Hydrogen is considered a key raw material in the energy transition. At the same time, its use places the highest demands on safety technology: hydrogen is extremely flammable, and even the smallest sparks or electrostatic discharges can trigger serious explosions.

A holistic concept for explosion protection is therefore required in pipework systems, petrol stations, electrolysers or storage facilities. Seemingly simple components such as pipe clamps often play an underestimated role here: Not only must they be mechanically reliable, they must also be able to safely dissipate electrostatic charges.

Pipe clamps are often underestimated - but they have an important safety function:

• Prevent electrostatic charging: Pipes and system components can become electrostatically charged. Clamps must therefore be conductive.

• Ensure systemic discharge capability: You must ensure that the pipework is connected to the potential equalisation.

• offer corrosion resistance: Contact corrosion must not occur, especially with stainless steel pipes.

• fulfil standard conformity: The relevant standards such as IEC 60079-0 or IEC 60079-32-2 specify strict limit values for leakage resistances.

PA-EX is a specially developed polyamide material for EX applications:

• Targeted electrical conductivity: leakage resistance < 1 Ω

• Surface resistance < 10³ Ω according to IEC 61340-5-1

• No independent charging possible according to IEC 60079-0

• TÜV-tested quality, tested for conductivity under real operating conditions

This material therefore fulfils all requirements for electrostatic safety in potentially explosive atmospheres - even in highly sensitive hydrogen applications.

PA-EX pipe clamps offer decisive advantages especially for hydrogen systems:

• Avoidance of electrostatic ignition sources: Prevents dangerous sparking.

• No contact corrosion: Unlike aluminium clamps on stainless steel pipes, PA-EX does not lead to galvanic corrosion.

• Tested safety: TÜV certification and IEC-compliant test procedures.

• High flexibility: Available in many sizes, individually configurable.

• Long-term investment security: compliance with international standards, including for future projects.

PA-EX pipe clamps are already being used successfully in the following hydrogen applications:

• Electrolysis plants for the production of green hydrogen

• Hydrogen refuelling stations

• Storage and distribution systems (e.g. pipelines)

• Compressor and compressor stations

• Industrial plants with hydrogen pipework

• Research facilities and pilot plants

The best clamp alone does not guarantee safety - professional installation is crucial:

• Only use unpainted stainless steel parts in the earthing path

• Keep contact surfaces bright

• Check the entire system for conductivity

• Implement earthing concepts in accordance with IEC 60079-14

The responsibility for the discharge capability lies with the operator or system planner. PA-EX clamps are designed to fulfil these requirements in accordance with the standard and make planning easier.

PA-EX clamps are an important component in explosion protection, but are no substitute for comprehensive planning.

• Always integrate them into an ATEX-compliant overall concept

• Combine earthing rails, potential equalisation, EX-certified components

• Professional installation by trained electricians

• Acceptance by qualified experts or EX officers

• Regularly check and ensure the discharge capability during operation

The hydrogen industry places the highest demands on plant safety - especially explosion protection. With PA-EX pipe clamps, electrostatic hazards can be reliably minimised and ATEX requirements safely met.

The result: greater safety, longer service life, less corrosion - and therefore an important contribution to the safe and sustainable ramp-up of the hydrogen infrastructure.

For detailed technical information, data sheets or personalised advice, please contact us.

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