Explosion avoidance from Pyroban

In a Zone 2 hazardous area, where a release of flammable gas or vapour is possible, Category 3G explosion protection is typically required to reduce the risk of ignition and potential explosion. But, according Pyroban, the need for explosion protected equipment used on a short term basis for maintenance is sometimes overlooked.

“Sometimes neither plant hire companies nor equipment users are aware that an explosion proof access platform or scissor lift is an option available to them,” said Matthew Shirkie, global sales manager at Pyroban. “However, a wide range of lift solutions can be easily converted to comply with ATEX 2014/34/EU, helping to ensure safe operation in potentially hazardous areas.”

For equipment used in Zone 2 environments, Pyroban convert a wide range of diesel or electric lift equipment via system6000. The explosion protection conversion includes gas detection to continuously monitor the direct environment around protected equipment and automatically shut it down where necessary, eliminating the risk of an explosion. In some cases, this includes a gas sensing head at floor level and at the operator’s platform level. Other explosion protection features of system6000 include restricted breathing enclosures and surface temperature monitoring to prevent any components exceeding the auto-ignition temperatures of flammable materials.

Suitable for both diesel and electric equipment, system6000 can be used with most types and brands of plant equipment.

In areas near to Zone 2 environments, which, although deemed ‘safe’ can still carry a risk of ignition the Gascheka duo is designed for gas or vapour release and subsequent detection. An audible and visual warning alerts the equipment operator and if necessary, the system safely shuts off the equipment.

This system can be fitted to any brand of equipment simply and locally within a matter of hours. It can also be transferred to other units in the fleet as needed. This can be useful both for those that own their equipment, and for plant hire businesses who can move the Gascheka duo system between units in line with customer requirements.