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Introduction

Selecting a Gas Analyzer for an industrial plant involves more than choosing the required measurement range and analytical technology. Where the analyzer is installed in or associated with a potentially explosive atmosphere, certification and equipment suitability become important considerations.

Two terms frequently encountered when specifying industrial analytical equipment are CE marking and ATEX.

CE marking is a broader European conformity-marking framework covering applicable EU product requirements. ATEX is the European regulatory framework specifically addressing equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

For an Industrial Gas Analyzer, it is therefore important to understand:

• What CE marking means

• What ATEX covers

• When ATEX may be relevant

• Hazardous-area classifications

• Equipment categories

• Gas groups

• Temperature classes

• Documentation

• Installation requirements

• Maintenance and inspection

This guide explains these concepts in practical terms for buyers and users of industrial gas-analysis systems.

What Is CE Marking?

CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed against applicable European Union requirements and conforms to the relevant requirements that apply to that product.

It is important to understand that CE is not itself a specific safety certification for hazardous areas.

A product can require CE marking because of one or more applicable EU legal requirements.

Depending on the product, these may relate to areas such as:

• Electrical safety

• Electromagnetic compatibility

• Machinery

• Pressure equipment

• Explosive atmospheres

• Other applicable EU legislation

The exact requirements depend on the product and its intended use.

What Is ATEX?

ATEX refers to the European regulatory framework for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The term comes from the French phrase:

ATmosphères EXplosibles

ATEX is particularly relevant to industries where flammable gases, vapours or dust can create an explosive atmosphere.

Potential applications include:

• Oil and gas

• Refineries

• Petrochemical plants

• Chemical plants

• Pharmaceutical plants

• Hydrogen facilities

• Solvent-processing facilities

• Gas-processing plants

• Certain fuel-handling installations

CE vs ATEX: What Is the Difference?

CE marking and ATEX are related but should not be treated as identical.

FeatureCE MarkingATEXPurposeDemonstrates conformity with applicable EU requirementsAddresses equipment/protective systems for potentially explosive atmospheresScopeBroadSpecific to explosive atmospheresHazardous-area focusNot necessarilyYesGas Analyzer relevanceDepends on applicable product requirementsImportant where analyzer equipment is intended for applicable hazardous/explosive atmospheresDocumentationDepends on applicable legislationIncludes specific explosion-protection conformity information

A product intended for a hazardous area may need to meet ATEX requirements in addition to other applicable requirements.

Why Certification Matters for a Gas Analyzer

A gas analyzer installed in an industrial environment can be exposed to:

• Flammable gases

• Vapours

• Dust

• High temperatures

• Electrical ignition sources

• Static electricity

• Pressurized gases

If the installation area has a potential explosive atmosphere, the analyzer and associated equipment must be suitable for the specified hazardous-area classification.

Certification provides an important part of the evidence that the equipment has been assessed against applicable safety requirements.

However, certification alone does not make an installation safe. Correct installation, wiring, barriers, glands, sample systems, grounding and maintenance are also essential.

Where Are ATEX Gas Analyzers Used?

ATEX-certified equipment can be relevant in applications such as:

Oil & Gas

Refineries, terminals and processing facilities can contain areas where flammable hydrocarbons are present.

Petrochemical

Process gases and solvents can create potentially explosive atmospheres.

Chemical Plants

Flammable chemicals and gases may require hazardous-area equipment.

Hydrogen Plants

Hydrogen is highly flammable, making equipment selection and installation particularly important.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Certain processes may involve flammable solvents or vapours.

Gas Processing

Natural gas and hydrocarbon processing facilities can contain classified hazardous areas.

Hazardous Areas and Gas Analyzers

Hazardous areas are classified according to the likelihood and duration of the presence of an explosive atmosphere.

For gases and vapours, European zone concepts commonly include:

Zone 0

An explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.

Zone 1

An explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.

