Operation; Atex Directive Implications; Introduction; Flammable/Pyrophoric Materials - Edwards RV3 Instruction Manual

4

Operation

Do not expose any part of your body to vacuum. If you do, you may be injured.
4.1

ATEX directive implications

4.1.1

Introduction

This equipment is designed to meet the requirements of Group II Category 3 equipment in accordance with
Directive 94/9/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 23rd March 1994 on the approximation of the laws
of the Member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres. (The ATEX Directive)
The ATEX Category 3 applies in respect of potential ignition sources internal to the equipment. An ATEX Category has
not been assigned in respect of potential ignition sources on the outside of the equipment as the equipment has not
been designed for use where there is an external potentially explosive atmosphere.
There is no potential source of ignition within the pump during normal operation but there may be potential sources
of ignition under conditions of predicted and rare malfunction as defined in the Directive. Accordingly, although the
pump is designed to pump flammable materials and mixtures, operating procedures should ensure that under all
normal and reasonably predicted conditions, these materials and mixtures are not within explosive limits. Category 3
is considered appropriate for the avoidance of ignition in the case of a rare malfunction which allows flammable
materials or mixtures to pass through the pump while within their explosive limits.
4.1.2

Flammable/pyrophoric materials

You must obey the instructions and take note of the precautions given below, to ensure that
pumped gases do not enter their flammable ranges.
When flammable or pyrophoric materials are present within the equipment you must:
Not allow air to enter the equipment.
Ensure the system is leak tight.
Use an inert gas purge (for example, a nitrogen purge) to dilute any flammable gases or vapours entering the
pump inlet, and/or use an inert gas purge to reduce the concentration of flammable gases or vapours in the
pump and in the exhaust pipeline to less than one quarter of the gases' published lower explosive limits
(LEL).
Use an inert gas purge into the pump gas ballast connection to prevent the condensation of flammable
vapours within the pump mechanism and exhaust pipeline.
© Edwards Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
Edwards and the Edwards logo are trade marks of Edwards Limited.
WARNING
WARNING
A652–01–880 Issue S
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