Cygnus Instruments Ltd
What Makes the Cygnus 1 Ex So Unique?
Understanding Explosive Atmospheres
“Ex” refers to explosive atmospheres where flammable gases, vapours, or dust may ignite. Equipment in these hazardous areas must meet strict safety standards to prevent sparks or high surface temperatures.
Global Ex Certification Schemes
International standards, mainly IECEx, provide a framework for equipment safety. Key regional schemes include:
- Europe: ATEX (EN 60079)
- North America: NEC/UL (UL 60079)
- UK: UKEX (BS EN 60079)
- Brazil: INMETRO (EN 60079) .
The Cygnus 1 Ex is certified to IECEx, ATEX, and UKEX, and uniquely approved for ATEX Zone 0, the highest safety classification—equivalent to NEC Class I Division 1 Group “ALL” in North America.
Zones and Divisions Explained
- Zone 0: Explosive atmosphere present continuously.
- Zone 1: Likely during normal operation.
- Zone 2: Unlikely, or only short-term.
North America: Division 1 = Zone 0/1, Division 2 = Zone 2.
Zone 0/Division 1 is the most hazardous, requiring maximum protection—precisely what Cygnus 1 Ex delivers.
Why Ex Certification Matters
Unlike MIL-STD-810G, which tests under limited conditions, Ex certification ensures safety even under fault scenarios. It includes:
- Safety by design
- Independent certification and audits
- Testing under multiple fault conditions
- Battery safety
- Anti-static, drop-tested materials
- Legal approval for Ex zones.
MIL-STD-810G cannot match this level of assurance, as it ignores real-world risks like equipment faults or long-term durability.
Final Thoughts
The Cygnus 1 Ex is purpose-built for the world’s toughest environments, fully compliant with rigorous Ex standards, backed by a 3-year warranty, and proudly designed in the UK.
Cygnus 1 Ex – trusted, tested, and ready for hazardous zones.
https://cygnus-instruments.com/what-makes-the-cygnus-1-ex-so-unique/
Other news
Flyability Announce UT Probe Payload for the Elios 3 in Partnership with Cygnus – Marking Industry Milestone
Flyability and Cygnus unveil a new ultrasonic thickness measurement payload for the Elios 3 drone, enabling safe, precise corrosion and wall thickness inspections in confined or hazardous spaces, expanding drone applications in industrial maintenance.
Perfect Duo for Tackling Corrosion & Leakage
Cygnus 1 Ex delivers safe, reliable corrosion inspection in hazardous zones, reading through coatings up to 20mm without removal. Paired with Hatch Sure for fast, eco‑friendly leak detection, Cygnus ensures asset integrity and efficient maintenance
Unbeatable UTM Inspection in Hazardous Offshore Environments
Cygnus 1 Ex provides a first-class experience in user control and safety – unmatched within intrinsically safe Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM).
Cygnus 1 Ex: Certified Safe for Explosive Dust Environments
Explosive dust environments pose serious risks across many industries, often leading to catastrophic damage and tragic loss of life. When airborne dust particles accumulate in confined spaces and encounter an ignition source.
Experts’ Top Choice for Reliable Corrosion Inspection
Numerous operations are running concurrently in industrial process plants across diverse infrastructure, including storage tanks, pipes and production equipment.
The Safest Corrosion Gauge for ALL Hazardous Gas Zones
Gas explosions are often catastrophic, causing irreversible damage and sadly, human fatalities.
What Do We Really Mean When We Say the Cygnus 1 Ex is… Intrinsically Safe?
We often describe the Cygnus 1 Ex Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge as “Intrinsically Safe, certified to Zone 0, suitable for hazardous areas.” But what do these technical claims actually mean?