Type testing

Type examination (EU type examination, Module B) is a conformity assessment procedure in which a notified body examines the technical design and a representative sample of a product and certifies that all relevant requirements of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU are met. It is required in particular for equipment in Categories 1 and M1, as well as for certain electrical equipment in Categories 2 and M2, before such equipment may be placed on the market for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

As part of the type examination, technical documentation, risk assessments, design documentation, test records and, where necessary, additional type tests are evaluated in order to demonstrate the equipment’s explosion protection. If the tested type meets the requirements, the notified body issues an EU type examination certificate, on the basis of which the manufacturer may ensure that its series production conforms to the tested type and affix the ATEX marking.

amixon® mixing plants and dryers are frequently used in areas at risk of dust explosions, where the mixing chamber is typically classified as Zone 20 and the immediate surroundings as Zones 21 or 22. For such applications, the operator has the explosion protection professionally assessed and determines the zone classification; on this basis, they select equipment of the appropriate equipment category (e.g. II 1D or II 2D), for which the manufacturer provides an EU type examination certificate in accordance with the ATEX Directive as part of the type examination.