ATEX-certified turbine technology: When electric motors reach their limits
Safety must not be compromised!
Explosion protection is one of the biggest challenges in many production areas. Where combustible gases, vapors, or dust are present, a single spark is enough to trigger catastrophic consequences. Conventional electric motors quickly reach their limits here—they generate heat, can produce sparks, and thus pose a considerable risk.
The solution: ATEX-certified turbine drives. This technology is reliable, safe, and efficient – ideal for use in potentially hazardous areas such as Zone 1 and Zone 2.
While Zone 0 describes areas where explosive atmospheres are permanently present, such mixtures occur only occasionally in Zone 1 and normally not at all or only for short periods in Zone 2.
But why are turbine drives often the better choice in potentially hazardous areas? And how can you successfully switch from electric motors to a safe solution? We provide the answers.
Understanding potentially explosive atmospheres
Explosion protection is not only a technical requirement, but also a legal one. In the EU, the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) regulates which devices may be used in potentially explosive environments.
What does ATEX mean?
The term “ATEX” is derived from the French ATmosphères EXplosibles. It describes standards and regulations that apply to the safe operation of machines and drives in such “explosive atmospheres.”
All devices and components installed in potentially explosive areas must be evaluated with regard to ignition sources and correctly labeled. This directive also applies to non-electrical devices.
Additional safety requirements apply, particularly in sensitive production environments such as underground mining, chemical, pharmaceutical, or food processing plants. You can read about what is important in the article Explosion-proof drives: Solutions for underground mining, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food production.
What criteria are used to evaluate devices and components with regard to ignition sources?
Key question: When is an explosion possible?
The higher the ignition risk, the stricter the requirements for the drive technology.
The invisible danger posed by inadequate drive systems
At first glance, conventional electric motors seem to be the obvious choice for many production tasks. However, in ATEX zones, they quickly become a weak point:
- Sparking: Carbon brushes or switching operations can generate ignition sources.
Overheating: Even under low loads, a motor can heat up to such an extent that flammable materials ignite.
Costly maintenance: Explosion-proof electric motors have a complex design, which makes maintenance expensive and time-consuming.
Unplanned downtime: A single defect can lead to production losses – with enormous costs.
The result: safety risks and inefficient processes that can endanger life and limb.
Read here to find out how turbine drives and electric motors differ in a direct comparison – especially in hazardous areas:
Turbine vs. electric motor – the comparison for hazardous areas
ATEX-certified turbine technology: The game changer
This is where turbine drives come into play. They offer a reliable, durable, and safe alternative to conventional electric motors—especially in potentially explosive atmospheres.
How does an ATEX turbine work?
How does an ATEX turbine work?
A turbine drive uses compressed air instead of electricity. The air drives an impeller, which generates mechanical energy. As the compressed air expands, heat is extracted from the environment. The drive actually cools down instead of heating up like an electric drive.
This means no sparks, no electrical heat sources, and no risk of overheating.
The most important advantages at a glance:
- Maximum safety: No flying sparks, no fire hazard.
- High power density: Compact and very powerful at the same time.
- Low maintenance: Fewer components that can wear out.
- Flexibility: Perfect for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2.
- Durability: Robust even under difficult conditions such as dust or moisture.
An ATEX-certified turbine drive not only meets all explosion protection standards, but also increases the efficiency and operational safety of your production line.
From theory to practice: Successful implementation
The switch to turbine technology does not have to be complicated. With the right planning, production interruptions can be minimized and the changeover can be made smoothly.
Steps for successful integration:
1. Analysis of the current production environment
Where do potentially explosive atmospheres occur, and which zones are affected?
2. Selection of the appropriate ATEX motor
Power, torque, and installation situation must be optimally matched.
3. Integration into existing lines
Thanks to their modular design, our ATEX turbines can usually be integrated seamlessly. DEPRAG turbines are equipped with various planetary gearboxes and are available with standardized electric motor speeds.
4. Employee training
Safety and efficiency also depend on correct handling.
5. Long-term
Regular maintenance and monitoring ensure maximum ROI.
This approach minimizes downtime and reduces costs—a decisive competitive advantage.
Checklist: Finding the right ATEX drive
Before deciding on a solution, you should check the following points:
- Certification:
Does the drive comply with all relevant ATEX directives?
- Atmosphere:
Is it approved for Zone 1 or Zone 2? Is the temperature class of the drive sufficient for the operating environment?
- Power requirements:
Does the power output match your production process exactly (torque + speed)?
- Ease of maintenance:
How easy is it to carry out inspections?
- Energy efficiency:
Is operation cost-efficient and sustainable?
- Integration:
Can the drive be installed without major modifications?
This checklist serves as a guide to avoid bad investments and ensure safe, efficient production processes in the long term.
Conclusion: Safety and efficiency for the future
Explosion protection is not only mandatory, but also a decisive factor for productivity and competitiveness. With ATEX-certified turbine drives, you don't have to compromise: you increase safety, reduce downtime, and rely on future-proof technology.
Act now: Check your current drives and discover the potential of modern ATEX turbine drives – for greater safety, efficiency, and sustainable success.
Copyrighted images:
Please pay attention to our legal notice. Some images are copyrighted by third parties. Any use without specifying the source or modification for use in any other purpose is prohibited.