Case Study: Barcom

Barcom Srl is a company that was born in the ceramic district in the province of Reggio Emilia and builds water purification and dust filtration systems especially for that sector. However, the applications developed by Barcom are many and the sectors of intervention are of various types. In fact, it also works for foundries, chemical companies and premix manufacturers.

Given the high explosive risk of the systems designed and developed, Barcom must guarantee the standards of the mandatory European Union ATEX certification in the presence of potentially explosive atmospheres such as the processing of:

• explosive material and flammable substances in the form of gases, vapors and mists;
• powders with high specific surface area and low self-ignition temperature;
• blends of plastic materials.

In other cases, the risk of explosion lies in the cutting site, during which the charged micro particles could be electrostatically charged, risking generating a high voltage ignition spark.

For detailed information, you can consult the BIA Report, a document drawn up by the German Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (IFA) which lists potentially explosive common industrial substances and dusts. In general, the European Union has adopted two directives on health and safety on the risk of potentially explosive atmospheres:

ATEX 2014/34/EU, which concerns the essential safety requirements of the product and of the equipment used in areas at risk of explosion;
ATEX 99/92/EC, which defines the minimum health and safety requirements in the workplace.

The ATEX 2014/34/EU certification was transposed in Italy with Legislative Decree 85 of 19 May 2016 and applies to products put on the market and/or put into service from 20 April 2016. While the ATEX directive 99/92/EC was transposed in Italy with Legislative Decree 233/03, which entered into force on 10 September 2003. The subsequent Legislative Decree 81/08 of April 9, 2008 (in particular the title XI - Protection from explosive atmospheres) and its update (Legislative Decree 106/2009 of 3/ 08/09, in force since 20 August) then passed the Legislative Decree 233/03.

“The ATEX certification is very important for our systems - explains Orsini of Barcom Srl - and thanks to the ten-year collaboration with CAMLogic we can guarantee reliable and safe control accessories at a good quality/price ratio. Even in the case of working in non-explosive environments. We have been working with CAMLogic for over 10 years and we have never encountered any malfunctions or anomalies.”

More than 10 years ago, in fact, Barcom Srl found the solution in CAMLogic level indicators to the need for a product that had a good value for money and was:

• reliable and durable;
• ATEX certified.

The close collaboration between the two companies is the confirmation that CAMLogic responds adequately and efficiently to the needs of any plant. In the case of Barcom Srl, 3 level sensors for solids were used, ideal for controlling the movement and dosing of powders and granules even at high temperatures.

In particular, two rotary models have been supplied for measurements at room temperature and for high temperatures: complementary accessories which guarantee safety. The first model PFG05 operates at room temperature and is easy to install thanks to the sleeve on which to screw the product.

The second rotary model is the PFG05AT with male thread and is suitable for high temperature environments (max 200°C). The parts in insulating material guarantee that the heat inside the silo does not spread to the head of the instrument which contains the electrical components.

Finally, the last gauge is the PFG06 model, a capacitive level indicator with adjustable sensitivity based on the type of material treated. It is used to visualize the filling of the tank in pneumatic powder conveying systems using compressed air. Purchased in the different voltages available, it is often adapted with extensions of different lengths based on the size of the tank and the measurement of the level to be checked.

In addition to responding to specific work contexts and needs, the three sensors meet Barcom's requirements in terms of safety. CAMLogic level indicators are certified for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres according to the ATEX 2014/34/EU standard.

CAMLogic, in fact, relies on the notified body 0948 (TÜV ITALIA) for the ATEX certification of all its products, which also comply with the directives 2014/30/EU on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and 2014/35/EU on electrical material low voltage (LVD).

Together with the water treatment, air and fume purification activities, Barcom Srl has made the removal of production dust a pillar of its core business. In potentially explosive contexts it is even more essential to certify the safety of the systems and to rely on safe suppliers. The decennial experience and the strong partnership are the tangible proof of how CAMLogic listens to the needs and is able to satisfy them guaranteeing maximum reliability.

Ceramic powders are not the only challenge won, find out how CAMLogic has collaborated in the creation of safe and durable systems for processing EPS.

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