- New explosion-proof compressor launched
- Most comprehensive protection on the market (Ex p + Ex d)
- ATEX/IECEx certification issued by LCIE
Faced with the increasing global need for explosion protection, a number of operating equipment have so far only offered partial answers in this area. This is the case for industrial air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Furthermore, in the European Union, electrical and mechanical machines operated in explosive atmospheres must comply with ATEX / IECEx regulations.
With this in mind, Fonteck and A2S have developed the explosion-proof* compressor with the highest level of safety for installation in Zone 1 and Zone 2 for gas environments, and Zones 21 and 22 for dust environments.
"To achieve this result, we developed both mechanical and electrical protection for the compressor. Thanks to this major innovation, we can now offer the market a semi-hermetic refrigeration compressor that received, last August, the ATEX and IECEx certifications issued by the LCIE**", specifies Nicolas Sevestre, manager of A2S, who reports a global demand for compressors of between 1,000 and 1,500 units per year by 2020.
Two years of work were necessary to develop the main box and the casing of each component, namely, junction box, temperature sensor, transmitter sensor, solenoid valve, heating resistor in the oil pan, then have them tested in the laboratory and finally obtain ATEX/IECEx certification.
This innovation will benefit two types of markets. On the one hand, that of compressor manufacturers who wish to develop an ATEX-certified range as part of an industrial cooperation. On the other hand, that of end customers and their subcontractors who seek to equip their installations with the best-protected equipment on the market.
"A new addition to our ATEX product range, the compressor will enable us, both from a technical point of view and through the marketing method, to stand out on the market," believes Nicolas Sevestre.
** Certification number: LCIE 15 ATEX 3030 X (Ex 2 II GD Exd IIB T4)