EXPLOSION-PROOF EXTRUDER MOTOR REPLACEMENT FOR PLASTICS PRODUCER
A plastics producer had to replace an existing extruder motor with ignition protection type Ex d (flameproof encapsulation) very urgently. Menzel and the client found that a motor with the ignition protection type Ex ec (increased safety) would satisfy the current hazardous zone requirements. The motor manufacturer selected a suitable three-phase squirrelcage motor from stock, individually adapting it for the drive task and the installation site.
The project hinged on upgrading the motor for zone 2 hazardous areas with potentially explosive gas atmospheres and getting it the necessary ATEX certification. Menzel’s officially certified in-house experts labelled the motor II 3G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc.
The new motor, with a lower shaft height of 630mm, was brought up to the centre height of the old motor using a welded base. Since the new motor has four winding systems instead of the two of the old one, Menzel also made electrical modifications for operation on the existing frequency converter.
The project highlights the existing supply gap for explosion-proof motors in large sizes. The few existing suppliers can only offer to build a motor from scratch, with the corresponding monthslong delivery times. Menzel stands out from the competition with its large stock inventory and ability to configure and adapt stock electric motors in-house for hazardous areas and certify them according to the latest ATEX directives.
In this instance, only two weeks passed from order placement to installation at the customer’s site. The customer came to Berlin for testing and acceptance and praised Menzel’s flexibility.
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This article appeared in Renew magazine. To read more or request your personal digital or print edition of Renew, click here.
