FAQ

Zone 0 identifies an area where an explosive atmosphere (a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gases, vapors, or mists) is present continuously or for long periods.

Our solution: The BLR Liquid Ring pumps are designed to draw directly from these areas and can be certified ATEX Zone 0. The operating liquid acts as a "thermal shield," keeping internal temperatures low and preventing ignition, making them inherently suitable for ATEX Zone 0 applications, unlike lobe technology.

The difference lies in the frequency of the hazard:

Zone 0: Constant hazard. Requires maximum protection (typically guaranteed by our BLR systems).

Zone 1: Likely hazard during normal operation. Here, our BLW Lobe pumps and BLR Liquid Ring pumps provide total protection, ensuring mechanical safety and spark control.

Certainly. Our range of lobe compressors includes versions specifically designed for the setup of vacuum trucks intended for the transport of hazardous goods according to ADR regulations, even with ATEX Zone 1 certification. Lobe technology, being Oil-Free and without mechanical contact between rotating components, drastically reduces the risks of overheating, complying with the strict safety standards required for the road transport of special waste.

Vane pumps are extraordinary machines for reliability, but for explosion-risk environments (ATEX) they require specific configurations and dedicated accessories (such as flame arresters and temperature sensors). For applications in Zone 1 or Zone 0, we always recommend considering our Lobe or Liquid Ring ranges, which are intrinsically safer due to the absence of rubbing friction between parts.

Yes. Each unit certified ATEX Zone 0 or Zone 1 is supplied with the corresponding declaration of conformity and specific user manual. Our technical office is available to assist designers in the correct integration of the pump into the overall system.

Battioni Pagani Pompe® recommends using Battioni Pagani "Vacuum Pump Oil"

• Excellent oxidation resistance
• Strong anti-rust properties
• Excellent anti-foam power
• Operating temperature from – 5°C to 160°C

In the absence of "Vacuum Pump Oil", use new mineral oil ISO VG 100 (average kinematic viscosity value = 100 mm²/s = 100 cSt)

Use new mineral oil ISO VG 460 (kinematic viscosity value at 40° C = 460 mm2/s = 460 cSt)

MEC/STAR SERIES

Pumps with M,G multiplier must not exceed 600 rpm. The recommended speed is 450-500 rpm.

Pumps with MA,GA multiplier must not exceed 1000 rpm. The recommended speed is 800 rpm.

Pumps D, H, P must not exceed 1400 rpm. The recommended speed is 1200 rpm.

WPT/KTS/KTM/WSM SERIES

Pumps with M,G multiplier must not exceed 600 rpm. The recommended speed is 450-500 rpm.

Pumps D, H, P must not exceed 1200 rpm. The recommended speed is 1000 rpm.

The vanes should be replaced when their width reaches 90% of the initial size. The user and maintenance manual describes how to check the wear of the vanes.

It is advisable to replace the seals, the gaskets, and in some cases, the fastening screws. All necessary elements are included in the pump overhaul kits.

Air-cooled rotary vane vacuum pumps are suitable for intermittent use. The operating times are specified in the user and maintenance manual.

The rotary vane vacuum pumps of the BALLAST series have been designed and manufactured to allow their use in continuous service at -0.70 bar of vacuum, thanks to an air injection cooling system at ambient temperature that, after passing through a filter and overcoming the resistance of a non-return valve, enters the compression side, reducing the internal temperature. The intended use is semi-industrial, suitable for all applications that do not require overcoming significant hydrostatic heads and consequently a very high degree of vacuum, but that require a longer operating time compared to traditional use.

Liquid-cooled rotary vane vacuum pumps are suitable for use for extended continuous operating times.

Always consult the machine manufacturer for the selection of the most appropriate pump.

The maximum suction depth is approximately 6 - 8 m from the top of the tank.

CLEANING THE BODY
In case of small amounts of sludge entering the rotary vane vacuum pump, it is necessary to immediately wash the inside of the body by sucking in, through the discharge elbow with the rotary vane vacuum pump in compression phase, kerosene or diesel. After this operation, suck in oil. The same operation should be performed when the rotary vane vacuum pump needs to remain idle for a long time. In this case, it is necessary to disconnect the suction and discharge hose connected to the valves and hermetically close the collector cover because the gases that form inside the tank, transferring into the rotary vane vacuum pump, cause rust inside the body, which can lead to the breakage of the vanes when the system is restarted. Do not use water to avoid also the formation of rust. If the body is washed after being disassembled, it is advisable to precede the previous operation with a preliminary wash using detergents (e.g., thinner).

CLEANING THE OIL TANK
At least once a year, carry out the cleaning of the oil tank with appropriate detergents.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE VALVES
At least once a month, perform the cleaning and maintenance of the valves by unscrewing them from the rotary vane vacuum pump and cleaning them with water or any non-corrosive detergents.

CHECKING THE VALVES
Periodically verify that all valves, both overflow and pressure/vacuum, are always in perfect working condition.

These operations are described in the user and maintenance manual.

The rotary vane vacuum pump is more economical.

There are no limitations on the size of the material to be sucked in.

The rotary vane vacuum pump does not allow the process liquid to enter inside it but can be easily cleaned using a "Flushing Kit".

The LOCKER valve is of unidirectional type (the direction of flow is indicated by the arrow on the side of the body) suitable for use in general industrial applications, biogas, wastewater treatment plants, and sewer systems, but also on agricultural tankers or industrial tanker trucks.

The LOCKER BiDi valve is of bidirectional type (the seal is guaranteed in both directions) suitable for use in general industrial applications, biogas, wastewater treatment plants, and sewer systems, but also on agricultural tankers or industrial tanker trucks.

The valve body is made of a single casting and the special sealing system of the valve guarantees a perfect seal for pressures up to 10 bar for LOCKER and LOCKER BiDi models ø 100 - ø 150 - ø 200, 8 bar for LOCKER and LOCKER BiDi ø 250, and 7 bar for LOCKER and LOCKER BiDi ø 300. The models ø 100 - ø 150 - ø 200 - ø 250 and ø 300 are manufactured according to proper construction practices, ensuring safe use in accordance with directive 97/23/EC (PED), article 3, paragraph 3 for max pressures of 10 bar and for group 2 fluids.