Zone 2

An explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation, but if it occurs, it exists only for a short period.

The equipment selection must correspond to the actual hazardous-area classification.

ATEX Equipment Categories

ATEX equipment is assigned categories corresponding to the required level of protection.

For gas/vapour hazardous areas, equipment categories are associated with different levels of protection and zone suitability.

The selection should be based on:

• Zone

• Gas group

• Temperature class

• Protection concept

• Equipment category

• Installation requirements

It is important not to select equipment solely because it is described as "ATEX certified."

The exact marking must be reviewed.

Understanding ATEX Marking

ATEX markings contain information about the equipment's protection characteristics.

A typical marking may include information relating to:

• Explosion protection

• Equipment group

• Equipment category

• Gas or dust environment

• Protection concept

• Gas group

• Temperature class

The exact marking varies by equipment.

For example, a marking can indicate whether the equipment is suitable for:

• Surface industries

• Mining

• Gas atmospheres

• Dust atmospheres

• Particular gas groups

• Particular temperature classes

The complete certificate and marking should be reviewed before installation.

Gas Groups

Gas groups are important because different gases have different ignition characteristics.

For hazardous-area equipment, gases can be classified into groups based on their properties.

Common references include:

• IIA

• IIB

• IIC

IIC represents particularly demanding gas-group conditions.

Hydrogen is an important example of a gas that can require equipment suitable for the applicable high-risk gas group.

The gas group must be determined from the hazardous-area assessment and process conditions.

Temperature Classes

Another important consideration is temperature classification.

Temperature classes indicate the maximum surface temperature of equipment under specified conditions.

Common classifications include:

• T1

• T2

• T3

• T4

• T5

• T6

The required temperature class depends on the ignition temperature of the hazardous gas or vapour.

The equipment surface temperature must remain appropriately below the relevant ignition temperature.

Gas Analyzer Working Principle and Certification

The Gas Analyzer Working Principle does not by itself determine whether the analyzer requires ATEX certification.

An analyzer may use:

• NDIR

• Paramagnetic

• Electrochemical

• Thermal conductivity

• Zirconia

• TDL

• Gas chromatography

• Other analytical technologies

The hazardous-area suitability depends on the complete equipment design and certification.

For example, an NDIR analyzer may be suitable for a hazardous application only when its specific certified configuration meets the requirements of the installation.

ATEX Certification for Different Analyzer Technologies

NDIR Gas Analyzer

NDIR analyzers use infrared absorption to determine gas concentration.

For hazardous-area use, the complete analyzer configuration must be assessed for applicable explosion-protection requirements.

Thermal Conductivity Analyzer

Thermal conductivity analyzers are frequently used for gas mixtures such as hydrogen-containing streams.

Where installed in hazardous areas, the analyzer and associated equipment must have appropriate protection.

Oxygen Analyzer

Oxygen analyzers may use:

• Paramagnetic technology

• Zirconia

• Electrochemical sensors

The certification requirements depend on the specific analyzer and installation.

TDL Gas Analyzer

TDL analyzers use laser absorption spectroscopy.

They can be used for applications involving gases such as:

• H₂O

• NH₃

• O₂

• CO

For hazardous-area installations, the complete system configuration must be evaluated.

Gas Chromatograph

Process GC systems can be used in refineries, petrochemical plants and gas-processing facilities.

Where the GC is installed in a hazardous area, its certified configuration and associated equipment must be suitable for the specified zone.

Intrinsically Safe Gas Analyzer Systems

Intrinsic safety is one method of explosion protection.

An intrinsically safe circuit is designed to limit electrical and thermal energy so that it cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere under the specified conditions.

Intrinsic-safety systems may involve:

• Intrinsically safe instruments

• Barriers

• Isolators

• Certified wiring arrangements

• Suitable field devices

The complete loop must be designed according to the applicable requirements.

