The smallest spark
ERIKS can ensure nothing is overlooked and your complete process is fire and explosion resistant.
When specifying equipment for operation in explosive atmospheres, it's not only the large equipment which needs to be considered. Even the smallest and apparently most insignificant system components can have the potential to produce sparks or excessive temperatures, leading to combustion or explosion. However, an experienced supplier such as ERIKS - with a comprehensive catalogue of ATEX-approved products - can ensure that nothing is overlooked and your complete process is fire- and explosion-resistant.
Fenner gearboxes and gear motors, for example, are certified by the Baseefa certification body for use in ATEX Zones 1 and 2 (gas) and 21 and 22 (dust). This means off-the-shelf Fenner drive solutions are now available for use in the processing and offshore industries, making it quicker and easier for customers to specify, choose and install a suitable solution.
Providing an essential link between the motor, gearbox and pump, Fenaflex tyre and spacer couplings are also available with ATEX approval for use in Zones 1 and 2 - removing another potential source of ignition. These couplings are manufactured from a chloroprene compound which is both fire-resistant and anti-static (FRAS), with a greater than normal resistance to heat and oil. The compound is suitable for operation in temperatures from -15°C to +70°C.
The FRAS rubber tyre couplings avoid the build-up of static electricity which could be a source of ignition, and are made of fire-resistant rubber to prevent re-ignition. The Fenner Taper Lock® bush system for fixing the units is also ATEX-approved for this particular application.
Static electricity is a significant hazard in explosive atmospheres, as it can produce a spark which can ignite flammable products or cause explosions. The static is created as a result of friction between two elements - liquids, gases, vapours or solids - at least one of which has good conductive capabilities. The friction can occur through two surfaces rubbing together, through drops or fixed particles falling, or through spraying. Since the energy required to reach the auto-ignition point of some products can be very low, and the sparks are not always visible to the naked eye, static electricity is a significant hazard in an ATEX atmosphere, one of the main causes of industrial fires and explosions, and steps must be taken to prevent it.
ERIKS offers a full range of anti-static and anti-conductive hoses and assemblies to prevent the generation of static electricity and the associated fire or explosion risk. In addition, ERIKS' RX® FIRESAFE hydraulic hose has been designed and tested to withstand 1,000°C at 280 bar for a minimum of thirty minutes. Its fire-resistant outer wall is made from braided glass fibre covered with a fire-resistant rubber compound. The fire-resistant layers are vulcanised as a single layer with the hydraulic hose.
The final šlink in the chain' of fire and explosion protection is the valve.
Any valves used in process applications involving volatile media must be tested to ISO10497 and/or API607 2005, as well as meeting ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Valves which meet these standards - such as Econosto UK fire-safe valves - will remain intact and protect the integrity of the system carrying the flammable medium, even in the event of a major fire. Econosto UK's Fire Safe range of ball valves additionally meets the standards required to be certified Fire Safe. The materials used in their manufacture will withstand high temperatures and thermal shock, and even the failure of a soft sealing component in the event of a fire will not lead to the valve being destroyed.