the OMEX series, especially those with the ignition protection type ‘Ex d’ (pressure-tight encapsulation), are suitable for operation with frequency converters. This allows for energy-efficient control.However, it is crucial to verify the specific suitability and certification of each motor model for converter operation.
What certifications besides ATEX are relevant for internationally used motors in oil & gas facilities?
In addition to the ATEX certification for the EU region, often IECEx (international), HazLoc (North America) or CCC Ex (China) are required to ensure global compliance. ATEK Drive Solutions assists you in selecting motors that meet all relevant requirements..
How does ATEK Drive Solutions support the selection and configuration of ATEX drive solutions?
ATEK Drive Solutions offers comprehensive technical consulting and utilizes a modular system, which allows for millions of configurations. We help you find the optimal explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for your oil & gas facility , including suitable gear boxes and brakes, and ensure fast delivery times..
What are the key aspects of maintaining ATEX motors in oil & gas facilities?
Regular inspections by qualified personnel are essential. This includes checking housings, seals, cable glands, and adhering to maintenance intervals according to manufacturer guidelines. Repairs may only be carried out by certified individuals to maintain explosion protection.
Die correct selection and application of ATEX-certified motors (EU directive 2014/34/EU) is legally required and safety-critical . Key factors are zone, device category, gas group, and temperature class toreliably prevent explosions. ATEK Drive Solutions provides robust and converter-compatible.
explosion-proof drives (e.g. ignition protection type ‘Ex d’, typically IIB/IIC T4) with OMEX motors. Our modular system enables custom solutions and can significantly reduce delivery times. Proper installation, Lieferzeiten signifikant verkürzen.
Fachgerechte Installation, regular maintenance by certified personnel and adherence to manufacturer specifications are essential for the long-term safe operation of ATEX motors. This can reduce unplanned downtimes by up to 90% and maximize plant safety..Learn everything about explosion-proof motors with ATEX certification for oil and gas facilities: From the key standards to the right selection.
In hazardous areas such as oil and gas facilities, the use of ATEX-certified motors is essential. They ensure maximum safety and prevent costly failures. Do you need assistance in selecting the right motor? [Contact us](/contact) – we will be happy to assist you!
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Introduction to explosion-proof motors for oil & gas facilities.
Why ATEX motors are indispensable in the oil and gas industry
In high-risk environments like offshore platforms, Ex motors, especially a specially designed explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities, prevent dangerous spark ignitions. Noncompliance with ATEX guidelines can result in high penalties. OMEX motors are precisely designed for such demanding applications.
Basics of ATEX certification
The ATEX certification according to EU directive 2014/34/EU ensures the reliable operation of motors in explosive areas. Users are responsible for the correct selection and application of these safety components. A certificate, for example, BVS 18 ATEX H 004 X, confirms conformity.
The role of ATEK Drive Solutions
ATEK Drive Solutions provides tailored drive solutions. Our modular system allows for over a million configurations and ensures fast delivery times. We develop specialized ATEX geared motors for conveyors and provide comprehensive consulting, including the selection of the right motor with explosion protection for the oil and gas industry.ATEX regulations and explosion protection
Incorrectly selected motors in zone 1, especially if they are not suitable, are extremely risky. Devices such as the EX servo motor series must be explosion-proof when used in such environments. A correct zoning classification and strict adherence to the ATEX regulations (2014/34/EU for products and 1999/92/EC for workplaces) are essential for safety. Also, explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities handelt, sind äußerst riskant. Geräte, wie beispielsweise die EX-Servomotorenserie, müssen für den Einsatz in solchen Umgebungen zwingend explosionssicher sein. Eine korrekte Zoneneinteilung und die strikte Einhaltung der ATEX-Richtlinien (2014/34/EU für Produkte und 1999/92/EG für Arbeitsplätze) sind essenziell für die Sicherheit. Auch explosion-proof pneumatic brakes play a relevant role in this context.
