Product category:
Motors and Variable speed drives
News Release from: ABB Automation Tech (Drives and Motors) | Subject: Blanket ATEX certification
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 17 November 2005
Blanket ATEX certification gives added
security
ABB has gained blanket ATEX certification for its ABB industrial drives of 4kW and above, plus flameproof and non-sparking motors, for use in hazardous areas
ABB has gained blanket ATEX certification for its ABB industrial drives of 4kW and above, plus flameproof and non-sparking motors, for use in hazardous areas ATEX, which became mandatory in July 2003, is the European regulation covering equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 6 Aug 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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By gaining the blanket certification, ABB can provide combined ATEX-approved drives and motors packages that do not need further testing on site.
By contrast, operators that choose to match their own drive and motor combinations may need to have them independently tested by a notified body to ensure that the combination fully complies with the ATEX regulations.
Having equipment independently tested incurs an additional variable cost depending on the application, the equipment and the notified body.
It also unnecessarily involves staff in duplicated testing procedures and may delay commissioning.
Because ABB has achieved blanket certification, its combined ATEX-approved drives and motors packages can be commissioned quickly, while giving operators added peace of mind that all ATEX regulations are fully complied with.
Using motors with variable speed operation can be hazardous because drives give increased temperature rises and higher voltage stresses on the motor insulation.
This effect is increased when self-cooled motors are used as they feature reduced cooling compared with traditional motors.
These factors can combine to create a heat source powerful enough to ignite an explosion.
The rules for all ATEX EExd flameproof motors and ATEX EExnA non-sparking motors ensure that these motors are suitable by ensuring they are de-rated and have thermistors fitted.
For all applications the drive will be located outside of the hazardous area in an appropriate zone that complies with the ATEX regulations.
By choosing an ABB combined ATEX package, end users can rest assured that the motor and drive combination is optimised for their application.
This can result in a cost benefit because operators that opt to match their own drive and motor combinations may be forced into selecting a larger motor than optimum because of the limited selections available from their chosen manufacturers.
Later this year ABB aims to extend its combined ATEX-approved drives and motors package by having its ABB standard drives included in the blanket certification.
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