How to choose the right explosion-proof gear motor for your silo system – including important ATEX and IECEx notes.
Why are special explosion-proof gear motors necessary for silo systems?
In silo systems, dusts (e.g., grain, wood, plastic dust) can create a potentially explosive atmosphere. Standard motors can generate ignition sources such as sparks or hot surfaces. Explosion-proof gear motors are designed to prevent ignition sources or safely encapsulate them, thereby ensuring the safety of the facility. Ensure.
What do ATEX and IECEx mean in relation to gear motors for silos?
ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres) is the EU directive (2014/34/EU) for equipment and protection systems in explosive environments. IECEx is an international certification scheme.. Both ensure that motors meet strict safety requirements. For silo systems, compliance with these standards is crucial for legal and safe operation..
How do I determine the correct dust Ex zone (Zone 20, 21, 22) for my silo system?
The zone classification depends on the frequency and duration of the occurrence of a potentially explosive dust atmosphere. Zone 22 (dust cloud rare and temporary) is often found in silo areas. A detailed hazard assessment, often involving experts and a dust analysis, is essential for correct classification. essential..
What does a marking like “Ex tc IIIB T125°C Dc” on a gear motor mean?
This marking provides important information: “Ex tc” is the type of protection against ignition (protection through casing for dust). “IIIB” designates the dust group (non-conductive dusts). “T125°C” indicates the maximum surface temperature that the motor may reach (here 125°C). “Dc” is the Equipment Protection Level (EPL), which confirms a high level of protection for Zone 22.
Can I operate an explosion-proof gear motor in my silo system with a frequency converter?
Yes, this is often possible, but it requires special attention.. The motor must be expressly approved for operation with a frequency converter. Additionally, the frequency converter usually needs to beinstalled outside the Ex zone, and additional measures such as shielded cables or special filters may be necessary. The manufacturer’s specifications must be außerhalb der Ex-Zone installiert werden, und es können zusätzliche Maßnahmen wie geschirmte Kabel oder spezielle Filter notwendig sein. Die Herstellerangaben sind hier strictly observed..
What maintenance requirements do explosion-proof gear motors in silos have?
Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining explosion protection.. This includes inspections of seals, bearings, and casings for damage or overheating. Maintenance intervals and work must be carried out according to the manufacturer’s specifications and by qualified specialists to ensure safety and compliance.
What information does a provider like ATEK Drive Solutions need for a quote for a suitable explosion-proof gear motor?
To provide you with the optimal solution, we require details about the application (e.g., type of transport, material),, the required power and speed,, the environmental conditions,, the exact zone classification (Zone 20, 21, or 22),, the dust group (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC), and the temperature class or maximum surface temperature..
What is important when selecting an explosion-proof drive for silos besides the motor?
Ein A holistic approach is important. In addition to the motor, the gearbox must also be suitable and certified for the Ex area. The entire drive unit (motor + gearbox) must meet the requirements. ATEK Drive Solutions offers as a system provider complete drive trains, which are optimally coordinated to provide maximum safety and efficiency. Ensure.
The correct selection of explosion-proof gear motors for silo systems, based on zone classification (e.g., Zone 22), type of dust, and ATEX/IECEx standards,is crucial for plant safety and can significantly minimize accident risks..
System providers like ATEK Drive Solutions enable through modular building block systems and integrated solutions a high variety of options, und up to 30% faster delivery times for tailored explosion-proof drives, even for custom requirements.
A comprehensive documentation (EU Declaration of Conformity), regular maintenance by qualified personnel and adherence to manufacturer’s specifications, particularly when operating with frequency converters, are essential for the long-term safe and compliant operation of explosion-proof gear motors.Learn everything about explosion-proof gear motors for silo systems: From the correct selection to ATEX compliance to important maintenance tips. Ensure maximum safety and efficiency in your operations!
Silo systems pose a high explosion risk due to dust development. The use of explosion-proof gear motors is therefore essential. We show you what to consider when selecting to ensure the safety of your system while optimizing efficiency. Do you have questions? [Contact us](/contact) – we will be happy to advise you!
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Explosion-proof gear motors for silo systems: Safety and performance.
The correct selection of explosion-proof gear motors is crucial for safety and efficiency in silo systems. This article covers ATEX, IECEx, and selection criteria.
Necessity of special motors in silos
Dusty environments in silos pose explosion hazards due to sparks. Preventing ignition sources is essential.Explosion-proof drives, like those from ATEK Drive Solutions, are required. Understanding ATEX gear
Legal foundations: ATEX and IECEx
The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU protects people and investments. International projects often require IECEx standards additionally.Ex motors for oil & gas
Consequences of non-compliance
Non-compliance leads to accidents (e.g., dust explosions), production downtimes, fines, and liability. Careful selection and documentation (example: NORD DRIVESYSTEMS) are required.More about gear motorsClassifying: Determine zones and devices for dust Ex protection accurately.
Determining dust explosion zones
The classification (Zone 20, 21, 22) affects the selection of motors, especially for drives in silo systems.. Correct zone classification (often with dust analysis) is foundational. Zone 22 (rare dust clouds) allows category 3D/EPL Dc. ATEX motors for conveyors
- The exact classification of dust explosion zones (Zone 20, 21, or 22) is fundamental for selecting the right motor.
