ATEX – Certified Fans for Explosive Atmospheres
Sodeca ATEX Solutions
Southern Africa Distribution Partner
Apex Engineering (PTY) Ltd is Sodeca’s authorised distributor for the Southern African region.
We stock key models locally, size systems to SANS 10400-T, and handle installation and after-sales support.
SODECA ATEX EXTRACTION SYSTEMS
For Zone 1 & 21 hazardous areas
SODECA ATEX extraction fans are engineered in accordance with European explosive-atmosphere standards:
Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX 114)
Governs equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres across the EU and is recognised by South-African authorities.
EN 14986 : 2017 – Fans for explosive atmospheres
Defines design, construction, testing and marking requirements for complete fan units handling flammable gas, vapour, mist or dust.
IEC 60079 series – Electrical equipment
Covers Ex d, Ex e, Ex n, Ex t protection concepts and zone classification (IEC 60079-10-1/2).
ISO / IEC 80079-36 – Non-electrical equipment
Specifies how non-electrical ignition sources (e.g. rotating fan blades) must be designed and tested for all EPLs (Ga / Gb / Gc).
EN 1127-1 : 2019 – Explosion prevention & protection
Provides the risk-assessment framework that underpins the above product standards.
Explosion-Risk Mitigation by Ventilation
A single spark in a paint booth, sugar mill or petro-chemical line can set off an explosion. ATEX rules exist to remove that spark risk before it starts.
Europe’s Directive 2014/34/EU lays out the legal framework, while EN 14986:2017 spells out how fans must be built so their blades, casings and motors can’t ignite a flammable mix of gas or dust.
1. Non-sparking parts
Soft copper or aluminium strips sit at the impeller tip; if the blade ever touches the housing, the soft metal rubs rather than strikes, preventing sparks.
2. Ex-rated motor
Motors are temperature-classed (e.g., T4 = 135 °C surface max). The motor is sealed or built so that any heat or arcs stay inside. Different “Ex” codes (db, eb, tb) tell you which safety method is used.
3. Anti-static paint & earthing
The casing is coated and grounded so dust can’t build up an electric charge. Entire assembly is designed per EN 14986 for explosive atmospheres.
Features & Benefits of Sodeca ATEX Fans
SODECA ATEX FAN RANGE
HCDF
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Applications of ATEX Fans
There are many applications that may require fans prepared to work in explosive atmospheres.
In general, any application that takes place in a zone with a risk of explosion.
Oil Refineries
Chemical and Pharmaceutical industries
Paint and varnish booths
Agri-food industry
Wood and carpentry industry
Fuel warehouses (liquid or gaseous)
Shipbuilding
Off-shore
Green hydrogen electrolysers
Get Expert Design Assistance for Your ATEX Ventilation Project
Tailored Solutions That Meet Industry Standards
Apex Engineering provides turnkey ATEX ventilation solutions that meet SANS 10400-T and EU directives.
Upload your P&IDs or zoning drawings and our engineers will size the correct Sodeca fan and issue the compliance pack.
SODECA ATEX Fans FAQ’s
What is ATEX and why is it critical for explosive-atmosphere extraction?
ATEX (Directive 2014/34/EU) sets mandatory safety rules for equipment used in explosive atmospheres; Sodeca fans meet these rules and are accepted by South-African authorities.
How do ATEX fans prevent ignition during extraction?
EN 14986 demands non-ferrous tip rings, verified clearances and Ex-rated motors, eliminating sparks while air is extracted.
Can ventilation really de-classify a Zone 1 area?
Yes – continuous extraction that keeps gas or dust below 25 % LEL allows re-classification to Zone 2/22, reducing Ex hardware costs.
Which ATEX marking covers both gas and dust?
Specify dual “GD” coding, e.g. II 2 GD Ex db eb h IIB T4/T135 °C Gb Db, protecting Zones 1 & 21 simultaneously.
Does ATEX equipment need special maintenance?
Periodic checks under IEC 60079-17 ensure clearances, earthing straps and coatings remain within EN 14986 limits; Apex offers annual audits.
Full Turnkey Explosive Atmospheric Ventilation Systems, including Supply & Install.
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Durban, South Africa
- info@apexengineering.co.za
- sales@apexengineering.co.za
- tenders@apexengineering.co.za
