ATEX lamps: core technology and application practice for safe lighting at natural gas stations

As a high-risk workplace, natural gas stations are often characterized by the presence of flammable and explosive gases such as methane and propane, and ordinary lighting equipment is prone to explosions caused by electric sparks or high temperatures.

ATEX lamps, as EU certified explosion-proof lighting equipment, have become the cornerstone of safe operation of natural gas stations by virtue of their strict safety standards and technological innovations.

In this article, we will analyze its technical characteristics, application scenarios and selection strategy, to provide professional reference for the industry.

First. A natural gas station why must choose ATEX lamps?

1. Intrinsically safe explosion-proof design

Under the risk of natural gas leakage, ATEX lamps adopt explosion-proof [Ex d] or safety-enhanced [Ex e] structure, approved high-strength aluminum alloy shell and multiple sealing processes, the internal arc, sparks and the external explosive environment is physically isolated, in line with the ATEX directive II 2G Ex db IIC T4-T6 guidelines, can be safely used in Zone 1/2 hazardous areas.

2. Extreme Environmental Adaptability

Natural gas station environment with high temperature [up to 60 ℃ in summer], corrosive gases [such as H₂S] and dust.

ATEX lamps approved IP66/68 protection level and WF2 corrosion certification, the shell surface with nano-grade anticorrosive coatings, can be subject to salt spray, acid mist erosion, to ensure stable operation in the range of -40 ℃ to 80 ℃.

3. Long-term energy saving and improved operation and maintenance

Compared with traditional metal halide lamps, ATEX lamps are equipped with high luminous efficiency LED light source [≥140lm/W], which reduces energy consumption by more than 60% and has a long life of 100,000 hours.

The modularized design helps high-speed disassembly and assembly, reducing the frequency of overhead maintenance, especially for the top of storage tanks, compressor rooms and other high-risk areas.

Second. Typical application scenarios of ATEX lamps in natural gas station

1. Storage tank area and loading platform

This area has high gas concentration and needs to meet Zone 1 explosion-proof requirements.

ATEX lamps is equipped with anti-static coating and anti-vibration bracket, which can resist 5-2000Hz mechanical vibration, and with the wide-angle light distribution design (120° irradiation range), it can realize dead-angle-free illumination and reduce the risk of inspecting the blind area.

2. Compressor room and regulator station

For high temperature and high pressure environment, the lamps adopt vortex heat dissipation duct and nano thermal conductive material, the surface temperature is controlled in T6 group [≤85℃], to avoid ignition of combustible gas.

Some models are integrated with gas sensors, which can be linked to the alarm system for active safety protection.

3. Emergency access and control room

In case of power failure, ATEX lamps and lanterns have built-in Ni-Cd battery packs, which can be used for emergency lighting for more than 90 minutes and are approved for low-glare design [UGR<19] to ensure visual safety of personnel evacuation and equipment monitoring.

Third, ATEX lamps and lanterns technical innovation and selection points

1. Intelligent control and Internet of Things integration

The new generation of ATEX lamps and lanterns with DALI/0-10V dimming protocol can be accessed to the station DCS system, the implementation of zonal brightness adjustment and energy consumption monitoring.

The IoT model can also provide real-time feedback on luminaire temperature and power consumption data to provide early warning of potential failures.

2. Optical and heat dissipation system upgrade

Optical design: asymmetric lens light distribution technology to enhance the effective illuminance by 30%, spot uniformity of more than 85%, to avoid scattered light loss.

Heat dissipation technology: thermal bar + air pump circulation dual-channel heat dissipation, compared with the traditional structure of the cooling efficiency increased by 40%, to extend the life of the LED chip.

3. Selection of core indicators

Certification compliance: must be approved ATEX 2014/34/EU or IECEx certification, applicable gas group IIC [hydrogen and other high-risk gases].

Environmental suitability: T4 group [≤135℃] for high temperature areas, 316L stainless steel shell is preferred for corrosive environments.

Energy efficiency guidelines: LED light effect ≥ 120lm / W, color rendering index Ra> 80, to ensure the accuracy of equipment inspection.

FAQ: ATEX lamps and lanterns common problems answer

Q1：What is the difference between ATEX certification and ordinary explosion-proof certification?

A: ATEX is a mandatory certification of the European Union, covering gas and dust dual environment [Zone 0-2/20-22], while the national standard GB3836 only for the gas environment.

ATEX certification is subject to approval announcement organization audit, including technical document verification, sample testing and factory inspection.

Q2: How to plan the maintenance cycle of natural gas station fixtures?

A: It is advocated to check the aging of seals every 6 months and clean the lens surface every year. Quality ATEX lamps have a light source life of over 50,000 hours and do not need to be replaced for 10 years.

Q3: Does intelligent dimming affect the explosion-proof performance?

A: The dimming circuit needs to be encapsulated in a separate explosion-proof cavity and an intrinsically safe barrier is approved to isolate the signal transmission to ensure no risk of additional sparks.