ATEX-Certified MATCH Flange Spreaders: Ensuring Safety in Hazardous Environments

by Hubert Dziadowiec

Hydraulic tools are a safe and effective choice for flange maintenance, especially in hazardous areas. They eliminate the risk of electrical sparks. However, even non-electric tools like hand pumps or metal spreaders can become ignition sources if not designed correctly. That’s where ATEX certification becomes essential.

What is ATEX and Why Does It Matter?

ATEX-certified hydraulic tools are engineered to prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres. This includes design features that eliminate sparks, heat, or other hazards. Using certified tools helps companies avoid shutdowns, stay compliant with regulations, and protect workers.

For example, MATCH’s ATEX-rated flange spreaders and hand pumps are fully approved for Zone 1/2 environments. This ensures that every pressure point and moving part is safe for use in oil, gas, and petrochemical facilities. Maintenance teams can replace gaskets, adjust flanges, or service valves with peace of mind.

Benefits of ATEX-Certified Hydraulic Tools

  • Safety: Tools are built to prevent sparks or high surface temperatures, making them ideal for flammable atmospheres.

  • Compliance: Certified to meet European Union and global standards for hazardous environments.

  • Reliability: Each product is third-party tested for extreme conditions, including heat, corrosion, and pressure.

  • Industry Trust: The ATEX “Ex” symbol signals approval for use in high-risk sectors like offshore energy, chemical plants, and refineries.

 

MATCH ATEX Flange Spreaders

MATCH offers a range of ATEX-certified flange spreaders specially developed for hazardous-area maintenance. These tools safely separate tight pipe flanges in oil, gas and petrochemical plants. For example, the HSW15TEX is a hydraulic flange spreader delivering 15.5 tonnes (155 kN) of force. It requires only a 6 mm flange gap for insertion, and can spread flanges up to 81 mm with optional stepped blocks. Certified to ATEX Zone 1/2 (II 2G ck IIB T6 / II 2D ck T85°C), this 7.0 kg tool includes a safety block, lanyard and carry case for secure operation. The HSW15TEX is ideal for oil/gas and petrochemical maintenance, giving engineers peace of mind in hazardous areas.

The HSW15TSCEX is a similar ATEX-rated hydraulic spreader with an integrated 700-bar hand pump. It delivers 14.5 t (145 kN) of force from a single self-contained unit, which simplifies setup in tight or remote locations. Like its sibling, it works in a 6 mm gap and extends up to 81 mm with stepped blocks. Rated for Zone 1/2 (II 2G ck IIB T6 / II 2D ck T85°C), the HSW15TSCEX kit includes the spreader with pump, stepped blocks, a safety block and carry case. By combining pump and tool, it streamlines flange work while ensuring explosion-proof operation.

The MSW9TEX is MATCH’s ATEX-certified mechanical flange spreader. Driven by a torque wrench, it generates 9.4 t (94 kN) of spreading force without any hydraulic fluid or pump. This manual design is inherently spark-free and easy to control: the kit includes the spreader, a torque wrench, stepped blocks, a safety block, and carry case. Like the hydraulic models, it’s certified for Zone 1/2 use (II 2G IIB T6 / II 2D ck T85°C). The lightweight MSW9TEX (5.8 kg tool) is perfect for routine flange maintenance where simplicity and ATEX safety are required.

ATEX-Certified Hydraulic Pump Kits

MATCH also provides ATEX-compliant hand pump kits to power its spreaders.

The HP350AEX is a 700-bar two-stage hand pump (0.35 L oil) with single output. Each kit includes a pressure gauge, adapter, coupling and a 1.8 m anti-abrasion hose, all in a rugged carry case. Certified for Zone 1/2 (II 2G IIB T6 / II 2D ck T85°C), the HP350AEX can be used at any angle without loss of performance. This pump delivers reliable pressure safely and is recommended for powering MATCH spreaders in explosive atmospheres.

The HP350BEX is a dual-output hand pump kit that can power two tools at once. It produces 700 bar (350 cc) just like the AEX, and adds a second pressure gauge and hose for parallel operation. The kit comes with two 1.8 m hoses, two gauges, adapters and couplings in one case. Rated for Zone 1/2 (II 2G IIB T6 / II 2D ck T85°C) use, the HP350BEX (11.7 kg full kit) enables teams to run multiple MATCH spreaders safely during major maintenance tasks. Both pump kits use oil-tight, built-in components to eliminate leaks and sparks, even in harsh offshore service.

 

ATEX certification is essential for any hydraulic tools used in potentially explosive environments. MATCH’s HSW15TEX, HSW15TSCEX, MSW9TEX flange spreaders and HP350AEX/BEX pump kits deliver the power needed for flange maintenance while fully complying with ATEX safety standards. These certified tools give buyers in the hydraulic industry peace of mind, combining high performance with proven protection against ignition risks. Choosing MATCH’s ATEX-compliant solutions means meeting regulatory demands and prioritizing the safety and uptime of your critical operations. If you are interested in our products, visit our Shop.