ATEX Temperature Measurements
Temperature measurements are an important part of the assessment and certification of explosion-protected equipment. These measurements are used not only to determine the maximum surface temperature, but also the maximum service temperature to which individual components are exposed during operation.
MIBEX performs temperature measurements on electrical and non-electrical ATEX equipment to support product assessments, material selection and technical documentation.
Maximum Surface Temperature and Service Temperature
The maximum surface temperature is important for determining the temperature class or maximum surface temperature marking of explosion-protected equipment, to prevent the ignition of an explosive atmosphere by hot surfaces.
The maximum service temperature is the highest temperature to which specific components are exposed under the intended operating conditions. This temperature is particularly important for:
- Assessing the suitability of plastics, seals and other non-metallic materials.
- Determining the required temperature resistance and material characteristics, such as TI, RTI and COT.
- Establishing the test conditions for thermal ageing tests (thermal endurance to heat).
- Determining the conditions for additional mechanical tests, such as impact tests, where required by the applicable standards.
Accurate determination of the service temperature is particularly important for plastic enclosures and components that contribute to explosion protection.
Temperature Measurements According to ATEX and IECEx Standards
MIBEX performs temperature measurements in accordance with the relevant requirements of standards such as EN IEC 60079-0 and EN ISO 80079-36.
Depending on the purpose of the assessment, measurements are performed under the specified operating and ambient conditions and, where required, under relevant fault conditions.
Our services include:
- Preparing a test plan and identifying the required measurement points.
- Identifying hotspots using a FLIR E53 thermal imaging camera.
- Performing and recording temperature measurements using thermocouples and a calibrated multi-channel data logger.
- Evaluating measurement results against the applicable standard requirements and material specifications.
- Preparing a test report to support the ATEX or IECEx assessment.
Supporting the Technical Documentation
The measurement results are used to establish the maximum surface temperature and the service temperatures of relevant components.
These results provide technical evidence to support the temperature classification, material selection and any additional testing requirements.
MIBEX also provides support with explosion-safe design and the preparation of technical documentation for ATEX and IECEx certification.
Do you require temperature measurements for the ATEX or IECEx assessment of your equipment? Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.
