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Actuation Valve

A potentially explosive atmosphere exists whenever air mixes with flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts in a way that can ignite under certain operating conditions. The European ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) sets essential health-and-safety requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in these environments, ensuring products are assessed and certified before they reach the EU market. ATEX-compliant products are designed to operate safely in hazardous zones found across oil & gas platforms, chemical plants, pharmaceutical lines and food-and-beverage facilities.

Key features and benefits of ATEX certified products.

Key Features

ATEX-compliant equipment must meet health-and-safety rules set by the EU’s 2014/34/EU directive for products used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Key Features

Explosion-proof devices are engineered to contain any internal explosion and prevent sparks from igniting surrounding gases or dust.

Key Features

Products carry ATEX, IECEx, NEMA or other markings to verify they meet international standards for hazardous locations.

Key Features

ATEX equipment covers a broad range of industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals and food & beverage.

Key Features

The ATEX umbrella includes electric actuators, pneumatic or solenoid valves, limit-switch boxes and accessories.

Key Features

Certified explosion-proof products reduce the risk of accidents and downtime, helping operators maintain compliance while boosting operational efficiency.

ATEX actuators are specialised valve automation devices engineered to operate safely in hazardous environments where explosive gases, vapours, or dust may be present. Certified under the European ATEX Directive, these actuators are designed to eliminate potential ignition sources through explosion-proof or intrinsically safe construction, ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations.

They are available in pneumatic, electric, and electro-hydraulic variants, each built to deliver reliable and precise control of valves in demanding industrial processes.

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ATEX solenoid valves are purpose-built to provide safe and reliable flow control in hazardous environments where explosive gases, vapours, or dust may be present. Certified under the European ATEX Directive, these valves are designed to prevent ignition risks by using explosion-proof or intrinsically safe construction methods, ensuring full compliance with stringent safety standards.

They are a critical component in process automation systems, enabling the precise on/off control of liquids and gases without compromising safety in areas classified as ATEX Zones 1, 2, 21, or 22.

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ATEX switchboxes are essential components for valve automation in hazardous areas, providing safe and reliable position monitoring where explosive gases, vapours, or dust may be present. Certified in accordance with the European ATEX Directive, these switchboxes are specifically engineered to prevent ignition risks, using explosion-proof or intrinsically safe designs that comply with stringent safety requirements.

Their primary function is to give clear, accurate feedback on valve position to control systems, ensuring operators can monitor and manage critical processes without introducing hazards into ATEX-classified zones.

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Behind every ATEX-rated product we supply is a team dedicated to safety, quality, and performance. At Actuation Valve, we’ve built our reputation on delivering reliable solutions for hazardous environments across multiple industries. Our experience, product knowledge, and commitment to customer service mean you get more than just equipment — you get a partner who understands your needs. Click below to learn more about who we are, what we stand for, and how we can support your next project.

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Industries

ATEX-rated products are important because they are specifically designed and certified to operate safely in hazardous environments where explosive gases, vapours, or dust may be present.

In these conditions, even a small spark, electrical fault, or high surface temperature from standard equipment could trigger an explosion with potentially devastating consequences. ATEX-rated products meet the strict requirements of the European ATEX Directive, ensuring they are built to prevent ignition risks while maintaining reliable performance. This not only protects workers and facilities but also helps companies comply with legal safety regulations, avoiding costly fines and operational shutdowns. By using ATEX-rated equipment, industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and mining can continue to automate and optimise their operations without compromising safety or efficiency.

You would find ATEX-rated products in any industrial environment classified as a hazardous area due to the presence of explosive gases, vapours, or dust. Common locations include oil and gas refineries, offshore drilling platforms, petrochemical and chemical plants, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities using flammable solvents.

They are also widely used in food and beverage processing plants where combustible dust can occur, grain storage and milling operations, paint spray booths, wastewater treatment plants with methane-rich atmospheres, and mining sites where explosive gases or dust may accumulate.

In all these settings, ATEX-rated products ensure that essential equipment can operate safely without creating ignition risks, protecting both personnel and infrastructure.

ATEX refers to the European Union directive that regulates equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres, ensuring they meet strict safety standards.

An ATEX-rated product is specifically designed and certified to operate safely in hazardous environments without causing ignition from sparks, heat, or electrical faults.

They protect workers, equipment, and facilities by preventing explosions in environments where flammable gases, vapours, or dust are present.

Industries include oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, grain handling, wastewater treatment, and mining.

Common examples include actuators, solenoid valves, switchboxes, motors, lighting, sensors, and control panels.

ATEX zones classify hazardous areas based on the likelihood of explosive gases (Zone 0, 1, 2) or dust (Zone 20, 21, 22) being present.

Yes, but it is often more cost-effective to use standard equipment unless there’s a requirement for uniformity across all installations.

Check the product label for ATEX markings (e.g., II 2G Ex d IIC T6) and request the manufacturer’s certification documents.

Yes, they are designed to either contain any explosion within the equipment (flameproof) or operate in a way that prevents ignition (intrinsically safe).

Yes, regular inspections are necessary to ensure seals, enclosures, and electrical connections remain intact to maintain certification compliance.

In Europe, ATEX-rated equipment is legally required in classified hazardous zones to comply with workplace safety regulations.

Yes, many manufacturers offer customised ATEX-certified solutions to meet specific operational, environmental, or installation requirements.