AKO Pinch Valves: Hazardous Areas (ATEX)
Hazardous areas are divided into zones 0/20, 1/21 and 2/22 according to how often dangerous gas-air or dust-air mixtures occur. The selection of suitable plant components plays a central role, as a single electrostatic spark at a valve can trigger an explosion. ATEX-certified AKO pinch valves with an electrically conductive sleeve safely discharge static electricity and thus prevent an ignition source – crucial when handling combustible dusts or explosive gas mixtures.
Typical applications
- Chemical processes with explosive gases or vapours
- Pneumatic conveying of combustible dusts
- Bulk handling of powders and grain in hazardous zones
- Plants with explosive dust clouds (e.g. coal or flour dust)
- Chemical plants with solvent vapours
Recommended AKO series
- AKO VFX (ATEX, DN40-300) – ATEX zone 1/21 & 2/22, for large nominal sizes, e.g. with coal or flour dust
- AKO VMCX (ATEX, DN25-150) – ATEX-certified for all zones (0/20, 1/21, 2/22), universally applicable
- AKO VMPX (ATEX, DN10-50) – compact ATEX version for all zones with smaller nominal sizes and frequent switching cycles
Application example (generic scenario)
Generic application example: A mill with conveying lines for flour dust at risk of dust explosion uses VFX valves to safely shut off the pneumatic conveying line and reliably discharge electrostatic charge.
More information from the manufacturer: AKO Armaturen – industries & applications ↗
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