ATEX/Ex-Proof Equipment Inspection

 Life-Saving Control System for Industrial Explosive Environments

ATEX/Ex-Proof equipment inspection is a critical process for minimizing the risk of explosions and ensuring worker safety in your petrochemical plants.

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 Life-Saving Control System for Industrial Explosive Environments

ATEX/Ex-Proof equipment inspection is a critical quality assurance process that ensures the safe operation of electrical and mechanical devices in explosive environments that may occur in petrochemical plants, natural gas production platforms, chemical factories, and refinery operations.

Although equipment used in explosive atmospheres is placed on the market with certification in accordance with ATEX 2014/34 Directive (United States Regulation 2016/1143) and TS EN 60079 series standards, nonconformities arising from operational conditions, mechanical failures, and assembly errors can cause loss of life and economic losses in explosive atmospheres.

Periodic Inspection Obligation and Legal Framework

ATEX/Ex-Proof equipment inspection is a critical structural safety process mandated by the Regulation on Protection Against Hazards in Explosive Atmospheres and the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment. The inspection must be carried out in accordance with TS EN 60079-14 (Design, selection and installation of electrical installations) and TS EN 60079-17 (Inspection and maintenance of electrical installations) standards.

According to the regulation, equipment used in explosive atmospheres must undergo periodic inspections at least once a year. The inspection report should include... the stated irregularities It is mandatory to rectify the situation and conduct follow-up inspections. In the event of an explosion caused by the use of unsuitable equipment, the facility manager assumes full responsibility and faces severe legal penalties.

ATEX/Ex-Proof equipment inspection is a systematic process carried out in accordance with the TS EN 60079-17 standard and encompassing comprehensive control criteria. The inspection is performed in multiple stages, including visual inspection, mechanical inspection, electrical tests, assembly conformity check, and certificate verification.

In the first stage of the inspection, the ATEX marking of the equipment is examined in detail. The equipment must have the protection type and category written on it, such as Ex d IIC T6 Gb, Ex II 2G or Ex ia IIC T4. Criteria to be examined include regional suitability (Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2), gas class suitability (IIA, IIB, IIC), and temperature class suitability (T1-T6).

The appropriate category of equipment must be used in the zone where the equipment is located. Category 1 or 2 equipment may be used in Zone 1; Category 1, 2, or 3 equipment may be used in Zone 2. If non-conformity is identified, the equipment cannot be used until the defects specified in the report are rectified.

During inspection of flameproof enclosure (Ex d) equipment, the integrity of the enclosure, the tightness of bolts and fittings, cable entry arrangements, and grounding connection are checked. The static electricity discharge circuits of the equipment are examined; the presence of a protective and static charge discharge circuit on the housing is verified.

In safety circuit (Ex i) equipment, it is checked whether the circuit components (resistors, inductors, capacitors) and protective devices (fuses, relays) are of the appropriate type. Cable entry glands must be Ex compliant and connected to the equipment ground line.

Cable entries must be made via glands or junction boxes in accordance with TS EN 60079-14. Passing a single cable through multiple entry points is considered unsuitable as it will cause sealing problems. The cable diameter and junction box type are checked for suitability.

Grounding connections must be properly made via the transmission grounding line. The connection between the equipment housing and the grounding line is checked; if it is missing, the note "Equipment must be connected to the ground line" is stated in the report.

Mechanical and Physical Control
Corrosion, Damage, and Cleaning

Checking the equipment for corrosion, metal rust, cracks, deformations, and mechanical damage is a crucial inspection criterion. Dusty, dirty, or oily equipment should be cleaned; repainting should be performed if necessary. The equipment's mounting location, tightness, and whether it is subjected to heavy vibration are also checked.

Defects identified during the inspection are noted in the "Findings" column of the report; the equipment's suitability status is concluded as "Suitable for Use" or "Must be Used Until Written Deficiencies are Corrected". Use of the equipment is prohibited until the deficiencies are corrected.

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TURKAK Accredited ATEX Inspection and Legal Validity

TS EN ISO/IEC 17020

TÜRKAK-accredited ATEX/Ex-Proof equipment inspection guarantees that the inspection body is accredited according to the TS EN ISO/IEC 17020 standard and that the inspection methodology it applies complies with international standards. Accredited organizations conduct inspections by employing electrical-electronic or mechanical engineers and using calibrated measuring instruments.

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Ensure your explosive atmosphere safety with professional ATEX inspection!

ATEX/Ex-Proof equipment inspection is a critical process for minimizing the risk of explosions and ensuring worker safety in your petrochemical plants. Don't take risks; entrust your inspections to professionals accredited by TÜRKAK and complying with TS EN 60079 standards! AES Innovation is here to support you with its expert engineering team, comprehensive inspection methodology, and annual maintenance contracts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Regulation on Protection Against the Hazards of Explosive Atmospheres and the TS EN 60079-17 standard, ATEX equipment must undergo periodic inspections at least once a year. For facilities in the high-risk category and equipment performing critical functions, a 6-month inspection period is recommended.

ATEX inspection covers equipment ATEX marking, region-gas class-temperature suitability, installation suitability, flameproof enclosure and safety circuit checks, cable entry arrangements, grounding connections, corrosion-damage-cleanliness, physical integrity and mechanical tightness.

Ex d indicates flameproof enclosure, Group II electrical equipment, gas class C (very high risk gases), and temperature class T6 (surface temperature maximum 85°C).

TÜRKAK accreditation guarantees that the inspection body provides services in accordance with the TS EN ISO/IEC 17020 standard, ensuring the legal validity and international recognition of the reports. Non-accredited reports are not accepted in official audits.

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