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ATEX Oil Leak Sensor


In today’s world, environmental sustainability and safety are paramount. Consequently, the demand for advanced solutions to detect petrol and diesel leaks is rising. A key player in this domain is our ATEX Oil Leak Sensor. This cutting-edge device swiftly detect leaks, preventing soil and water contamination. Additionally, it ensures compliance with stringent regulations and priortise intrinsic safety. Join us as we explore the significance of ATEX leak sensors in modern fuel management practices.

ATEX Oil leak sensor.

Unraveling the ATEX Origin

ATEX, originates from the French phrase “ATmosphères EXplosibles.” This European Union directive sets high standards to ensure that equipment is deemed intrinsically safe. This means that devices have been ” designed to be incapable of producing heat or spark sufficient to ignite an explosive atmosphere, even if the device has experienced deterioration or has been damaged.”

The ATEX directive comprises two key components (one for the manufacturer and one for the user of the equipment):

The aim of Directive 2014/34/EU is to facilitate the free trade of ATEX equipment within the EU by eliminating the need for separate testing and documentation across member states. It encompasses both electrical and mechanical equipment, including protective systems, categorized as ‘I’ for mining and ‘II’ for surface industries. Compliance with the directive, indicated by the CE marking and the Ex marking, allows seamless distribution of equipment across the EU without extra requirements. This directive encompasses a wide range of equipment, applicable in diverse settings such as fixed offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, mines, and flour mills, where potentially explosive atmospheres may exist. For further reading on the detailed regulations, visit the European Commision page.

Understanding ATEX Zones

The ATEX Directive addresses the risk of explosions stemming from flammable gases, vapors, combustible dust, and fibers. In accordance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR), an explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture of hazardous substances within the air under specific atmospheric conditions. These substances exist in the form of gases or airborne particulates, wherein combustion, once initiated, can propagate throughout the entire mixture.

These atmospheric conditions typically encompass temperatures ranging from −20 to 40°C and pressures between 0.8 to 1.1 bar. ATEX ratings further classify hazardous areas into distinct zones based on the likelihood and persistence of explosive atmospheres. Zone 2 posing the lowest risk and Zones 0 and 1 representing progressively higher risks.

By categorizing hazardous areas into these zones, the ATEX Directive provides a systematic approach to assessing and mitigating the potential risks associated with explosive atmospheres. This promotes safer working environments and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Drawing to show the different ATEX rated zones. From Zone 0 (highest risk) to Zone 2 (low risk)

ATEX certification for our AOSP sensor

Our ATEX-rated sensor has been certified for:

II 1 Ex ia T4 Ga (-30 to +80°C)
Ex ia IIC T4 Ga (-30 to +80°C)

In summary, both ratings indicate that the ATEX Oil Leak Sensor is designed to be intrinsically safe.

The Role of Namur Sensors

To ensure that our ATEX Oil Leak Sensor can be used in an ATEX Zone 0, we have integrated a NAMUR sensor. NAMUR and ATEX are closely related in the context of industrial safety and compliance with regulations in hazardous environments. NAMUR sensors are often designed with intrinsically safe circuitry to prevent the generation of sparks, arcs, or excessive temperatures that could ignite flammable atmospheres.

A NAMUR sensor is powered by a nominal 8.2 VDC supply, sourced from a switch amplifier. To prevent an arc, the sensor does not switch a transistor output (open or closed). Instead it uses a 2-wire connecting cable to modify the impediance. It differentiates between the presence and absence of a liquid by switching between two distinct current levels. When there is no oil or petrol touching the sensor, the impedance increases and the current drops below 1mA. When the liquid touches the sensor, the impedance descreases and the current increases to more than 3mA.

The Significance of Intrinsic Barriers

To connect our ATEX Oil Leak Sensor with the Two-Zone Oil Leak Alarm – Type ODS2-3, you must use an Intrinsic barrier.

An intrinsic barrier serves as a safeguard for electrical equipment in hazardous locales. It acts akin to a pressure valve, shielding devices from power surges and mitigating ignition risks. To ensure optimal safety and performance, the intrinsic barrier must be positioned between the Namur sensor in the hazardous area (ATEX Zone 0) and the Oil Leak Alarm in the Safe Area.

Illustration showing how a Galvonic Barrier is connected to a Namur sensor in a hasardous area.

Conclusion: importance of the ATEX Oil Leak Sensor

Recognizing the importance of ATEX, Namur sensors, and intrinsic barriers is crucial for safety in hazardous environments. This becomes vital when monitoring critical areas for petrol and diesel leaks. Adhering to ATEX regulations not only provides peace of mind in safeguarding personnel and assets but also demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and best practices in industrial safety.

If you’re eager to delve deeper into details about our ATEX oil leak sensor, don’t hesitate to reach out to CMR Electrical at 01825 733600, or simply drop us a message for a prompt response.