THE DESIGN AND USE OF EQUIPMENT WITH INTRINSIC SAFETY �i� TYPE OF PROTECTION FOR DEVELOPING INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS USED FOR INSPECTIONS IN POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES

Abstract

Directive 2014/34/EU ATEx regulates the placement on the European market of equipment and technical installations for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The current work aims to describe the design and use of low current equipment in the development of industrial robots used for the inspection of hard-to-reach areas with explosion hazard. Documentation evaluation and testing of equipment with intrinsic safety �i� type of protection (SR EN 60079-11 Equipment protection by intrinsic safety "i") according the Directive 2014/34/EU ATEx is of is of particular importance for the designed equipment to be safe from the point of view of using it in areas with explosion hazard. Installations in which flammable materials are handled or stored must be designed, operated and maintained so that all releases of flammable materials, and consequently the extent of hazardous areas, are kept to a minimum in terms of frequency, duration and quantity, whether the operation is normal or not. Due to the risk to which workers are exposed during inspections in areas with explosive hazard, it is necessary in certain cases to use robots to reduce the risk of accidents. The work aims to develop industrial robots for inspection in areas with danger of potentially explosive atmospheres and to implement in them measuring and control equipment with intrinsic safety protection type �i�.