Depureco UK - Italian Industrial Cleaning Equipment
Italian Manufacturing Since 1972
10+ Year Gurantee
Free UK Site Assessment
Alcester Showroom
Tel: 01952 588 881
Atex Vacuums
Depureco's Italian-manufactured ATEX vacuum cleaners deliver 10+ years of safe, reliable operation in potentially explosive atmospheres. With the widest ATEX range in the UK - from compact BL45 units to heavy-duty PUMA 30 systems - our TÜV-certified vacuums protect your workforce while delivering 30% lower lifetime costs than competitors requiring replacement every 3-4 years.
Every ATEX vacuum features Italian engineering excellence: German motors rated for 20,000+ hours, stainless steel construction preventing spark generation, and M-class filtration capturing 99.9% of particles down to 1 micron. Whether you need Zone 20 certification for continuous dust presence or Zone 22 for occasional exposure, Depureco's 50+ years of expertise ensures compliance with DSEAR regulations and HSE requirements.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing:
Zone 22 for tablet pressing areas with lactose/API dust. PUMA series with HEPA H14 filters ensures GMP compliance while preventing cross-contamination.
Chemical Processing:
Zone 20/21 for continuous reactive dust. FOX series handles aggressive chemicals with PTFE-coated filters and chemical-resistant seals.
Food & Grain Handling:
Zone 22 for flour mills and bakeries. BL45 compact units perfect for smaller spaces, PUMA 30 for large silos.
Metal Processing:
Zone 22 for aluminum/magnesium dust. Anti-static features prevent thermite reactions. 10+ year lifespan crucial for ROI.
ATEX VACUUMS - Q&A SECTION
ATEX Industrial Vacuum Questions & Expert Answers
Q1: What's the difference between ATEX Zone 20, 21, and 22?
Zone 20 covers areas where explosive dust is continuously present (like inside dust collection systems). Zone 21 is for areas where explosive dust is likely during normal operation (like around powder filling stations). Zone 22 is for areas where explosive dust is unlikely but may occur abnormally (like warehouse areas near dusty processes). Depureco's Italian ATEX vacuums are certified for Zones 20/22, covering all industrial requirements with 10+ year reliability.
Q2: Why do Italian ATEX vacuums last longer than others?
Italian ATEX vacuums use over-engineered German motors rated for 20,000+ operating hours, stainless steel anti-spark construction, and undergo rigorous TÜV testing. Every component is designed with safety margins far exceeding minimum ATEX requirements. This results in 10+ year lifespans versus 3-4 years for standard imports - crucial for safety-critical explosive atmosphere applications where equipment failure could be catastrophic.
Q3: Which industries require ATEX vacuum cleaners?
Pharmaceutical manufacturing (API dust, lactose powder), chemical processing (reactive powders, catalysts), food and grain handling (flour mills, sugar refineries), metalworking (aluminum, magnesium, titanium dust), wood processing (MDF dust), and any facility handling combustible dust over 500g/m³. UK DSEAR regulations mandate ATEX equipment in these zones, with HSE enforcement and potential prosecution for non-compliance.
Q4: What's the ROI on ATEX vacuum investment?
Beyond compliance, ATEX vacuums prevent explosions costing £100,000+ in damage, downtime, and potential fatalities. Insurance premiums drop 15-20% with certified ATEX equipment. With Depureco's 10+ year lifespan at £15,000 versus replacing cheaper units 3 times at £8,000 each (£24,000 total), you save £9,000 while ensuring continuous safety compliance. Most clients see ROI within 6 months through insurance savings and incident prevention.
Q5: Can ATEX vacuums handle both dust and liquids?
Yes, Depureco's M-certified ATEX vacuums safely handle both combustible dust and flammable liquids. The anti-static design, conductive hoses, and earthing points prevent ignition of both materials. Our FOX series excels at dual-purpose operation, while PUMA units are optimized for heavy dust. Italian engineering ensures 10+ years of dual-purpose operation without degradation of safety features.
Q6: How do I know which ATEX zone my facility requires?
Start with a DSEAR risk assessment identifying all combustible materials and their explosion characteristics (Kst values, minimum ignition energy). Areas with continuous dust require Zone 20, frequent dust needs Zone 21, and occasional dust needs Zone 22. Our Alcester team provides free ATEX zone assessments - call 01952 588 881. We'll identify your zones, recommend appropriate equipment, and ensure HSE compliance.
Q7: What maintenance do ATEX vacuums require?
ATEX vacuums need quarterly inspections of earthing continuity (resistance <10⁶ ohms), anti-static components, and filter integrity. Annual TÜV recertification ensures continued compliance. Daily checks include earthing connections and visual inspection for damage. Depureco's Italian build quality means major components last 10+ years, while competitors often need motor replacement after 3-4 years - a complex procedure in ATEX equipment.
Q8: Are Italian ATEX vacuums more expensive than alternatives?
Initially yes - Italian ATEX vacuums cost 20-30% more than Chinese alternatives. However, over 10 years: Depureco (one unit) = £15,000, Chinese imports (three replacements) = £24,000, plus downtime costs. German ATEX vacuums (Ruwac, Nilfisk) cost 40% more than Depureco while offering similar quality. Our Italian manufacturing delivers the best value combining safety, longevity, and total cost.
Q9: Can I use a standard vacuum in ATEX zones temporarily?
Never. Using non-ATEX equipment in explosive atmospheres violates DSEAR regulations, voids insurance, and risks catastrophic explosions. HSE can issue immediate prohibition notices, unlimited fines, and criminal prosecution for directors. Even "just once" can cause static discharge igniting dust clouds. Only certified ATEX equipment like Depureco's Italian-made vacuums should enter these zones.
Q10: What certifications should ATEX vacuums have?
Essential certifications include: CE marking with ATEX directive compliance, TÜV or similar third-party verification, zone classification (II 2D for Zone 21, II 3D for Zone 22), temperature class ratings, and IP protection ratings. Depureco's Italian vacuums exceed requirements with TÜV certification, M-class filtration, and testing to EN 60335-2-69 standards. Our 10+ year warranty demonstrates confidence in our safety systems.