Special version of the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO with pneumatic vacuum generation for use in explosion-risk areas

With the presentation of the new vacuum tube lifter JUMBO for explosion-risk areas, the vacuum technology specialists J. Schmalz GmbH in 72293 Glatten add a further device to their modular range of standardised vacuum handling equipment. Made of stainless steel and equipped with a pneumatic vacuum generator (multi-stage ejector of the type SEM 300 Ex), the new vacuum tube lifter with explosion protection complies with the EU Directive 94/9/EG (ATEX 100a) which came into force on 01.07.2003. This directive states that all articles and devices used in explosion-risk areas as defined in the directive must be examined and analysed with respect to their conductivity and flammability. The results of these inspections must be documented and archived in an approved neutral location.

On the basis of the requirements for use in the zones 0, 1, 2 for gas and 20, 21, 22 for dust and the requirements of group II (equipment for use above ground), with the appropriate subdivision into equipment categories (1, 2, 3), the new versions of the vacuum tube lifters of the JUMBO series were developed to comply with the safety requirements of zones 1 and 2 (gas) and 21 and 22 (dust) in that they "avoid sources of ignition in normal operation and in the case of common faults". These requirements are relevant in industrial sectors such as chemistry, paints, pharmaceuticals, woodworking, ammunition manufacture, tunnelling and industrial bakeries, since many of these include working areas in which dust may be deposited and may, in the worst case, lead to a dust explosion.

For this reason, the materials used for the vacuum tube lifter JUMBO explosion-risk areas were selected carefully and were treated for use in explosion-risk areas. The lifter contains no electrical components. The devices are constructed mainly from stainless steel. All mechanical components and assemblies are manufactured with the appropriate antistatic and/or conductive properties. The aluminium parts are coated and the plastic and rubber parts are made of antistatic materials.

The explosion-protection features thus increase the operating safety during handling of sacks of bulk goods, during transport of containers of paint, during handling of chipboards in woodworking companies and during handling of explosives in the chemical and ammunition industries.