We have recently shipped three new ATEX compliant Doosan D25S-7Y for a business in the energy sector in Scotland.
Supplied through Windsor Materials Handling, the explosion proof forklift trucks will be used in Zone 2 hazardous area operations where “a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.”
The customer selected Pyroban’s system6000 which combines various explosion protection methods, such as enclosures and thermal control, with active gas detection.
On detection of flammable hydrocarbons the Doosan forklifts will be brought to a controlled stop and electrical systems turned off. The gas detection system consists of a gas sensing head that, once initiated, is constantly monitoring the atmosphere (as the equipment moves within the facility) for the presence of flammable vapours and gases.
If a low concentration is detected an audible and visual alarm will be triggered but the truck retains full functionality. This will allow the operator to take appropriate action, such as lowering the load and driving out of the area.
If a higher concentration is detected the operator gets an audible and visual alarm and the truck is brought to a controlled stop thereby eliminating ignition sources from the ATEX forklift truck. The operator is able to leave the area.
As such situations are uncommon, by the definition of zone 2 area classification, a gas detection activation and shutdown should be investigated immediately to ensure the area is safe to operate in. Reset can then only be carried out by the Person in Authority on site who holds the reset device (key).
Once the area and truck are cleared for safe return to operation, as long as no gas/air mixture remains, the gas detection system will allow the truck to be started up safely again.
One of the main advantages of active gas detection is the confidence for the operator that they will receive audible and visual alarms if they approach a release of flammable gas or vapours.
The use of gas detection also satisfies the ATEX 1999/92/EC User’s Directive requirements in ANNEX II that states:
2.6. Where necessary, workers must be given optical and/or acoustic warnings and withdrawn before the explosion conditions are reached
The ATEX transformation of these three Doosan forklifts took place at Pyroban’s new facility in Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, UK, which ensures that the trucks meet the requirements of the manufacturers’ 2014/34/EU ATEX Directive,
For more information about the advantages of an active explosion protection system download our Zone 2 forklift white paper, email sales@pyroban.com or call +44 (0) 1273 456800.
