In many industrial processes, flammable gases, vapors, or dust may be present. When these substances combine with oxygen and an ignition source, an explosion can occur. Therefore, the European ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU mandates that only certified equipment may be used in hazardous environments. Schischek (part of Rotork) has been developing explosion-proof actuators, sensors, and switches for ventilation and process installations for decades. The products are used worldwide in HVAC systems, industrial ventilation, and process plants where safety, reliability, and ATEX certification are essential.
The product range consists of three main groups:
- explosion-proof actuators
- explosion-proof sensors and transmitters
- explosion-proof limit switches and feedback modules
These solutions are suitable for use in ATEX zones 1, 2, 21, and 22 depending on the selected product series.
Explosion-proof actuators
Schischek provides a complete range of explosion-proof electric actuators for operating air dampers, butterfly valves, and ball valves in ventilation and process installations.
ExMax series
The ExMax actuators are designed for applications in heavy-duty hazardous environments where high safety requirements apply.
Typical applications:
- Air dampers in ventilation ducts
- Smoke and fire dampers
- Butterfly valves and ball valves
- VAV systems
Suitable for ATEX zones
- Zone 1 and 2 (gas)
- Zone 21 and 22 (dust)
The actuators feature a robust design with an aluminum housing, integrated heating, and various control options such as 3-point control or modulating signals.
RedMax series
The RedMax series is developed for applications where explosion hazards are less frequent. These actuators offer the same reliability and functionality as the ExMax series but are specifically designed for:
ATEX zones
- Zone 2 (gas)
- Zone 22 (dust)
RedMax actuators are often used in ventilation systems of industrial buildings, power plants, and process installations.
InMax series
The InMax actuators are intended for non-hazardous areas, but are often used in the same installations where ATEX zones are also present. This allows for a uniform solution to be applied across a single project for both ATEX and non-ATEX areas.
Typical applications:
- Air handling units
- Industrial ventilation
- HVAC installations
- Process installations outside ATEX zones
Explosion-proof sensors, transmitters, limit switches, and feedback modules
In addition to actuators, Schischek also supplies sensors for measuring and monitoring process and climate parameters in explosive environments.
ExCos series
The ExCos sensors are suitable for measurements in heavy ATEX environments.
RedCos series
The RedCos series is designed for applications where an explosive atmosphere occurs less frequently. RedCos sensors are often used in ventilation and HVAC installations within industrial buildings.
InCos series
The InCos sensors are intended for standard industrial applications outside hazardous zones.
ExBin series
The ExBin limit switches are suitable for use in heavy-duty hazardous environments.
RedBin series
The RedBin series switches offer a reliable and economical solution for less critical hazardous zones.
InBin series
The InBin series is used in standard industrial applications outside ATEX zones. They are frequently used in HVAC installations, air handling units, and industrial ventilation systems.
ATEX zone classification
Hazardous areas are classified based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere being present.
Zone | Medium | Description |
|---|---|---|
Zone 0 | Gas | Explosive atmosphere permanently present |
Zone 1 | Gas | Explosive atmosphere may occur regularly |
Zone 2 | Gas | Explosive atmosphere occurs rarely |
Zone 20 | Dust | Explosive dust atmosphere permanently present |
Zone 21 | Dust | Explosive dust atmosphere may occur regularly |
Zone 22 | Dust | Explosive dust atmosphere occurs rarely |
The choice of equipment is determined by this zone classification, along with the explosion group and temperature class.
Reliable ATEX solutions for ventilation and process installations
With the ExMax, RedMax, InMax, ExCos, RedCos, InCos, ExBin, RedBin, and InBin product series, Schischek offers a complete range for explosion-proof automation of ventilation and process installations.
This enables installers and engineers to implement safe and reliable solutions for both ATEX zones and standard industrial environments.
Betec Controls has been a partner of Schischek since 1987 and is highly experienced with these products. Do you have questions about these products? Please contact us, or feel free to use the chat function!