- The correct application of the ATEX regulations (2014/34/EU for products and 1999/92/EC for workplaces) is fundamental for explosion protection.
- Devices for explosive areas, such as EX servo motors or other ATEX-compliant drives for the oil and gas sector, must be explosion-proof and appropriately certified.
- A precise zoning classification (e.g. zone 1 for occasional, zone 2 for rare Ex hazard) is crucial for the selection of safe devices.
- ATEX categories (e.g. category 2G for zone 1) and Equipment Protection Levels (EPL) define the required safety level of the devices.
- The labeling of Ex devices (e.g. “EX II2G Ex db eb IIB T4 Gb”) provides detailed information about their suitability, manufacturer, and conformity.
- Important parameters such as gas groups (e.g. IIC for the most dangerous gases) and temperature classes (e.g. T4 for max. 135°C surface temperature) must be taken into account during the selection process.
- Compliance with ATEX regulations is legally required to protect against gas and dust explosions.
ATEX categories and Equipment Protection Levels (EPL), such as 2G/Gb, define device safety, while zones specify the location of use (category 2G for zone 1). The labeling, such as “EX II2G Ex db eb IIB T4 Gb”, provides detailed information. Maintenance must be carried out according to the category and EPL, taking gas and dust zones into account. We are happy to advise you on ATEX gear boxes..
What does ATEX mean exactly?
ATEX, based on the EU directives 2014/34/EU for products and 1999/92/EC for workplaces, serves to protect against gas and dust explosions, for example in zone 21. Compliance with these regulations is legally mandatory.
Understanding zones, categories, and groups
Zone 1 refers to areas with occasional explosion risk, while zone 2 refers to those with rare risk. Devices of category 2 are suitable for zone 1. Gas group (e.g. IIC for highly flammable gases) and temperature class (e.g. T4) are crucial to consider when selecting an explosion-proof motor for the oil and gas industry. OMEX motors are typically designed for IIB/IIC T4.
The importance of proper labeling
The labeling, such as II 2G Ex db IIC T4 Gb, contains important information such as manufacturer, CE marking, and category. The year of manufacture is also relevant. Group II designates devices for areas outside of mining.Selection criteria for explosion-proof motors.
The motor selection for Zone 2 with specific gas requirements (e.g. group IIB) requires the utmost care, especially when selecting a explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities. An incorrectly chosen gas group (like IIA instead of the required IIC) or an inappropriate temperature class (e.g. T3 with a 200°C surface temperature, where T4 or higher would be necessary) can have fatal consequences. We are happy to advise you on flameproof motors.
Not every ATEX motor, even a certified safety motor for Ex areas in oil and gas facilities, is suitable for operation with frequency converters without further requirements (Ex-eb motors often require special certification). The OMEX series is often suitable for such applications. It is important to understand that IP protection classes (like IP66) do not represent explosion protection. The correct type of ignition protection (‘Ex d’ for flameproof enclosure or ‘Ex e’ for increased safety) must be chosen according to the application. We also offer ATEX brake motors an.
power, design, and specific requirements
The correct power of the drive must be carefully selected. The starting torque, especially in pump applications (which can be up to 2.5 times the nominal torque), must be considered. Asynchronous motors, like those in the OMEX series, are known for their robustness.
enclosure, protection class, and environmental conditions
The enclosure must be suitable for aggressive atmospheres, such as those that can occur in the oil and gas industry. A high-quality coating or the use of stainless steel can significantly extend the service life. The IP protection class and material choice are important criteria in this regard.
Certificates: More than just ATEX
In addition to ATEX certification, for a explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities often additional certificates such as IECEx (international), HazLoc (North America), or CCC Ex (China) are required to ensure global conformity. We support you in meeting all necessary requirements.Specific motors and applications
EX servomotors (ignition protection class Ex d) are excellent for precise dosing applications in Zone 1, for example in petrochemicals, as they combine high dynamics with the required explosion protection. Motors from the EY series (for Zone 2) and EX series (for Zone 1) are frequently used for standard applications such as pumps, compressors, and valves. A suitable explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities is always crucial for safety and efficiency.
