ATEX-compliant reactor technology
ATEX-compliant reactor technology
Play it safe and use explosion-proof reactor technology that is certified to the relevant standards.Even in small volumes, in a laboratory or pilot plant setting, explosion protection can play a significant role. This is because even the smallest quantities of liquid feedstock or product can, when converted into gas volume, form a dangerous concentration of an explosive mixture.
Product Description
The following information provides an initial overview of important and typical questions on the subject of ATEX and the selection of components for our Büchi pressure reactors and glass systems.The information does not claim to be complete and does not release the operator from the obligation to check and decide on the ATEX concept to be applied.
1. do you need a stirrer?
If your reactants and/or products are to be thoroughly mixed by an external agitator, explosion protection begins with the selection of a safe ATEX-compliant agitator coupling. Depending on the pressure level, a double-acting radial shaft seal (also known as an ATEX mechanical seal) or magnetic couplings are available. ATEX Zone 1 or even Zone 0 can be achieved in the interior of the agitator reactor by selecting the correct equipment component, either dynamically or statically sealed.
In addition to a suitable stirred tank seal, an ATEX-compliant stirrer drive suitable for the application (stirring task) is also required. Electric motors or compressed air motors are available as required.
When it comes to ATEX agitator drives, a decision must be made as to whether the speed should be set on site and/or whether the agitator parameters (actual speed, target speed and torque) should be recorded.
2. do you require temperature control?
Temperature control in the reactor under ATEX conditions can be achieved using a thermostat or electric heater. For metallic reactors, the user can choose freely between the two temperature control methods mentioned. For glass reactors, oil temperature control using heating/cooling thermostats has become established in the ATEX environment, particularly due to the undesirable thermal stress.
Depending on the ATEX room utilisation concept, the electric heater and/or the thermostat must then also be manufactured and used in compliance with ATEX.
Sufficiently explosion-proof temperature sensors can be positioned in the stirred reactor to precisely record the internal and jacket temperature. The internal temperature and jacket temperature parameters can then be displayed on site if required and/or integrated directly into a process control system.
3. Do you need a pressure or vacuum control system?
Depending on the chemical reaction process, pressure or vacuum control may also be required in the stirred reactor. For example, suitable overpressures are required for hydrogenation or suitable vacuum stages for polyfusion condensation.
In conjunction with the overall system, ATEX-compliant pressure and vacuum measuring equipment and other accessories such as ATEX-compliant vacuum pumps, mass flow meters, pumps and control valve technology are therefore required.
The parameters pressure, vacuum and volume flow are often important key parameters for your chemistry. Decide for yourself whether an on-site display is sufficient or whether these parameters should be integrated into a higher-level process control system. Of course, cost considerations also play an important role here.
4. display, visualisation, data storage
Where should your process parameters be displayed, graphically visualised and/or stored? This question must also be asked when focussing on an ATEX-compliant reactor.
Is a simple on-site display (EX-protected or non EX) sufficient or does the data need to be stored on a computer or process control system?
5. operation – How do you want to operate your system?
Traditionally, most systems (stirred tanks) are operated manually and also monitored manually. However, remote-controlled and/or completely recipe-controlled synthesis equipment is also conceivable in the ATEX environment.
6th ATEX concept for your stirred reactor
The operator or laboratory manager always decides on the necessary ATEX concept for a new pressurised reactor or stirred tank system. However, we are happy to support you in your considerations with information on the technical possibilities.
If there are no resources available in the company to set up a suitable ATEX concept, it may be advisable to contact a suitable engineering partner for this task.
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