Rotary vane pumps handle explosive environments

Edwards EM ATEX-compliant rotary vane pumps allow operators in the chemical industry to comply with the European ATEX Directive.

Edwards has released a range of ATEX-compliant rotary vane pumps for potentially explosive environments.

The EM range, which gives a high ultimate vacuum down to 0.001mbar, allows operators in the chemical industry to comply with the European ATEX Directive.

Suitable for pumping gases in the gas group IIB, the pumps are available in four sizes with pumping speeds from 40 to 275m3/h, in two-stage designs.

The smaller E2M40 and E2M80 pumps have an internal and external classification to T4.

This means the pumps can operate safely in environments where the gas has an auto-ignition temperature greater than 135C.

The larger E2M175 and E2M275 have an external rating to T160 (160C) and an internal rating to T3 (200C).

There are many safety features on the pumps, including a surface temperature thermal snap switch, which is fitted to the body of the larger E2M175 and E2M275 pumps.

When this is connected to an intrinsically safe circuit suitable for the hazardous zone, if the temperature should rise, the snap switch activates and the pump will shut down.

Plugs have also been fitted to prevent flammable atmospheres accidentally entering the pump.

Nick Giles, Product Marketing Manager, Edwards said "The new ATEX-compliant EM range has been specially designed for use in hazardous environments and is a simple, easy-to-fit pump".

The pumps are compact with minimal vibration and low noise levels.

They offer excellent operator protection and feature finger-proof fan and coupling housings, as well as a totally enclosed fan-cooled motor.

They also require minimal maintenance.

The lubrication system allows the EM pumps to work with wide oil level tolerances, which reduces the need to top up the oil and ensures reliable operation even at high gas loads.

Larger pumps are designed so that all key components are easily accessible.

The exhaust valve seals and oil distributor seals are exposed after the top cover is removed and the shaft seal can be replaced quickly without stripping down the pump.

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