ATEX CERTIFICATION

The EU's directive on equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres was first adopted in March 1994 and officially came into force 1st March 1996. The directive is commonly known as the ATEX directive (ATmosphere EXplosive)

'Explosive atmospheres' can occur in diverse industrial situations, for example, agricultural silos, mines, oil and gas platforms, chemical plants and dusty environments. Products covered by the Directive range from lighting for factories to locomotives used in mines.

Products complying with the directive have to be manufactured to a 'harmonised standard', where one exists. In the case of spark arresters this is EN1834 parts 1, 2, & 3 (2000). (Reciprocating internal combustion engines - Safety requirements for the design and construction of engines for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Part 1 - Flammable Gases & Vapour Atmospheres. Part 2 - Underground workings susceptible to fire damp and/or combustible dust. part 3 - Flammable dust atmospheres.)

We were one of the first companies to receive the ATEX certification, and are now fully compliant with the EU Directive on exhaust systems for internal combustion engines within Potentially Explosive Atmospheres. The ATEX certification (EN1834) allows us to manufacture and retail ATEX approved Spark Arrester Exhaust Systems constructed from 14404(316) high grade stainless steel.

All Western Tydens Spark Arresters have been stringently tested, either in the U.K. or Sweden, for their spark arresting abilities, and meet all the necessary requirements of OCMA MEC 1, BP200, Ministry of Defence, Swedish Inspectorate of Explosives, Swedish Agricultural Machinery Testing Institute and many other safety specifications. Western Tydens Spark Arresters have been type tested in accordance with the EU directive and approved by SIRA to the conditions of EN1834.C. 1834. Certification is available upon request.

When selecting a Spark Arrester for an ATEX installation, to be fully compliant the user must ensure the spark arrester is suitable for its' intended purpose, and it should be included in the temperature assessment of the completed engine prior to commissioning in accordance with the appropriate clauses. Reference should be made to EN1834.

Western Tydens is a quality assessed company to ISO 9001: 2000