Versamatic is expanding its hazardous-area pumping solutions with the introduction of a new 1 ½” and 2" Valor ATEX-compliant plastic air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps.
This launch marks an important addition to the Versamatic product lineup. Versamatic
discontinued its ATEX-compliant 1″ and 1½″ plastic pumps in 2018. The 1″ ATEX
VALOR was reintroduced in 2023, and now the 1½″ size returns alongside the addition
of a new 2″ ATEX option in the VALOR design. These models provide customers with
new solutions that combine chemical resistance with ATEX compliance.
The Valor series combines high efficiency with strong flow performance and simple maintenance. Most importantly, it provides a solution for facilities operating in environments where explosive gases, vapors, or combustible dust may be present.
While the new pumps expand the Versamatic offering, it also highlights an important topic for many industrial facilities: understanding when ATEX-compliant pumps are required and why material selection matters.
ATEX is a European directive that governs equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It establishes requirements for equipment intended to operate safely in areas where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dust may be present.
In these environments, even a small ignition source can create a significant safety risk. As a result, facilities must carefully evaluate the equipment used throughout their processes, including pumps, motors, instrumentation, and other process components.
ATEX-compliant pumps are designed to reduce ignition risks and help facilities meet safety requirements for hazardous locations.
Although ATEX regulations originated in Europe, many facilities around the world use ATEX-certified equipment as part of their overall safety programs
Hazardous-area pumping applications are common across many industries. Any process involving flammable liquids or combustible dust may require ATEX-compliant equipment.
Industries that frequently use ATEX-compliant pumps include:
Within these industries, pumps often transfer materials such as solvents, alcohols, hydrocarbons, specialty chemicals, and coating ingredients. Many of these products can release flammable vapors during storage or transfer.
Facilities that handle powders or dry bulk materials may also face combustible dust hazards that require specialized equipment and safety procedures.
Because every facility is different, engineers must evaluate both the materials being transferred and the conditions surrounding the application when selecting a pump.
AODD pumps are widely used in hazardous applications because they offer flexibility across a broad range of operating conditions. AODD pumps can:
Their ability to handle a wide variety of fluids makes them useful across many hazardous-area applications.
Maintenance is another important consideration. When equipment operates in potentially explosive environments, minimizing downtime and simplifying service procedures can help facilities maintain safe and efficient operations.
For that reason, many operators choose AODD pumps when reliability and ease of maintenance are important requirements.
When evaluating pumps for hazardous areas, ATEX compliance is only one part of the equation. Material compatibility is equally important.
Many hazardous-area applications involve aggressive chemicals that can corrode traditional metal pump components over time. In these situations, a chemical-resistant diaphragm pump made from conductive plastic materials can provide a unique combination of chemical compatibility and hazardous-area compliance.
Conductive plastic pump construction provides:
This combination can be particularly valuable in chemical processing applications where operators need protection from both corrosion and static discharge.
Instead of choosing between chemical compatibility and hazardous-area compliance, conductive plastic pumps can help address both requirements within a single solution.
Conductive plastic ATEX-compliant pumps can be well-suited for applications involving corrosive or difficult-to-handle fluids. Examples include:
In many of these applications, corrosion resistance can have a direct impact on equipment life and maintenance requirements.
The new 1 ½” and 2" Valor pumps expand the options available to facilities operating in hazardous environments.
Designed for strong flow performance and high efficiency, the pumps also simplify maintenance through the platform's modern design. Key benefits include:
For facilities that require a larger plastic AODD pump with ATEX certification, the new models fill an important gap within the Versamatic product offering.
Not every application requires ATEX certification. However, facilities should evaluate several factors when selecting pumping equipment. Questions to consider include:
Answering these questions can help determine whether an ATEX-compliant pump is required and which materials are best suited for the application.
Working with experienced pumping specialists can also help ensure that both compliance requirements and fluid compatibility are properly addressed.
As industrial processes continue to evolve, facilities face increasing pressure to balance safety requirements with reliability and chemical compatibility.
The new 1 ½” and 2" Valor ATEX-compliant plastic AODD pumps give engineers and operators another option for addressing those challenges. By combining conductive plastic construction with ATEX compliance, it provides a solution for applications where both hazardous-area requirements and chemical resistance play an important role in pump selection.
Selecting the right pump for a hazardous-area application requires careful evaluation of both safety requirements and fluid compatibility. Working with an experienced distributor can help simplify the process. Versamatic's global network of factory-authorized distributors can provide application guidance, product recommendations, and ongoing support to help ensure you select the right pump for your operation.