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ATEX zones determine which equipment you may use where explosive atmospheres can occur. For gas, zones 0, 1 and 2 apply. For dust, zones 20, 21 and 22 apply. The zone determines the minimum equipment category.

Gas or dust?

Gas explosions are caused by flammable gases, vapours or mists. Dust explosions occur when combustible dust is suspended in the air in sufficient concentration. In powder handling, dust is the main concern, so the dust zones matter most.

The dust zones 20, 21 and 22

• Zone 20: an explosive dust cloud is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.
• Zone 21: an explosive dust cloud occasionally occurs during normal operation.
• Zone 22: an explosive dust cloud is not expected and only occurs briefly in case of a malfunction.

How is a zone determined?

The zone follows from the likelihood and duration of an explosive atmosphere. This assessment belongs in the explosion protection document. Determine zones per installation and per operating situation.

Which equipment belongs to which zone?

• Zone 20: at least category 1D (Da).
• Zone 21: at least category 2D (Db). Category 1D is also allowed.
• Zone 22: at least category 3D (Dc). Category 2D or 1D is also allowed.

Equipment with a higher category is always allowed. The category is shown on the nameplate. Check it before you order.

Why this matters for powders

Powders dust up during filling, transport and mixing. Fine fractions stay airborne longer. That is why the dust zone often determines the choice of motors, sensors, lighting and conveying equipment. Static electricity is an additional risk, so make sure the installation is properly earthed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between zone 20 and zone 22?

In zone 20 the explosive dust cloud is present continuously or for long periods. In zone 22 it only occurs briefly in case of a malfunction.

Which category do I need for zone 21?

At least category 2D. Category 1D is also allowed.

Who determines the zone classification?

The owner of the installation, based on a risk assessment. We help with equipment selection and documentation.

Want to know which category you need for your installation? Contact us.

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Which companies supply powder conveying systems in the Benelux? An overview of suppliers for vacuum, pneumatic and mechanical conveying, plus five factors to choose the right system.

Which containment requirements apply to API manufacturing? EU GMP, HBEL/PDE, OEB classes and occupational safety law explained, plus the translation into technology per OEB level.

Which safety requirements apply to powder handling in ATEX zones? The two ATEX directives, dust zones 20/21/22, dust explosion parameters and practical measures explained.

What solutions exist for dust-free big bag filling and discharging? Filling heads, discharge stations, endless liners and containment up to OEB 5, with a selection guide per situation.

How do you choose a vacuum conveying system for pharmaceutical powders? A six-step plan: from product data and GMP design to filters, containment, ATEX and validation.

What are the best automated packaging systems for the food industry? An overview by type, with well-known suppliers and the selection criteria that matter in 2026.

In addition to the presentation, we will also be showcasing our best-selling product at Solids Antwerp. The LAS-MC (Liner Anschlusssystem Manual Connect): a solution for the safe connection and disconnection of liners, designed to minimise product exposure and emissions to OEB 4.

???? See the LAS-MC in action:
https://lnkd.in/eQSSKGgV

More information about the LAS-MC:
https://lnkd.in/ef4Q9iJs

Would you like to join us? Use the link below for a free VIP admission ticket, including free parking, access to the VIP lounge and a drink:
https://lnkd.in/eQREKusJ

???? Solids Antwerp
???? Stand 4390, near the entrance
???? 21–22 October 2026

We look forward to seeing you in Antwerp!

#SolidsAntwerp #Containment #PowderHandling #BulkSolids #OEB #OEL #Pharma #ChemicalIndustry #FoodIndustry #PowderProcessing #HECHT #LASMC

On Wednesday, 21 October, we will be giving a presentation at Solids Antwerp on behalf of HECHT Technologie GmbH:

“Safe Handling of Powders and Granules Under Containment Requirements”

Reiner will share his expertise on the safe handling, processing and transportation of powders and granules where containment is required. Topics will include:

• The basic principles of containment (protecting both employees and product)
• OEL and OEB classification
• Primary vs. secondary containment
• Practical solutions and examples from the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.

Would you like to attend? Use the link below for a free VIP admission ticket (including free parking, access to the VIP lounge and a drink):
https://lnkd.in/eQREKusJ

We look forward to seeing you at Solids Antwerp (21–22 October)!

Big Bags are highly efficient for transporting and storing large quantities of powder. But once they are introduced into production, manual handling, product loss, dust generation and waiting times can quickly drive up costs.

At HECHT Technology, we regularly see companies treating Big Bag handling as an isolated process step. Yet this is often exactly where opportunities for improvement can be found.

A well-designed and automated Big Bag system can not only improve safety and ergonomics, but also make the process more efficient and deliver an attractive return on investment.

Big Bag handling: more than just discharge

Integrating a Big Bag efficiently into the production process is more complex than it may initially appear.

Real cost savings in Big Bag handling start with looking at the entire process step: from supplying and positioning the Big Bag to controlled discharge, dosing and enclosed transport of the product to the next process stage.

When these steps are not properly aligned, unnecessary costs can arise:

• Product loss through spillage and dust generation

• Extensive manual work

• Ergonomic strain on operators

• Inaccurate or inefficient dosing

• Waiting times between process steps

• Increased risk of product contamination

• Unnecessary cleaning and maintenance work

With an integrated and well-designed system, many of these losses can be reduced.

Case study: nutritional supplement manufacturer

A major nutritional supplement manufacturer was experiencing several challenges in its Big Bag workflow.

Some of the raw materials were handled manually from the Big Bags. Dosing was not optimal, and the process generated more dust and product loss than necessary.

HECHT Technology designed an integrated solution comprising four Big Bag stations for the controlled discharge of raw materials, combined with weighing technology for accurate dosing.

The mixed products were then transported in an enclosed process using 25 ProClean Conveyors, feeding ten different filling lines.

The result was a largely automated material flow in which multiple process steps were integrated with one another.

Where are the gains?

For Big Bag handling, automation is not simply about reducing the number of operators.

The greatest gains are achieved when multiple improvements are realised simultaneously:

Less manual work
Operators have to perform fewer heavy and repetitive tasks.

More accurate dosing
Integrated weighing and dosing technology enables a more controlled supply of raw materials.

Less product loss
An enclosed process helps reduce spillage and unwanted dust generation.

Higher process availability
By properly coordinating different process steps, waiting times and unnecessary process interruptions can be reduced.

Better process control
An automated material flow makes it easier to execute the process in a reproducible and controlled manner.

Automation starts with the entire process

The question is therefore not simply: “How can we discharge this Big Bag?”

The better question is:

“How can we move the product from the Big Bag to the next process step as efficiently, safely and controllably as possible?”

At HECHT Technology, we therefore look at the complete system: Big Bag handling, containment, dosing, weighing, conveying and the connection to the rest of the production line.

Because when these components are designed as one integrated process, the greatest potential gains can be achieved.

Big Bag handling does not have to be a cost centre. With the right engineering, it can become an important link in a more efficient production process.

HECHT Technology has more than 50 years of experience in containment and powder handling systems for companies that require precision and safety. We do not design standard solutions — we design systems that deliver a return on investment.