Motors offer safe use in dangerous environments

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 26, 2007

WEG's new motors are designed to operate safely in environments where flammable gases, or vapours gather in sufficient volumes to generate explosions.

Oil, gas and petrochemical industries can enjoy the same energy saving benefits as general industry with the launch by WEG of Premium Efficiency (EFF1) EEx d/EEx de, and both Premium Efficiency and Top Premium Efficiency (EFF1+) EEx nA hazardous area motors.

The new motors offer industry-leading efficiencies up to 96.8%, and are available in a wide range of sizes up to 315kW.

The WEG premium efficiency EE x d and EEx de motors meet all the requirements of IEC and Cenelec Standards, and the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC: (Category Ex II 2 G EEx d or EEx de II T4 (Zone 1).

They are designed to operate safely in category 2, Zone 1 (Groups IIA and IIB) environments where flammable gases, or vapours gather in sufficient volumes to generate explosions.

In these environments the EEx d and EEx de motors provide the high levels of efficiency necessary to achieve substantial energy savings on equipment such as fans, pumps, power-packs, blowers, crushers, conveyor systems, mills, and cranes, and other plant located in hazardous areas.

Offering the same energy saving benefits in category 3 hazardous environments, WEG's Premium Efficiency (EFF1) and Top Premium Efficiency (EFF1 plus) dual-labelled EEx nA / DIP motors are classified as Zone 2, Groups IIA, IIB and IIC, and Zone 22, DIP.

This dual classification provides a major benefit for users, in that one motor will suffice in atmospheres containing both combustible gas and non-conductive combustible dust.

In addition, the EFF1 motor variants offer market- leading efficiencies of up to 96.8%.

These hazardous area motors employ the same well-proven design as WEG's W21 line of high-efficiency motors.

With many types of high-efficiency motors the quality of insulation, heat dissipation and mechanical protection may be no different to a standard motor.

WEG, however, has taken a different approach; the company's W21 design offers life enhancing improvements such as Class F, (Class H optional) insulation, reduced temperature rise, improved heat dissipation, lower bearing temperatures, lower noise operation, and high levels of ingress protection (IP55 standard, with IP66 optional).

In common with WEG's newly-introduced range of dust-ignition-proof motors, the EEx d / de and EEx nA hazardous area motors are inverter-rated to enable maximised energy saving from matched motor/drive combinations.

This means that they are highly efficient in dealing with the higher peak voltages and faster voltage rise times generated by the IGBTs used in the latest generation of VSD.

Moreover, when supplied as a package with a variable speed drive from WEG's CFW ranges, they are backed by a three-year warranty.

In terms of energy efficiency ratings, the EEx d / de and EEx nA motors either meet or exceed CEMEP/ WIMES requirements.

Premium Efficiency types meet the requirements of CEMEP's/ WIMES EFF1 level, while the Top Premium Efficiency EFF1 units comfortably exceed these requirements.

All of these motor types are registered with the DEFRA to enable users to claim enhanced capital allowances (ECA) on the motor purchase - a substantial contribution to reducing payback times.