Sponsored Article
Choose ESI technology for your hazardous mining applications
03 June 2013
Mining and mineral processing facilities represent significant fire and explosion hazards to both personnel and production equipment and buildings. Explosions in underground mines and surface processing facilities are caused by accumulations of flammable gas and/or combustible dust mixed with air in the presence of an ignition source.
Manufacturers of mechanical and electrical equipment intended for safe operation in and around potentially explosive atmospheres and who wish to place their products on the market within the European Union need to comply with the ATEX Directive. ATEX (‘Atmospheres Explosives’) is the name commonly given to the framework for controlling explosive atmospheres.
Intrinsic safety equipment must be tested and approved by an independent body to assure its safety. It involves a detailed process of examination, testing and assessment of equipment, with the end result being the issue of an ATEX certificate and report confirming that the product is safe to use within potentially explosive environments.
ESI have always had a broad range of intrinsically safe products for zone 0 and zone 20, meaning that their products can be used safely in the most hazardous zones. Recently, with ambitions to introduce products in to the mining industry, they have expanded their certification to cover M1 mining.
ESI technology Ltd are delighted to introduce Group 1, M1 Mining to their ATEX certification!
Designed and certified in accordance with the ATEX directive 94/9/EC, the ESI intrinsically safe product range is intended for installation and operation in potentially explosive atmospheres in zone 0 gas group IIC, temperature class T4 and zone 20 dust and M1 mining.
Excellent performance for Mining Applications…….
Silicon-on-Sapphire (S.O.S.) technology was initially utilised in the advancement of high temperature integrated circuits for the NASA space programme. ESI has taken this technology and developed a sensor that is capable of accurately measuring vibration, torque, force or pressure in extreme temperatures over long periods of time.
Incorporating SOS into applications where ATEX approval is required offers a reliable and durable solution with unbeatable performance and value. Because the silicon is grown onto the surface of the sapphire it is incredibly stable and exhibits virtually no hysteresis. With its outstanding insulation properties, the sapphire protects the strain gauge from electromagnetic pulse radiation, and allows the sensor to operate over a very wide temperature range without loss of performance. It can endure high over pressures and provides superb corrosion resistance. The excellent elasticity of the sapphire ensures high repeatability which is a highly desirable characteristic for sensors. SOS technology is incorporated into the ESI ATEX portfolio through a range of high standard products.
To see the full range of Intrinsically Safe pressure transmitters got to www.esi-tec.com or call the sales team on +44 (0)1978 262255. Alternatively you can connect on Facebook or Twitter!