IMW Industries Receives ATEX Approval

Ostrava-Radvanice, Czech Rep. - August 2009

IMW received ATEX equipment directive approval for the sale of their IMW50 CNG compressor into Europe. They are now certified to apply the ATEX marking at their award-winning manufacturing facility in British Columbia, Canada.
The IMW50 compressor is an advanced CNG compressor built by IMW since 1984, and utilizes non-lubricated compression cylinders to provide compressed natural gas with negligible oil contamination, compared with lubricated compressors.

Background

The ATEX 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC applies to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The aim of directive 94/9/EC is to allow the free trade of ‘ATEX’ equipment within the European Union by removing the need for separate testing and documentation for each member state. Certification ensures that the equipment or protective system is fit for its intended purpose

The regulations apply to all equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres, whether electrical or mechanical, including protective systems. There are two categories of equipment: I for coal mining and II for industrial applications. Manufacturers who apply its provisions and affix the CE marking and the Ex marking are able to sell their equipment anywhere within the European union without any further requirements being applied with respect to the risks covered being applied.

Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet essential health and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures. This usually involves testing and certification by a ‘third-party’ certification body (e.g. Lloyd's, TUV). Once certified, the equipment is marked by the ‘CE’ (meaning it complies with ATEX and all other relevant directives) and ‘Ex’ symbol to identify it as approved under the ATEX directive. The technical dossier must be kept for a period of 10 years.

For more information on IMW products and services, contact us

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