The chemical sector encompasses the production and processing of chemicals, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics, and is characterised by high safety and process control requirements.
The chemical sector encompasses the production and processing of chemicals, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics, and is characterised by high safety and process control requirements. The main risk is posed by the explosive atmosphere of flammable gases and vapours, such as ethylene, propylene and benzene, which can cause explosions or fires. Dust risks are usually low but can occur when handling powdered chemicals. Some processes produce hybrid mixtures combining gases and particulates, which further increases the risk of ignition.Here, luminaires must withstand high and low temperatures, high dust, humidity, vibration and mechanical stress. Some operations involve aggressive chemicals and corrosive substances that can shorten the life of common materials. Another factor is weather conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and high UV radiation, which can affect outdoor installations. In these challenging environments, EX luminaires certified for ZONE 1/21 and ZONE 2/22 are essential, providing explosion protection and meeting stringent safety standards. They must have a high protection rating (IP66/IP67), resistance to extreme temperatures, vibration and corrosive influences to provide long term safe and reliable lighting in chemical plants. ATEX and IECEx certifications guarantee their use in hazardous areas where flammable substances are present.