The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU was published on 29 March 2014, by the European Parliament. It refers to the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The aim of of the directive is to allow the free trade of ‘ATEX’ equipment and protective systems within the EU by removing the need for separate testing and documentation for each member state. See it as a equipment passport for the countries in the EU. It is not replacing the CE marking for the machine directive. It is an additional requirement for some of the components

In the USA a similar standard that is the HAZLOC standard. This standard also defines and classifies hazardous locations such as explosive atmospheres.

ATEX in simple terms is trying to avoid that in a dangerous environment a component is able to set a fire or an explosion. In a dangerous environment like explosive gasses, dust or fibers it does not require a lot to set a fire or create an explosion. A heated surface, a mechanical or electrical spark is sufficient can be enough to start this.

Why is ATEX relevant for a rotary union? A rotary union is often part of a complex system of components. Johnson-Fluiten unions are used in applications and machinery that are delivered to industrial processes that require ATEX certification. Frequent requests arrive from applications in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry. Often these unions also require specific material compatibility, and we supply specific mechanical seals or O-rings.

In some case however a standard union can be compatible, and we can supply the rotary union from stock. The rotary union needs to have the ATEX marking on the union. Also indicate with your order that it requires an ATEX certificate. We can then mark the ATEX logo and required information on the rotary joint.

Johnson-Fluiten has a long history of supplying the ATEX certification on our products. Please contact us for your application requirements.