Eriez explode onto Atex scene

Eriez Europe have launched Atex-rated permanent suspended magnets and Metalarm metal detectors suitable for operation in some explosion-risk or hazardous environments. This development expands the product range, providing solutions for metal contamination problems in the most arduous of environments.

In 1996 new European regulations were introduced for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres; referred to as Atex 95 (EU directive 94/9/EC). This legislation laid down specific requirements for equipment used in potentially explosive environments resulting from the presence of explosive gases and combustible dusts (eg cement plants).

Eriez were contacted by Austrian-based Christian Pfeiffer Maschinenfabrik GmbH with a request for metal separation and detection equipment for installation in a cement plant. At the proposed installation location the Atex rating was 22 (dust). This meant that there would be a potentially explosive atmosphere arising from the presence of combustible dust, although this was not expected to occur in normal operating conditions and/or would only occur infrequently and for short periods. Any equipment installed on the site had to comply with the Atex specification. To make the application even more challenging, the equipment for the site also had to be suitable for an ambient working temperature of down to -30oC.

Eriez supplied a CP20/80 self-cleaning suspended permanent magnet and a Metalarm M3500 BR metal detector, both certified as compliant with the requirements of equipment for installation in an Atex 22 (dust) environment and for operation in a low ambient temperature. The combination of the suspended magnet and metal detector is suitable both economically and functionally, protecting process equipment from tramp metal damage and thus reducing production losses due to downtime.

Eriez Magnetics Europe Ltd, Bedwas House Industrial Estate, Caerphilly CF83 8YG; tel: +44 (0)29 2086 8501; fax: +44 (0)29 2085 1314.