1 intended use, 2 for the customer / operator, 3 improper operation – Richter RSS/F Series Bellows-Sealed Control Valves User Manual
Page 9: Intended use, For the customer / operator, Improper operation, The directive 94/9/ ec (atex 95), Series rss/f

Series RSS/F
Page 9
9260-060-en
Revision 03
TM 7168
Edition 06/2008
2.1 Intended use
Richter Bellows Control valves of the series RSS/F are 
pressure containing components in accordance with 
the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) for the 
passage and shut-off of fluids. The valves are suitable 
for vapours, gases and non-boiling liquids of group 1 
according to the PED and have a corrosion-resistant 
plastic lining. 
Sie werden zur Regelung von korrosiven, reinen und 
hochreinen Flüssigkeiten, Gasen und Dämpfen in 
Chemie-, Pharma-, Lebensmittel- und industriellen 
Prozessen eingesetzt. 
Solids can lead to increased wear, damage to sealing 
surfaces or to a reduction in the service life of the 
valve. 
The operator must carefully examine in the event of 
operating data other than those provided whether the 
designs of the valve, accessories and materials are 
suitable for the new application (consult the 
manufacturer). 
 
2.2 For the customer / operator
When using the valve, it must be ensured that
actuators which are retrofitted are adapted and 
designed to suit the valve 
hot or cold valve parts are protected by the 
customer against being touched 
the valve has been properly installed in the pipe 
system 
the usual flow rates are not exceeded in continuous 
operation. 
This is not the manufacturer's responsibility. 
Loads caused by earthquakes were not allowed for in 
the design. 
Fire protection to DIN EN ISO 10497 is not possible 
(plastic lining and plastic components). 
 
2.3 Improper
operation
The operational reliability of the valve supplied is only 
guaranteed if it is used properly in accordance with 
Section 2.1 of this operating manual. 
The operation limits specified on the 
identification plate and in the pressure-
temperature diagram must under no 
circumstances be exceeded. 
 
3
Safety notes for applications in potentially explosive areas 
based on the Directive 94/9/ EC (Atex 95) 
The valves are intended for use in a potentially 
explosive area and are therefore subject to the 
conformity assessment procedure of the directive 
94/9/EC (ATEX). 
As part of this conformity assessment, an ignition 
hazard analysis to EN 13463-1 to satisfy the funda-
mental safety and health requirements was conducted 
with the following result: 
The valves do not have any ignition source of 
their own and can be operated both manually 
as well as mechanically/electrically. 
The valves are not covered by the scope of 
application of the ATEX directive and therefore 
do not need to be identified accordingly. 
The valves may be used in a potentially 
explosive area. 
Supplementary notes:
Electric/mechanical actuators must be 
subjected to their own conformity assessment 
to ATEX. 
It is imperative to observe the individual points of 
intended use for application in a potentially explosive 
area. 
3.1 Intended
use
Improper operation, even for brief periods, may 
result in serious damage to the unit. 
In connection with explosion protection, potential 
sources of ignition (overheating, electrostatic and 
induced charges, mechanical and electric sparks) 
may result from these improper operation; their 
occurrence can only be prevented by adhering to 
the intended use. 
Furthermore, reference is made in this connection to 
the Directive 95/C332/06 (ATEX 118a) which contains 
the minimum regulations for improving the occupatio-
nal health and safety of the workers who may be at 
risk from an explosive atmosphere. 
A difference is made between two cases for the use of 
chargeable liquids (conductivity < 10-8 S/m): 
1. Chargeable liquid and non-conductive
lining
Charges can occur on the lining surface. As a 
result, this can produce discharges inside the 
valve. However, these discharges cannot cause 
ignitions if the valve is completely filled with medi-
um.