Explosion-Proof / Flameproof Protection

Another approach is equipment designed to contain an internal explosion and prevent flame propagation to the surrounding atmosphere.

Depending on the applicable standards and region, terminology can include concepts such as:

• Flameproof

• Explosion-proof

• Ex d

The correct protection concept depends on the equipment, hazardous area and applicable standards.

Purged Gas Analyzer Systems

Some analyzer installations use pressurization or purging.

A controlled protective gas can be used to maintain a suitable internal atmosphere within an enclosure.

This approach can be useful for certain analyzer cabinets or systems.

The design must comply with the applicable protection requirements.

Remote Installation of Gas Analyzers

In some plants, the analyzer is installed in a safe area while the sample is transported from the hazardous process area.

This can reduce the hazardous-area equipment requirements at the analyzer location.

A typical system can be:

Hazardous Process → Sampling Probe → Sample Line → Sample Conditioning → Gas Analyzer in Safe Area

However, the sampling system itself must still be appropriately engineered for the process and hazardous-area conditions.

Sample Conditioning and Hazardous Areas

The sample-conditioning system can contain:

• Filters

• Regulators

• Pumps

• Valves

• Heaters

• Coolers

• Flow meters

• Solenoid valves

• Electrical components

If these components are located within a hazardous area, their suitability must also be considered.

The analyzer should therefore not be treated as an isolated component.

The complete analytical system should be reviewed.

Hydrogen Gas Analyzer Certification

Hydrogen applications deserve special attention because hydrogen has a wide flammability range and low ignition energy.

Hydrogen applications may include:

• Electrolyzer systems

• Hydrogen production

• Compression

• Storage

• Hydrogen dispensing

• Fuel-cell systems

• Industrial hydrogen purification

Potential measurements include:

• H₂ purity

• O₂

• N₂

• Moisture

• CO

• CO₂

• CH₄

Where the equipment is installed in a classified hazardous area, the required protection and certification must be determined from the site hazardous-area classification.

ATEX and Hydrogen Applications

For hydrogen facilities, important selection parameters can include:

• Hazardous-area zone

• Gas group

• Temperature class

• Equipment category

• Protection concept

• Ambient temperature

• Process pressure

• Sample pressure

• Electrical requirements

A suitable analyzer should be selected only after these requirements have been established.

Industrial Gas Analyzer Selection for Hazardous Areas

When selecting an Industrial Gas Analyzer, ask the supplier to provide:

• Certification details

• Certificate number

• Equipment marking

• Applicable standards

• Gas group

• Temperature class

• Equipment category

• Ambient temperature range

• Installation limitations

• Electrical requirements

• Approved accessories

• Installation instructions

This documentation helps the plant engineering team verify suitability.

Certification Documents to Request

For a certified analyzer, request relevant documentation such as:

Declaration of Conformity

This identifies applicable conformity requirements.

ATEX Certificate

Where ATEX certification applies, the appropriate certificate should be provided.

Product Datasheet

The datasheet provides technical operating information.

Installation Manual

This specifies installation limitations and requirements.

Certification Marking

The equipment marking should correspond to the supplied documentation.

Safety Instructions

Certified equipment may have specific installation and maintenance instructions.

Does CE Marking Mean the Analyzer Is ATEX Certified?

No.

This is one of the most important points for buyers.

CE marking alone should not be interpreted as proof that an analyzer is suitable for a hazardous area.

If the installation requires ATEX equipment, the purchaser should verify the specific ATEX conformity information and equipment marking.

Is ATEX Certification Required in India?

ATEX is a European regulatory framework. Whether ATEX certification is legally required for a particular installation in India depends on the applicable Indian regulations, project specifications, hazardous-area classification and customer requirements.

Indian industrial projects may specify:

• ATEX

• IECEx

• BIS requirements

• Other recognized certification schemes

The purchaser should confirm the exact certification requirements with the plant owner, consultant and applicable authorities before procurement.

