INDUSTRY FOCUS Oil & Gasy


The unknown ATEX world Giancarlo Lonati, ATAM CEO, addresses the diverse universe of coils available for ATEX environments ATAM 455 coil ATAM 481 coil


A


mosphere explosible (ATEX) environments, are far more widespread than many realise. In addition to the obvious


environments of oil and mines, many other situations warrant an ATEX approach due to the presence of gas and dust which can combine to create a volatile atmosphere capable of reacting to ignition sources such as hot surfaces, electrical material, electrostatic charges and mechanical sparks. Some 70% of industrial settings have to deal with these problems: agrifood, textile, metalworking and woodworking industries, as well as others who use gas under pressure. ATAM deals with ATEX environments


safely, starting from its production plant in Agrate Brianza, where various potentially- critical areas have been identifi ed and placed under safe conditions. Moreover, the company’s R&D team is working on solenoid-valve coils to meet the requirements of ever-evolving reference standards. ATAM studies its clients’ operating fi elds for potentially-explosive atmospheres to understand where its coils and valves can be used. An in-depth knowledge of the


ATEX world has enabled ATAM to provide various products – certifi ed by internationally-recognised external bodies – for the most widespread pneumatic and hydraulic applications for a variety of risk categories.


Coils for pneumatics


The 257 encapsulated coil is for heavy- duty pneumatic applications. It’s certifi ed ATEX 2014/34/EU and IECEx for gas (Zone 1) and dust (Zone 21), and has been approved for mine applications (Group I, Category M2), too. It features


26 November 2020 | Automation


ATAM 257 coil


an UL-approved housing developed to further protect internal components, and includes a precision thermal fuse placed in direct contact with the external surface of the encapsulation. All encapsulation materials have undergone extensive fl ame tests to meet the requirements of all three Glow Wire Tests. Domestic applications are covered by the ISO EN 60335-1 requirements.


The 204, 394 and 209 coils are for Zones 2 and 22 applications (normal protection level), initially created as standard products but later enhanced to meet ATEX requirements as non-sparking coils. They are equipped with a wireless DIN connection and are ideal for applications to Category 3 GD according to the Directive ATEX 2014/34/EU.


Coils for hydraulics


The 455 coil is for heavy-duty hydraulic applications. They feature an Ex-d explosion-proof casing, certifi ed ATEX and IECEx for gas (Zone 1), dust (Zone 21) and mines (Category M2). This coil stands out for its micro-cast coated low carbon steel body and fl anges, which undergo a zinc and nickel treatment to improve their resistance to oxidation; it is supplied without wire and cable gland. Based on the client’s requirements, it can be powered with a voltage from 6V to 240V, AC and DC. Moreover, it can work with an operating pressure of 350 dynamic bar and a room temperature of between -60°C and +80°C with T4, T5 and T6 temperature classes.


The 481 encapsulated coil is for the most-common hydraulic applications. This is the fi rst Ex-m encapsulated coil with an external armour (and not with the explosion-proof casing) for ATEX environments with T3 temperature class for gas (Zone 1), dust (Zone 21) and mines (Category M2) that doesn’t need to be strongly depowered as coils with explosion-proof casings do to ensure temperature classes T5 and T6 (low surface temperature). This feature allows solenoid- valve manufacturers to comply with all applicable standards, while continuing to use standard products in potentially explosive environments without having to create new valve bodies.


Resulting in considerably lower costs, the coil is encapsulated in an external magnetic armour, its body and fl anges featuring a zinc and nickel anti-corrosion coating that can withstand up to 240 hours of salt spray to white rust and up to 720 hours to red rust. The coil has an IP65/ IP69K protection rating according to the IEC-EN 60529 standard. It measures 22mm in internal diameter, 45mm in external diameter and 54.5mm in height, which are the most common dimensions in hydraulics.


In addition to ATEX coils, ATAM


provides a wide range of off -the-shelf products for various applications. But, what really sets ATAM apart are its custom- made products, which represent 70% of its entire production, whether made from scratch or by adapting standard products to meet specifi c client requirements.


CONTACT:


ATAM www.atam.it/en/


automationmagazine.co.uk


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