- A correct zone classification, often supported by a detailed dust analysis, forms the basis for all further decisions.
- For Zone 22, where dust clouds occur rarely and temporarily, equipment of category 3D or with Equipment Protection Level (EPL) Dc is permitted.
- Dust Ex protection requires different types of ignition protection and device groups than gas Ex protection.
- In silo systems, device group II is often used, with the ignition protection type Ex tc (protection through casing) being relevant for Zone 22.
- An example of a motor designation is Ex tc IIIB T125°C Dc, indicating protection through casing, suitability for non-conductive dust (Group IIIB), a maximum surface temperature of 125°C, and EPL Dc.
- The Equipment Protection Level (EPL) – Da, Db, or Dc – indicates the achieved level of protection of the device.
Device groups and types of ignition protection
Dust Ex protection uses different types of ignition protection than gas Ex protection. Silos: mostly device group II, ignition protection type Ex tc (Zone 22) for the gear motor. Motor Ex tc IIIB T125°C Dc for non-conductive dust (max. 125°C surface). Inline gearboxes for mills
Equipment Protection Levels (EPL)
EPL (Da, Db, Dc) defines the level of protection. Zone 22: typically EPL Dc (normal operation no ignition source). Siemens SIMOGEAR motors for Zone 22 meet this. Ex gear for miningSpecifying: Define technical minimum requirements for safe gear motors.
Correct temperature class
Overheating motors can trigger dust explosions. The maximum surface temperature of an explosion-proof motor must be below the ignition temperature of dust. Grain dust (ignition temperature ~400°C) requires e.g., motor T4 (max. 135°C).
Choosing power and size
Standard motor or custom-made for the gear motor in your silo system,? power (e.g., 5.5 kW for screw conveyors) and space determine selection. ATEK Drive Solutions: modular system for millions of configurations. Integrated motor-gearbox
Materials and construction
Not every “dust-tight” casing is Ex-appropriate. Spark-resistant materials, dust-tight construction (e.g., IP6X) are fundamental. TECO motors: non-sparking fans, brass slip rings. Torque-strong gear motors.Integrate: Safely commission and maintain explosion-proof gear motors
Frequency converter operation
Not every Ex motor is suitable for frequency converters, especially in the context of silo systems. Compatibility and measures (shielded cables, filters) are often necessary. Siemens SIMOGEAR Ex motors for SINAMICS converters (outside Ex zone). Heavy-duty gearboxes for cement plants
- Always check if the selected Ex motor is approved for operation with a frequency converter (FU).
- Ensure compatibility between motor and FU and take additional measures if necessary, such as using shielded cables or installing filters.
- Note that frequency converters usually must be installed outside the Ex zone, as is the case with Siemens SIMOGEAR Ex motors in combination with SINAMICS converters.
- Perform regular maintenance, as neglected maintenance can jeopardize explosion protection.
- Pay special attention to potential ignition sources such as damaged seals or overheated bearings.
- Strictly adhere to the maintenance intervals specified by the manufacturer (e.g., bearing inspection every 10,000 operating hours) and have work done only by qualified personnel.
- Ensure complete documentation, including the EU declaration of conformity and the operating manual, as the type plate alone is not sufficient.
Regular maintenance
Neglected maintenance endangers explosion protection. Damaged seals, overheated bearings can be ignition sources. Maintenance intervals (e.g., bearing inspection/10,000 operating hours) to be observed by qualified personnel.
Conformity documents
Type plate is not enough. Complete documentation (EU declaration of conformity, operating manual) is required. Submit documents (example: NORD DRIVESYSTEMS) during inspections. More about Ex gear motorsSelect: Find the right provider and the suitable solution for your silo system
Provider selection
Important: Experience in explosion protection, certified range for explosive areas in silos, technical advice. Provider must demonstrate comparable projects (types of dust).
Solutions from ATEK
ATEK Drive Solutions: System provider for drive systems (gearboxes, brakes, motors) in Ex areas, including the suitable explosion-proof gear motor for silo systems. Modular system: variety of variants, fast delivery, also customized.
Offers from other manufacturers
Solutions vary: Siemens SIMOGEAR (integrated motors Zone 2, 22); NORD DRIVESYSTEMS (wide range of ATEX/EAC Ex components for silo applications). Both focus on energy efficiency (IE3). Optimize: Learn from case studies and apply best practices in explosion protection
Practical examples
Ex motors perform well under harsh conditions, as often found in silo systems. Example: Arnreiter Mill (Austria) uses NORD drives (Cat. 3D, Zone 22) for conveying systems, increasing operational safety.
Best practices: selection, installation
Basis: detailed risk assessment (dust characteristics) for the selection of the right safety gear motor for silos. Important: Check manufacturer documentation (EU declaration of conformity, test protocols).
Long-term safe operation
Installation alone is not enough. Regular inspection, maintenance (qualified personnel), environmental testing are necessary. Repairs only by manufacturers/authorized workshops (certificate retention).
The selection of the suitable explosion-proof gear motor for silo systems is important for safety and efficiency. Application requirements and competent partners are essential. Contact ATEK Drive Solutions for advice and solutions.