ATEX vs IECEx

ATEX and IECEx are not identical schemes, although both relate to equipment for explosive atmospheres.

ATEX

A European regulatory framework covering equipment and protective systems intended for potentially explosive atmospheres.

IECEx

An international certification system based on relevant IEC standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

Many multinational industrial projects may specify one or both depending on their engineering standards.

Why Certification Should Be Checked Before Purchase

Certification should be checked during the technical evaluation stage.

Waiting until installation can cause problems such as:

• Equipment rejection

• Project delays

• Replacement costs

• Re-engineering

• Additional certification requirements

• Installation difficulties

It is therefore advisable to provide the hazardous-area classification with the RFQ.

Information to Include in a Gas Analyzer RFQ

When requesting an analyzer for a hazardous-area application, provide:

Process information

• Gas composition

• Temperature

• Pressure

• Flow

• Moisture

• Dust

• Corrosive components

Measurement requirements

• Target gases

• Measurement ranges

• Accuracy

• Detection limit

• Response time

Hazardous-area information

• Zone

• Gas group

• Temperature class

• Area classification

• Required protection concept

• Required certification

Electrical requirements

• Supply voltage

• Output

• Communication

• Cable entry requirements

Installation requirements

• Indoor/outdoor

• Ambient temperature

• Enclosure

• Mounting arrangement

Providing this information enables suppliers to propose the appropriate configuration.

Certification and Gas Analyzer Maintenance

Certification requirements do not end after installation.

Maintenance personnel should ensure that:

• Certified enclosures remain intact

• Cable glands remain suitable

• Covers are correctly installed

• Barriers and isolators are maintained

• Wiring remains compliant

• Modifications are controlled

• Replacement components are approved

• Certification conditions are not compromised

Unauthorized modifications can affect the certified status of equipment.

Calibration of Certified Gas Analyzers

A certified analyzer still requires appropriate calibration.

Calibration may involve:

• Zero gas

• Span gas

• Certified gas mixtures

• Automatic calibration

• Manual calibration

Calibration procedures must follow the manufacturer's instructions and should not compromise the equipment's certified protection.

Gas Analyzer Price in India

The Gas Analyzer Price in India depends on many factors.

For hazardous-area applications, the price can be influenced by:

• Analytical technology

• Number of gases

• Measurement range

• Accuracy

• Detection limit

• ATEX/IECEx certification

• Protection concept

• Sample-conditioning system

• Hazardous-area components

• Calibration system

• Data acquisition

• Communication

• Installation

• Commissioning

• Service requirements

A certified hazardous-area analyzer may cost more than a comparable analyzer intended for a safe area because of additional design, testing, certification and specialized components.

Therefore, price comparisons should always be made between technically equivalent configurations.

How to Compare Certified Gas Analyzer Quotations

When comparing quotations, consider:

ParameterSupplier ASupplier BSupplier CGas measuredTechnologyMeasurement rangeAccuracyGas Analyzer Working PrincipleHazardous-area zoneGas groupTemperature classATEX/IECEx certificationSample conditioningCalibrationCommunicationInstallationWarrantyService supportTotal price

This avoids comparing a certified system with a non-certified system simply because the latter has a lower price.

Common Certification Mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming CE Means ATEX

CE marking does not automatically mean the product is ATEX certified.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Hazardous-Area Zone

Equipment must be suitable for the actual classified area.

Mistake 3: Checking Only the Analyzer

Sample-conditioning components and associated electrical equipment may also require evaluation.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Gas Group

The gas group can affect equipment suitability.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Temperature Class

The equipment surface temperature must be suitable for the hazardous atmosphere.

Mistake 6: Modifying Certified Equipment

Unauthorized modifications can compromise certification.

Mistake 7: Selecting Certification After Purchase

Certification should be specified during the RFQ and technical evaluation.

