Why is the Cygnus 1 Ex so unique?

The Cygnus 1 Ex is Intrinsically Safe, certified to Zone 0, suitable for hazardous areas. These statements introduce our Cygnus 1 Ex Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge, but what do they mean? Let's demystify them and explain the regulations surrounding equipment in hazardous areas.

Explosive Atmospheres:

The term Ex refers to explosive atmospheres and the schemes used to prevent explosions. Hazardous Areas are locations where fire or explosion risks exist due to ignitable substances like gases, vapours, or dusts in the air.

Ex Schemes and Standards:

These schemes, like 'IECEx', are globally recognized standards governing equipment use in explosive atmospheres. The IECEx system certifies equipment to standards related to explosive atmospheres.

Cygnus 1 Ex Approval:

Our Cygnus 1 Ex gauge meets IECEx, ATEX, and UKEX requirements, being the only gauge meeting ATEX Zone 0, equivalent to NEC (UL) Class I Division 1 Group "ALL".

Zones and Divisions:

These are hazardous area classifications.

• 'Zones' are used in the European ATEX scheme.
• 'Classes', 'Divisions', and 'Groups' are terms in the North American NEC/UL scheme.
• Zones classify areas based on the frequency and duration of explosive atmospheres.
• Zone 0 is the Most Hazardous Area.
• In the North American scheme, Divisions replace Zones.

Ex Standards vs. Other Testing Methods:

Ex ensures equipment safety even if faulty, with redundant safety circuits and rigorous testing to prevent explosions. MIL-STD-810G tests equipment for explosion risk on a single day, offering no guarantee against future hazards.

Next Article:

Stay tuned for an article explaining 'Intrinsically Safe', Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs), and Hot Work Permits.

Cygnus 1 Ex, like all our products, is UK-manufactured with a 3-year warranty.

For more information on Why is the Cygnus 1 Ex so unique? talk to Cygnus Instruments Ltd