ATEX approved motors sent to Coventry

ABB will be showing motors from its ATEX approved range at HazardEx 2003 (Coventry, UK, 19th-20th February).

ABB will be showing motors from its ATEX approved range at HazardEx 2003 (Coventry, UK, 19th-20th February).

The most recent addition is motors in frame sizes 315 and 400, with frame size 355 scheduled for approval by the end of 2002, providing ATEX approved models up to 710kW output.

This will be of particular benefit to manufacturers of large fan and pump sets, in industries such as chemical, processing and oil and gas.

The new hazardous area motors are stocked in the UK and available within 24 hours up to frame size 355, while frame size 400 is built to order on 6 weeks lead-time.

The entire range has efficiency levels equivalent to the highest European standard, Eff1, and qualifies for Enhanced Capital Allowances.

Lower losses in the motor means longer life and improved reliability as less power is converted to heat.

The temperature in the winding has been lowered by 3-5C, which is equivalent to an increased lifetime of 30-50%.

Lower temperature also increases the life of the bearings and the bearing grease.

The improved efficiency has a significant impact on running costs.

For instance, a 90kW ABB motor with 95% efficiency can save nearly GBP 12,000 over its life cycle, compared to a competitor's motor with 92% efficiency.

As sites such as refineries can have several thousand Ex motors, significant amounts can be saved using high efficiency motors.

ATEX approved Ex motors will supersede motors approved to national standards, such as British Standard (BS).

The ATEX approval will be a regulatory requirement for any hazardous area motors installed after 30th June 2003.

ATEX brings together and harmonises the previously existing national standards across the European Union.

This will be of particular benefit to exporting OEMs, as equipment approved in one country can be used across all the member states.

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