Both industrial brushes and maintenance equipment, along with the automation of industrial production processes, play a crucial role in the efficiency and safety of numerous applications in industries such as petrochemical, steel, chemical, or energy, among others.
However, when these devices operate in environments at risk of explosive atmospheres, as is the case in certain industries, it is imperative that the equipment used complies with ATEX regulations, which ensure safety in such environments.
ATEX Industrial Brushes
Industrial brushes are used for cleaning tasks, as well as surface treatment and preparation, among other uses. They can be manufactured in different shapes, geometries, and materials, depending on the specific application within the process.
The most common brushes have filaments of metal wire, synthetic materials, or natural bristles, tailored to the needs of each industry and, specifically, the application and method of use in the machine.
In ATEX environments, these brushes must be designed to minimize the generation of sparks, which could trigger explosions in atmospheres with flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust.
One of the main technical challenges with industrial brushes is ensuring that the materials do not produce electrostatic charges or friction that can cause sparks. For this, conductive materials are used in the bristles or brush body, such as anti-static plastics or non-ferrous metals. Additionally, grounding these devices is essential to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charges.
Therefore, industrial brushes used in explosive atmospheres (ATEX) that employ metal bristles can only use brass wire.
If the brushes need to use synthetic filaments, they can only use two very technical and special types of filaments, either an anti-static polyamide 5, which does not generate static electricity when rubbed against the working surface, or a conductive polyamide 5 that transmits the electric charge generated by friction to a grounding element.
Lastly, if brushes use natural filaments, they can be made of tampico, which also does not generate static electricity during friction.
ATEX Regulations: Key Aspects
The ATEX regulations stem from two European directives, 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) and 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114), which specify essential requirements for the protection of health and safety of people and facilities in explosive environments. These directives establish obligations for both individuals accessing these areas and manufacturers of equipment and systems intended for use in ATEX explosion-risk zones.
Industrial brushes and other maintenance equipment operating in areas classified as ATEX must meet certain characteristics. First, they must have ATEX certification that guarantees their suitability for use in areas where flammable substances are present. This certification involves a rigorous evaluation of the materials, as explained earlier, as well as the design and protection systems of the equipment.
Equipment is classified into different groups and categories depending on the type of risk present. For example, Group I includes equipment intended for underground mining, while Group II covers equipment used in other industries, which account for most of the applications where technical brushes are introduced.
Within these groups, equipment is subdivided into categories, which determine the level of protection against explosions. Category 1 equipment is designed to provide the highest level of safety and can be used in areas where explosive atmospheres are present continuously, while category 3 equipment is only suitable for areas where the risk of explosion is lower.
ATEX Maintenance Equipment
In addition to brushes, maintenance equipment in ATEX environments includes hand and power tools, vacuum systems, compressed air cleaning systems, and more. All these devices must be designed to prevent the creation of ignition sources.
For example, ATEX industrial vacuum cleaners use intrinsically safe motors and anti-static filtration systems to prevent the generation of sparks. Similarly, electrical tools operating in ATEX zones are designed with explosion-proof housings and safety circuits, minimizing the risk of ignition.
Preventive maintenance is essential to ensure safety in ATEX environments. Using equipment that complies with ATEX regulations not only reduces the risk of explosions but also extends the equipment’s lifespan and minimizes downtime due to failures.
Conclusion
Industrial brushes and maintenance equipment used in ATEX environments must meet a series of special requirements to prevent explosions in hazardous environments.
The correct selection of spark-free materials and proper use of these devices, along with adequate maintenance and strict compliance with ATEX regulations, ensures the safety of workers and operational efficiency in industries with explosive atmospheres.
Contact us for more information about the brushes used for ATEX regulations.
