ATEX Vacuum Buying Guide: Selecting the Right Equipment for Your Hazardous Areas
Learn how to choose the right ATEX industrial vacuum. This buying guide covers zone ratings, capacity, filtration, and features to match equipment to your hazardous area requirements.
Making the Right ATEX Vacuum Investment
Choosing an ATEX vacuum isn't like choosing a standard industrial vacuum. You can't simply pick the most powerful model or the best value. The equipment must be matched to your specific hazardous area classifications, the materials you're handling, and your operational requirements. Get it wrong, and you're either non-compliant or over-investing in protection you don't need.
This guide walks through the key decisions in selecting ATEX vacuum equipment—from understanding your zone requirements to evaluating practical features. Whether you're replacing existing equipment or specifying ATEX vacuums for the first time, this will help you make an informed choice.
Step 1: Understand Your Zone Classifications
Before looking at any equipment, you need to know your hazardous area classifications. These come from your DSEAR risk assessment and determine the minimum equipment category required. [LINK: ATEX Zone Classifications Explained]
For dust atmospheres:
Zone 20 requires Category 1D equipment (highest protection)
Zone 21 requires minimum Category 2D equipment
Zone 22 requires minimum Category 3D equipment
For gas atmospheres:
Zone 0 requires Category 1G equipment
Zone 1 requires minimum Category 2G equipment
Zone 2 requires minimum Category 3G equipment
You can always use higher-category equipment than required (it provides more protection), but never lower. If your facility has multiple zone classifications, select equipment rated for your highest-hazard areas or maintain separate equipment for different zones. [LINK: DSEAR Compliance Guide]
Step 2: Consider Your Materials
The materials you're collecting affect equipment selection in several ways: [LINK: Complete Guide to Combustible Dusts]
Dust Group
Combustible dusts are classified into groups based on their properties:
IIIA — Combustible flyings (fibres, lint)
IIIB — Non-conductive dusts (most organic dusts, plastics)
IIIC — Conductive dusts (metal powders, carbon)
Equipment certified for IIIC can be used for all dust groups. Equipment certified only for IIIB cannot be used with conductive dusts.
Temperature Considerations
The equipment's maximum surface temperature must be appropriate for your materials. Check the minimum ignition temperatures of your dusts (both cloud and layer) and ensure the equipment rating includes adequate safety margins.
Minimum Ignition Energy
Some materials (particularly certain pharmaceuticals and metal dusts) have very low minimum ignition energies. For these sensitive materials, ensure the equipment is designed and certified for low-MIE applications.
Step 3: Size the Equipment Correctly
ATEX vacuums come in a wide range of sizes and capacities. Consider:
Collection Capacity
How much material do you need to collect between emptying? Larger collection vessels mean less frequent emptying but bigger equipment. Consider your production volumes and how often emptying is practical. Containers typically range from 15 litres to 100+ litres.
Motor Power and Airflow
More power isn't always better—it needs to match your application. Fine dusts require different airflow characteristics than heavy debris. Consider the materials you're collecting and the hose/tool configurations you'll use.
Duty Cycle
Standard ATEX vacuums are rated for intermittent duty—typically expressed as operating time before requiring rest. Continuous-duty models are designed for extended operation, such as permanent connection to extraction points. Match the duty cycle to your usage pattern.
Step 4: Evaluate Practical Features
Filtration
Standard filtration captures most material but allows fine particles through. HEPA filtration (H13 or H14) captures particles down to 0.3 micrometres with 99.95%+ efficiency. HEPA is essential for applications requiring operator protection from fine dusts, including pharmaceutical and some food applications.
Filter Cleaning
Some models include automatic or semi-automatic filter cleaning (often via reverse air pulse). This maintains suction performance and extends filter life, particularly valuable when collecting fine dusts that quickly clog filters.
Construction Materials
Stainless steel construction offers durability and cleanability, important for pharmaceutical and food applications. Painted steel is more economical for general industrial use. All wetted parts must be antistatic or conductive.
Mobility
Consider how the equipment will be moved. Castors, handles, and weight all affect manoeuvrability. Some applications benefit from fixed installations; others need mobile equipment that moves between areas.
Accessories and Tooling
Hoses, wands, and floor tools must also be suitable for hazardous areas—antistatic hoses and conductive tools are essential. Check what's included and what accessories are available for your specific applications.
Step 5: Consider Total Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is only part of the cost. Consider:
Consumables: Filter replacement frequency and cost, collection bags, and other consumables add up over the equipment's life.
Maintenance: ATEX equipment requires proper maintenance to remain compliant. Consider service requirements and costs.
Durability: Higher-quality equipment typically lasts longer and maintains performance better. The cheapest option may not be the best value over time.
Downtime: Equipment reliability affects your operations. Consider manufacturer reputation and service support availability.
Acquisition Options: Buy, Hire, or Lease
ATEX vacuum equipment represents a significant investment. Purchase isn't the only option:
Outright purchase gives you ownership and full control. Best for equipment you'll use continuously long-term.
Hire provides flexibility for short-term needs, project work, or while evaluating requirements. No capital commitment but higher cost for extended use. [LINK: ATEX Vacuum Hire]
Leasing spreads cost over time with fixed payments. Tax-efficient and preserves capital. Often includes maintenance. [LINK: Buying vs Leasing Industrial Cleaning Equipment]
The right choice depends on your cash flow, usage patterns, and financial preferences. All options deliver compliant equipment for your hazardous areas.
Common Selection Mistakes to Avoid
Under-specifying zone rating: Using Zone 22 equipment in a Zone 21 area is both non-compliant and dangerous. Always match or exceed your classification requirements.
Ignoring dust group: Equipment rated for IIIB dust cannot be used with conductive (IIIC) dusts like metal powders.
Underestimating capacity needs: Equipment that needs emptying too frequently disrupts operations. Slightly larger capacity often makes practical sense.
Forgetting accessories: Non-ATEX hoses or tools defeat the purpose of ATEX vacuum equipment. Ensure all components are suitable. [LINK: Decoding ATEX Markings]
Expert Guidance on ATEX Vacuum Selection
CFM North East has supplied ATEX industrial vacuums across Yorkshire and the North East for over 25 years. As an approved Nilfisk supplier, we offer a comprehensive range of Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22 equipment.
We can help you navigate the selection process—from understanding your zone requirements to specifying equipment that meets your operational needs. Our advice is practical and focused on getting you the right equipment, not the most expensive