Gas Analyzer Certification Checklist

Before placing an order, verify:

• Required gas measurement

• Measurement range

• Accuracy

• Analyzer technology

• Gas Analyzer Working Principle

• Process temperature

• Process pressure

• Moisture

• Dust

• Hazardous-area zone

• Gas group

• Temperature class

• Required certification

• Protection concept

• Sample-conditioning requirements

• Calibration system

• Communication

• Installation requirements

• Documentation

• Warranty

• Service support

• Spare parts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CE marking on a Gas Analyzer?

CE marking indicates conformity with applicable European Union requirements relevant to the product. It is not, by itself, a specific hazardous-area certification.

What is ATEX certification?

ATEX relates to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and establishes requirements for suitable explosion-protection equipment.

Is every Gas Analyzer ATEX certified?

No. ATEX suitability depends on the equipment design, intended use and certification. Many gas analyzers are designed for safe-area installation and are not intended for hazardous areas.

Does CE certification mean ATEX certification?

No. CE marking and ATEX are related but distinct. ATEX conformity, where applicable, should be specifically verified.

Can an Industrial Gas Analyzer be installed in Zone 1?

Potentially, but only if the specific analyzer configuration is appropriately certified and suitable for the Zone 1 application and its other hazardous-area parameters.

What are ATEX gas groups?

Gas groups categorize explosive gases according to their characteristics and the level of equipment protection required. Common groups include IIA, IIB and IIC.

What is a temperature class?

A temperature class specifies the maximum surface temperature of equipment under defined conditions. It must be appropriate for the ignition characteristics of the hazardous atmosphere.

Is ATEX required for gas analyzers in India?

Not automatically. Requirements depend on the project, site classification, applicable Indian regulations and customer/consultant specifications. ATEX or IECEx may nevertheless be specified for particular projects.

What is the Gas Analyzer Working Principle?

It depends on the analytical technology. Gas analyzers can use infrared absorption, paramagnetic measurement, electrochemical sensing, thermal conductivity, laser absorption, zirconia or chromatographic separation.

Does certification increase Gas Analyzer Price in India?

It can. Hazardous-area certification may require specialized design, testing and components, which can increase the total system cost.

Conclusion

Selecting a Gas Analyzer for an industrial plant requires careful consideration of both analytical performance and installation conditions.

CE marking and ATEX should not be treated as interchangeable terms. CE marking is a broader conformity-marking framework, while ATEX specifically addresses equipment and protective systems intended for potentially explosive atmospheres.

For hazardous-area applications, the purchaser should evaluate:

• Zone

• Gas group

• Temperature class

• Equipment category

• Protection concept

• Certification

• Installation requirements

The Gas Analyzer Working Principle also needs to be matched to the target gas, measurement range and process conditions.

For an Industrial Gas Analyzer, certification should be considered together with sampling, sample conditioning, calibration, electrical requirements, communication and maintenance.

Similarly, the Gas Analyzer Price in India should be compared only after confirming that competing quotations offer equivalent analytical performance, hazardous-area certification and system configuration.

The best approach is to define the complete application first and then select the analyzer and certification accordingly.

Need Help Selecting a Certified Gas Analyzer?

Selecting the correct certified analyzer can be challenging, particularly for applications involving hazardous areas, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, refineries, petrochemical processes or chemical plants.

Prosoft Automation can assist in evaluating:

• Target gas

• Measurement range

• Analytical technology

• Gas Analyzer Working Principle

• Process temperature and pressure

• Sample-conditioning requirements

• Hazardous-area classification

• ATEX/IECEx requirements

• Gas group

• Temperature class

• Calibration

• Data acquisition

• Communication

• Installation and commissioning

• After-sales service

Talk to our application specialist

Share your process details, gases to be measured, measurement range, process conditions and hazardous-area classification with our application team. We can help identify a suitable Gas Analyzer configuration and the applicable certification requirements.

Prosoft Automation — Industrial Gas Analyzers, Process Analysis & Analytical Instrumentation Solutions