Smarter Nozzle
An innovative product in an explosion-hazardous environment
Smarter Nozzle launched an innovative product in 2020: the iNozzle. It is a small communication screen that can be easily mounted on the fuel nozzle at gas stations. DEKRA had the honor of presenting the necessary ATEX certificate to the Kessel-based company. This was the final step before the product could be launched. Together with Pascal van Nisselroy, director at Smarter Nozzle, we look back on the development of the iNozzle, the challenges he encountered, and his ambitions for Smarter Nozzle.
The biggest challenge: an explosion-hazardous environment
In 2007, Pascal van Nisselroy discovered that gas stations are largely dependent on so-called shop revenues. As the owner of a cluster of gas stations, he went in search of the best means of communication to promote products from the shop. This led him to develop the iNozzle, an ultra-clear 5.5-inch digital screen that can be implemented on any fuel nozzle using plug-and-play technology. Why wasn't this communication tool already on the market? It soon became clear that the biggest challenge was the explosive environment of gas stations. How do you ensure that the iNozzle can be used safely in an explosion-hazardous environment? Van Nisselroy ultimately succeeded, and that success was rewarded with
ATEX certification
.
Eight years of intensive product development
On the road from idea to product launch, Van Nisselroy regularly encountered new challenges. "The display format of the iNozzle, for example, is widely used for mobile phones. That means they are supplied in large quantities, while we needed a smaller number to get started." He was also faced with the question of how to control the device wirelessly. And how do you ensure that the product works safely? Van Nisselroy contacted DEKRA for help. He soon learned that his iNozzle fell into
ATEX zone 0
, which means that it is a place with an explosive atmosphere where a mixture of flammable substances and air is present continuously, for long periods of time, or repeatedly. After the necessary adjustments, the product was ready for certification. "The certification process at DEKRA went very well. With the ATEX certificate, they took care of the final step towards product launch."
To speed up the certification process, manufacturers can collect the necessary documents during the production process. DEKRA has provided us with clear information about this.
ATEX certified within three months
For manufacturers such as Smarter Nozzle, also known as
NozzleTV
, it is essential to be ATEX certified. Although the certificate can only be applied for at the end of the production process, preparations can be started earlier. Van Nisselroy: "To speed up the certification process, manufacturers can already collect the correct documents during the production process. DEKRA informed us about this very clearly." Smarter Nozzle's goal was to launch the product in 2020, and they succeeded. "We had the ATEX certificate from DEKRA in our hands within three months. They fully met the tight schedule they had promised, enabling us to launch the product at the end of last year."
About Smarter Nozzle
Smarter Nozzle started producing the iNozzle in 2012, an effective communication tool for fuel nozzles. Advertisers can use the iNozzle to convey their message to motorists filling up their tanks with a 100% view guarantee. More than 500 iNozzle screens have
already been installed
in the Netherlands. There is also interest in the iNozzle from abroad. "We therefore want to put the iNozzle on the international map."
We combine various areas of expertise to test whether your products and work processes are explosion-proof. This provides you with a customized service package that perfectly suits your situation.
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