When buyers say “make it explosion-proof,” projects often derail because the requirement is not defined as an engineering scope.
ATEX/IECEx compliance is not a single label on a control cabinet—it is a system-level requirement involving area classification, equipment selection, documentation, and verification.
For overall process design and scale-up logic, see Solvent Extraction Plant: Process & Scale-up
What ATEX and IECEx are (and why buyers care)
ATEX is the EU framework for equipment and workplaces in explosive atmospheres (commonly referenced in Europe and many international projects).
IECEx is an international certification scheme used in many regions and often requested in global tenders.
In procurement terms, what matters is not the acronym—it’s whether your project requires:
hazardous area zoning (Zone 0/1/2 for gas; 20/21/22 for dust)
certified equipment categories and protection concepts
documents and verification acceptable to your inspector, EPC, or local authority
First decision: what is the hazardous area and where is it?
Most solvent extraction plants contain flammable vapor sources at:
extraction vessels (loading, venting, sampling, manways)
filtration units (especially if open discharge)
vacuum concentrator/evaporator and condensers
solvent receivers, storage tanks, transfer pumps
vent lines and any potential leak points
Buyer mistake #1: requesting “ATEX for the whole plant” without area zoning.
A correct scope begins with hazardous area classification—usually performed by the buyer’s EHS team or engineering consultant based on solvent type, ventilation, and operating scenarios.
Define “explosion-proof scope” as a list (the only way to quote accurately)
A reliable RFQ should specify which subsystems must comply. Typical ATEX/IECEx scope items include:
3.1 Electrical and instrumentation in hazardous zones
motors, junction boxes, cable glands
sensors (temperature, pressure, level), transmitters
solenoid valves, actuators
lighting, local panels (if installed in-zone)
3.2 Control system architecture
whether the PLC/HMI is located in safe area or hazardous area
barriers/isolators for signals from hazardous zones
emergency stop / interlocks / alarm philosophy
3.3 Mechanical risk controls (often overlooked)
grounding and bonding points for static electricity
conductive hoses and appropriate gaskets
pressure/vacuum protection devices (relief valves, rupture discs where applicable)
ventilation interfaces (ducting, extraction points)
inerting (N₂) if required by risk assessment
Buyer mistake #2: assuming mechanical items are “automatically ATEX.”
ATEX/IECEx risk control is as much about installation practice and system design as it is about the nameplate on a motor.
Which solvents trigger ATEX/IECEx attention?
Most common solvents in botanical/ingredient extraction that are typically considered flammable:
ethanol, IPA, acetone, ethyl acetate, hexane, etc.
If your process includes heated solvent, vacuum evaporation, or solvent storage/transfer, the case for hazardous area classification is stronger.
ATEX/IECEx is not only about the “equipment”—it’s also about documents
If your customer/EPC requests ATEX/IECEx, they usually expect a documentation package that may include:
certificates for in-scope components
equipment lists with Ex markings
wiring diagrams, loop diagrams (for in-zone instruments)
risk assessment or design basis notes (as applicable to supply scope)
manuals and maintenance instructions consistent with Ex requirements
FAT records and nameplate verification
Buyer mistake #3: asking for ATEX/IECEx but not defining what documents must be delivered, and who is responsible for site installation compliance.
Typical protection concepts you may see (buyers should recognize the language)
Depending on equipment type and zone, protection concepts can include:
flameproof enclosures, increased safety, intrinsic safety, pressurization, etc.
You don’t need to “choose the concept” in the RFQ, but you should specify:
hazardous zone classification
whether you require intrinsic safety for instruments
whether control cabinets must be in safe area
whether pressurization is acceptable for certain enclosures
Practical scope boundary: what the supplier can guarantee vs what the site must implement
A solvent extraction equipment supplier can typically guarantee:
certified components for the agreed scope
compliant control panel design for the scope
grounding/bonding provisions on skids
documentation and FAT verification for their supply
The site/EPC usually must handle:
area classification study (unless otherwise contracted)
installation compliance (cable routing, glands, earthing network, ventilation)
final inspection and authority acceptance
Clarifying boundaries prevents dispute and delays.
How to avoid the 5 most common ATEX/IECEx procurement failures
No area classification provided → supplier guesses, quote becomes meaningless
Scope not listed → “explosion-proof” becomes a marketing word, not a deliverable
Control panel placed in-zone unintentionally → cost jumps late
Documentation expectations unclear → rejection at inspection stage
Open filtration chosen for solvent-heavy slurry → EHS problems and retrofits
If your plant filtration is not sealed, emissions control may drive zoning and cost. Read Filtration Options: Bag vs Filter Press vs Nutsche vs ANFD
RFQ checklist — what to send to get a correct ATEX/IECEx proposal
To receive a clear ATEX/IECEx scope and pricing, send:
solvent(s) and operating conditions (temperature, vacuum, venting scenarios)
hazardous area classification (zones, if available)
which subsystems are in hazardous zones (motors, instruments, pumps, local panels)
control system location (safe area vs hazardous area)
required certificates/standards (ATEX, IECEx; any local requirements)
documentation deliverables required by your customer/EPC
site utilities and ventilation assumptions
whether inerting is required by your internal risk assessment
Then size the whole line consistently using the hub RFQ: Solvent Extraction Equipment
FAQ
Q1: Can you make the entire line ATEX/IECEx?
Yes, but the correct approach is to define the hazardous zones and scope list. Over-scoping increases cost unnecessarily; under-scoping increases compliance risk.
Q2: Is ATEX the same as IECEx?
They are related but not identical frameworks. What matters is what your customer and local authority accept and what documentation is required.
Q3: Do I need explosion-proof if I only use ethanol?
Ethanol is flammable; whether explosion-proof is required depends on zoning and local code. If you concentrate under vacuum and recover solvent, you should assume zoning will be reviewed.