- EX servomotors (protection class Ex d) are suitable for precise applications such as dosing in Zone 1, for example in petrochemicals, and offer high dynamics.
- Motors from the EY series (for Zone 2) and EX series (for Zone 1) are often used for standard applications such as pumps, compressors, and valves, often involving an ATEX-certified motor for oil and gas rigs.
- With hybrid mixtures of gases and dusts, special caution is required; OMEX motors are primarily designed for pure gas or dust atmospheres.
- The maximum surface temperature of the motor (e.g. T4 corresponds to 135°C) must always be safely below the ignition temperature of the surrounding explosive atmosphere.
- OMEX asynchronous motors in ignition protection class Ex d are designed as robust explosion-proof drives for oil and gas applications and can be used energy-efficiently in inverter operation (typically IIB/IIC, T4).
- EX (Zone 1) and EY servomotors (Zone 2) enable high dynamics and accuracy and can be combined with ATEX-certified gearboxes (e.g. GXA series) for torques up to 1800 Nm.
- Typical areas of application in oil and gas facilities include pumps, compressors, fans, and drives for loading flaps on tankers, where the reliability of the Ex motors used for oil and gas facilities is crucial.
Hybrid mixtures of gases and dusts require special motors, as OMEX motors are primarily designed for pure gas or dust atmospheres. The maximum surface temperature of the drive (e.g. T4 corresponds to 135°C) must always be safely maintained below the ignition temperature of the surrounding explosive atmosphere. We are also happy to advise you on ATEX brake motors for chemical plants.
OMEX motors in detail
OMEX asynchronous motors designed in ignition protection class Ex d are specifically designed for use in Ex areas. Their operation with frequency converters allows for energy savings. Typical designs are suitable for gas groups IIB/IIC and temperature class T4, making them a good choice as explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities drives.
Servomotors for precision in Ex zones
EX servomotors (for Zone 1) and EY servomotors (for Zone 2) offer high dynamics and accuracy for demanding applications. They can be combined with ATEX gearboxes of the GXA series to realize torques up to 1800 Nm.
Typical areas of application in oil and gas facilities
Typical areas of application for a motor with explosion protection for the oil and gas industry include pumps, compressors, and fans. Another example is drives for loading flaps on tankers, where such motors ensure operational safety.Maintenance and servicing
Preventive maintenance of a explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities is essential to reduce downtime and ensure safety. Regular inspections, such as monthly checks of the enclosure and screws, are very important. The ambient temperature can influence inspection intervals.
Repairs to Ex motors, especially to an ATEX-compliant drive for the oil and gas sector, may only be performed by qualified personnel with appropriate ATEX training. Improper repairs can void the explosion protection and lead to dangerous situations. A verification after the repair may be necessary, and comprehensive documentation of all maintenance and repair work is essential.
Importance of regular inspections
Regular inspections, with intervals determined by the zone and category of the site, are mandatory. Minor damages to the enclosure or seals must be addressed immediately. A visual inspection, for example every 6 months for devices in Zone 1, serves as a guideline.
Adhere to correct maintenance protocols
The manufacturer’s specifications, such as regarding the oils used or tightening torques, must be strictly adhered to. The use of non-original spare parts can invalidate the motor’s certification. Maintenance intervals, for instance for bearings and seals (typically every 20,000 operating hours), must be carefully documented.
Who is allowed to carry out repairs?
Only trained and certified personnel are authorized to perform repairs on ATEX motors, such as a explosion-proof motor with ATEX certification for oil & gas facilities, The nameplate of the motor must always be kept legible. Repairs to motors with ignition protection class Ex d (flameproof enclosure) also require special tools to maintain the correct gap dimensions.
