Ex-protection certified RFID/NFC tags for ATEX zones
In order to avoid risks in potentially explosive working environments, special protective measures must be implemented. RFID/NFC tags from smart-TEC are certified for hazardous areas - use our customized solutions that meet the special requirements of these environments and enable clear identification in accordance with ATEX directives
Where is explosion protection needed?
There are a large number of working environments where there is a risk of explosions occurring. In the chemical industry, in oil and gas extraction and in many other branches of industry, flammable substances can escape during production, transportation and storage. We are talking about potentially explosive air mixtures, which can form wherever flammable liquids or gases are processed.
The same danger also exists where fine dusts can enter a closed air space in sufficient quantities, e.g. in mining or during grinding processes in grain mills. If such gases, vapors or dusts collect in enclosed spaces and mix with atmospheric oxygen, explosive atmospheres can occur. Even a small spark from an electrostatic charge can be enough to trigger a devastating detonation.
In such environments, employees must be protected by extensive active measures. In addition to aspects of respiratory protection technology, electrical protection measures in particular are needed to prevent any sparking with 100% certainty. This requires a wide range of technical requirements.
Special requirements for industrial transponders
For RFID use in potentially explosive atmospheres, special requirements are placed on the RFID tags used. There are two potential sources of danger that need to be investigated and ruled out. One is the electrostatic characteristic of the housing material (sparking after static charging due to friction) and the other is the behavior of the chip, both under normal conditions and in the event of a fault due to high field energies. Where excessive energy is absorbed and causes the chip and housing to heat up, it reaches a critical ignition temperature.
The RFID tags, certified for the explosion-proof area, are used wherever flammable dust, dust-air mixtures or gases occur temporarily or during normal operation. The industrial tags from smart-TEC can be developed, designed and produced according to customer specifications in terms of colors, designs and mounting options. In addition, each industrial tag can be individually printed. This imprint is coated with a PU layer to protect it from mechanical and weather-related stresses. Each RFID tag is provided with a clearly traceable marking in accordance with the ATEX directive.
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Industrial tags from smart-TEC
smart-TEC can optimally meet the needs of customers in the ATEX area thanks to different product variations with different product structures and different frequencies. This guarantees coverage of a variety of objects to be marked and covers numerous possible applications, including metallic substrates.
smart-TEC RFID tags are certified for explosion-protected areas and are used wherever flammable dust, dust-air mixtures or gases occur temporarily or during normal operation.
Industrial tags from smart-TEC can be developed, designed and produced according to customer requirements in terms of colors, designs and mounting options.
In addition to static pre-printed content such as a logo, the label can be freely personalized. A UID/EPC as plain text, a barcode or a 2D code, e.g. data matrix or QR code, can be easily implemented. The printed label is transparently cast inside the tag. Finally, the print is coated with a PU layer to protect it from mechanical and weather-related stresses. Each RFID tag is provided with a clearly traceable label in accordance with the ATEX directive.
The attachment of the RFID tag can also be highly customized. Gluing, screwing, riveting, a wire or cable tie solution - all options are available to ensure robust and durable labeling - including metallic surfaces.
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smart-TEC certifications
The special feature of industrial transponders for explosion-protected areas is that both the RFID tags and the readers used must undergo special certification in order to be approved for potentially explosive working environments. Ex certification involves an independent examination of the housing material and RFID inlay. Directive 94/9/EC tests and approves electrical equipment and Directive 2014/34/EU also tests and approves non-electrical equipment in Class II (industry) and Class I (mining). The application of this directive is very often indicated by the use of a standardized logo. Our high level of quality in the production process is regularly checked and confirmed by audits. The RFID and NFC products are EX-protection certified in accordance with EN IEC 60079-0 and EN IEC 60079-11
- Very good resistance to chemicals
- High heat resistance
- High resistance to environmental and weather influences
- Excellent suitability for metallic surfaces
- Customized design in terms of shape and colour
- Personalization, e.g. printing or laser engraving of logos, barcodes, plain text, etc.
- Maintenance, servicing
- Component labeling
- High temperature processes
- Production control
- Inventory systems
- Storage bin labeling
- Facility management
- Wood, plastics and metal processing industry
- Chemicals and petrochemicals
- Onshore and offshore drilling platforms
- Refineries
- Bottling plants
- Hazardous goods sector
- Food, food and animal feed industry