VAC-U-MAX has announced ATEX Certification for three of its compressed-air-powered (non-electrical) industrial vacuum cleaning systems for use in explosion-hazard environments. ATEX Certification requires a third-party review and full testing of VAC-U-MAX equipment, not just the design paperwork. The testing organization, Intertek, located in Cortland NY, is a Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL) as designated by OSHA.

“This is a key factor because some organizations are touting ATEX Certification, but their NRTL is not recognized by OSHA” says David Kennedy, director of business development for VAC-U-MAX. “If you are not recognized as an OSHA NRTL, your equipment does not meet the requirements for their Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program”. Successful testing resulted in a “Type Examination Certificate” in accordance with the latest revision of the EN ISO 80079-36 and EN ISO 80079-37.

Kyle Goltsch, VAC-U-MAX mechanical designer for the ATEX Certification effort added, "The submittal documentation such as the Ignition Hazards Analysis was a collective of our 65 years of experience in handling combustible dusts, resulting in a proof-of-design that passed the tests. It was gratifying that our standard products did not have to change to meet the latest ATEX standards---in the end, all we needed were a few new labels."

Kennedy further stated that, “VAC-U-MAX was founded in 1954 with the world’s first alternative-energy vacuum---one that operated on compressed air instead of electricity---for safe operation in the textile mill industry of New Jersey. The safe design of our equipment is part of our DNA. We did not need regulation to hold us to a higher standard. We opted for the full 3^rd-party testing process for our industrial vacuums. We did not like the self-certifying option that is available in the ATEX standards, and some of our customers don’t like it either,” said Kennedy.

VAC-U-MAX received ATEX approval for three product ranges of compressed-air-powered vacuums: the CD Series for Combustible Dusts, FL Series for Flammable Liquids and SR Series for Submerged Recovery applications such as reactive metal powders from 3-D printing and explosives used in ordnance production. VAC-U-MAX is a UL-certified designer and builder of control panels. Where UL standards exist, VAC-U-MAX is in compliance. ATEX certification was a necessity as UL did not have a standard for non-electrical equipment in explosion-hazard environments. For more information or to discuss industrial vacuum cleaning applications visit www.vac-u-max.com/vacuum.