ATEX 94/9/EC Directive

ATEX Directive
applied to auxiliary
sealant systems

Fabrizio Ghilardi
John Crane Italia SpA

ATEX 94/9/EC Directive

Seal systems

Seal Systems :

they are not classed as a component unless the system

contains an independent pump
they need certification for electrical instrumentation
linked to the seal arrangement

ATEX 94/9/EC Seal Systems

In case of seal auxiliary systems, the performance of some of them
is directly related to the design and operation of the seals they
lubricate.
John Crane and its Notified Body, TV, have agreed that the seal
and system must be combined in the ATEX Declaration of
Conformity and supplied as a combination.
Its our judgement that auxiliary systems will not be used in a zone 0
or 20 environment and hence our ATEX qualification has been based
on Group II, categories 2 and 3 (Gas and Dust).
For those systems and seals we feel fit the criteria for definition as
an ATEX category 2 and 3 component we have submitted Technical
Files to TV for storage and have produced the Declarations of
Conformity.
3

ATEX 94/9/EC Seal systems

To meet our obligations under ATEX 94/9/ECs Essential Health and Safety
Requirements, when requested for seal and system to ATEX category 2 or 3 we
will provide the following;
Declaration of Conformity for the auxiliary system
Instruction Manual specific to the Plan that meets our ATEX commitments
Declaration of Conformity for the seals, specific to the seal configuration.
Seal Instruction Manual based on latest engineered cartridge seal Template, or
Standard Seal
Instruction Manual together with Seal IM Addendum for ATEX.
When auxiliary systems are combined with a seal arrangement the maximum surface
temperature of the combination is determined by the seal assembly. We thus state in our
Declaration of Conformity and our System Instruction Manuals that the user must consult
the seal Instruction Manual for the detail of the Maximum Surface Temperature (MST).

ATEX 94/9/EC Seal systems

Plan 23
There are no moving parts that may constitute an ignition risk. ATEX certification for the heat
exchanger is thus unnecessary but if requested we should provide a Declaration of
Conformity as is applicable to the seal arrangement.
Plan 31
There are no moving parts that may constitute an ignition risk. ATEX certification for the
cyclone is thus unnecessary but if requested we should provide a Declaration of Conformity
as is applicable to the seal arrangement.
Plan 52
A Declaration of Conformity is available for our range of wet, dual unpressurised seals (2CWCW). The design settlement temperature for the buffer liquid should be 80 oC.API 682 (2nd
Edition) and ISO 21049 maximum inlet/outlet differential temperatures are recommended.
The Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC) will class the reservoir by the most hazardous
fluid (process or buffer); this is likely to be the process in most services.
A low-level warning alarm is required in the reservoir.
Topping-up of buffer liquid must be done using a source that doesnt permit entry of air into
the reservoir.

For all systems all electrical warning switches and indicators we might supply as part of the
system should have their own specific Declarations of Conformity and are supplied to the
relevant EN Standard. In the case of IS switches EN 60049 Part 14 permits an ATEX opt-out

ATEX 94/9/EC Seal systems

Plan 53A / B / C
The hazard analysis submitted to TV for storage indicated the system would have
the following specifications;
The design settlement temperature for the buffer liquid should be 80oC.
Systems relying solely on thermo-syphonic flow inducement are not permitted on
pumps or compressors. API 682 (2nd Edition) and ISO 21049 maximum inlet/outlet
differential temperatures are recommended.
The Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC) will class the reservoir by the hazard
rating of the barrier liquid.
A pressure relief valve is fitted if the rating of the equipment exceeds the reservoir.
A low-pressure alarm should be fitted.
A low level alarm should be fitted (A/C)
A pressure relief valve is required(C)
All details of interconnecting pipe work, suitable barrier liquid properties, function
etc etc is detailed in our Instruction Manual for this piping plan.
Topping-up of barrier liquid must be done using a source that doesnt permit entry
of air into the reservoir.

For all systems all electrical warning switches and indicators we might supply as
part of the system should have their own specific Declarations of Conformity and are
supplied to the relevant EN Standard. In the case of IS switches EN 60049 Part 14
permits an ATEX opt-out

ATEX 94/9/EC Seal systems

Plan 54
These are supplied in such a wide combination of designs that generic descriptions
and hazard analyses are too difficult. Our strategy is to provide an ATEX Group 2 / 3
Declaration but the creation of the Technical File and its submission will be done
specific to the order. This will reflect on price and delivery. Normally Plan 54 is not
supplied by John Crane
Plan 72
This buffer gas flush system, used with Plans 75 and 76, we do not consider fits the
criteria as an ATEX 94/9/EC Component. It is constant-loss flow and pressure
controlling system, without any moving parts, whose supply source and temperature
is not controlled by the seal or system.
Plan 74
This barrier gas supply system should be treated in the same manner as Plan 72.
Plan 75 and 76
There is no clear product marketed no Technical File.

For all systems all electrical warning switches and indicators we might supply as part
of the system should have their own specific Declarations of Conformity and are
supplied to the relevant EN Standard. In the case of IS switches EN 60049 Part 14
permits an ATEX opt-out

Conclusions
ATEX certification always refers to
Mechanical seal + sealant system as unique
system

Sealant system design should reflect the

features, requested by technical file
submitted to TUV

ATEX 94/9/EC Seal systems

THE END ?

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