In Directive 2014/34/EU, equipment is divided into groups and categories. Almeco builds and sells fans of Group II, Category 2 and Category 3.
Group I | Group II | ||||
Category M1 | Category M2 | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | |
Level of protection | Very High | High | Very High | High | Normal |
Endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust | Is endangered | Is likely to be endangered | |||
Danger by gas, vapour, mist or air/dust mixtures | Long periods or frequently | Likely to occur | Unlikely to occur, and if they do occur, only infrequently and for a short period | ||
Required protection | 2 independent means / Or assured for 2 faults occuring independently | Also in case of more severe operating conditions | 2 independent means / Or assured for 2 faults occuring independently | Even in the event of frequently occuring disturbances of fault | Only during normal operation |
Usage | Mining & mining surface installations | Mining & mining surface installations | Gas: Zone 0, 1 & 2 | Gas: Zone 1 & 2 | Gas: Zone 2 |
Dust: Zone 20, 21 & 22 | Dust: Zone 21 & 22 | Dust: zone 22 | |||
Group I
Equipment of Group I: Intended for use in underground parts of mines as well as those parts of surface installations of such mines, endangered by firedamp and/or combustable dust.
Equipment of group I is divided into 2 categories, M1 and M2. Almeco does not build or sell fans for these categories.
Group II
Equipment of Group II: Intended for use in explosive atmospheres, other than mines or their surface installations.
Group II - Category 1
Equipment (fans) of Category 1 is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by mixtures of air and gases, vapors or mists or by air/dust mixtures are present continuously, for long periods or frequently. Almeco does not build or sell fans for these categories.
Group II - Category 2
Equipment of category 1 is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapors, mists or air/dust mixtures are likely to occur.
Category 2 comprises equipment designed to be capable of functioning in conformity with the operational parameters established by the manufacturer and of ensuring a high level of protection.
The means of protection related to equipment of category 2 ensures the requisite level of protection, even in the event of frequently occurring disturbances or equipment faults which normally have to be taken into account. Equipment (fans) of category 2 is suitable for use in zone 1 and 21 (also 2 and 22).
Group II, Category 3
Equipment (fans) of Category 3 is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapors, mists or air/dust are unlikely to occur, or, if they do occur, are likely to do so infrequently and for a short period only.
Category 3 comprises equipment designed to be capable of functioning in conformity with the operational parameters established by the manufacturer and of ensuring a normal level of protection.
Equipment of category 3 ensures the requisite level of protection during normal operation. Equipment (fans) of category 3 is suitable for use in zone 2 and 22.