EXPLOSION PROOF CRANE TECHNOLOGY
In
developing our Explosion-proof product range, Konecranes utilised its vast
experience in diverse customer applications and it’s extensive resources
and innovation power in mechanical and electronical design. As a global
leader with high production volumes we can apply advanced manufacturing
technologies to guarantee continuous high quality and long lasting
reliability. Konecranes crane maintenance know-how helped to develop the
CXT crane giving the best return on investment for you. The new CXT
Ex Cranes from Konecranes incorporate the most significant innovations
introduced to the market for many years and combine the superior safety
and ergonomics, easy and effective load handling and favourable dimensions
of our CXT range of cranes and hoists.
Konecranes
explosion proof cranes are based upon our long,
extensive experience and knowledge of the crane sector
combines with the safest explosion proof technology.
Take
Every Cubic Metre in Use
CXT Ex cranes have excellent hook approaches at
both ends of the crane in addition to the favourable
headroom given. This means that loads can be lifted
closer to walls and higher within the building. This
gives more flexibility in factory layout and material flow
planning to make maximum usage of available space.
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Regulations and Standards: |
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The new
ATEX directive became mandatory from July 1st 2003. Konecranes CXT Ex Cranes are designed to meet the new ATEX
directives adopted by the European Union. All Konecranes
products comply with European Explosion proof Standards such
as EN50 014 to EN50 020. Components are type tested by
approved independent Notifi ed Bodies and all products are
provided with CE marking and documentation. |
Classification
of Hazardous Areas
According to the new directive equipment is classified into
five categories according to the level of risk in it’s
intended area of use.
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Classification |
Category of Equipment |
Inflammable Substances |
Presence of Explosive atmosphere |
Comparison with Previous practice and IEC |
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Group I
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M1
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Methane, Dust |
Functional with explosive atmosphere present |
Group I
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(mines)
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M2
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Methane, Dust |
De-energised when explosive atmosphere present |
Group I
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1 |
Gas, vapours, mist dust |
Constant or for long periods |
Group II
Zone 0 (gas)/Zone 20 (dust) |
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Group II
(surface) |
2 |
Gas, vapours, mist, dust |
Probable during normal operation (occasional) |
Group II
Zone 1 (gas)/Zone 21 (dust) |
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3 |
Gas, vapours, mist, dust |
Rarely or for short periods |
Group II
Zone 2 (gas)/Zone 22 (dust) |
Economical solutions using a
selection of components allow Konecranes to tailor
packages to meet the individual needs of both Category 2
and Category 3.
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Type
of Protection
Konecranes
explosion proof products are based upon the following
methods of protection.
EEx d:
Flameproof enclosure
Where
equipment that can cause an explosion is placed in a
special enclosure that will withstand and control an
internal explosion. These parts may be contactors,
transformers, motors or brakes that can be a source of
ignition through arcing or high surface temperatures.
EEx e:
Increased safety
Where
increased measures have been taken to prevent the
possibility of excessive heat, arcs or sparks
occurring on internal or external parts of the
apparatus in normal operation. Terminal boxes are
commonly rated to EEx e protection.
Gas
Groups and Temperature Classes
There
is still a need to identify the nature of the
hazard. The gas group and temperature class is
selected according to the amount of energy required to
ignite the gas and ignition temperature |

EEx e: terminal box EEx d:
contractors, transformers etc.Examples of
explosion groups and temperature classes
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CE
Marking
Equipment will be marked
according to the new directive.
A typical marking will be:
| CE |
CE Marking |
|
••• |
Identification of number
of notified body |
|
EX |
Use of equipment for
potentially explosive atmosphere |
|
II |
Equipment Group for
surface |
|
2 |
Equipment category 2,
(previously Zone 1) |
|
G |
Gas |
|
D |
Dust |
This is in addition to the marking
identifying the protection method, gas group and
temperature class.
|
Explosion
Proof Classification
| EEX |
Symbol for apparatus
constructed in accordance with European norms |
|
de |
Type of Protection |
|
IIB |
Explosion Group |
|
T4 |
Temperature Class |
Konecranes
products meet the requirements of EEx de 11B T4 as
standard, EEx DE 11C T4 upon request.
It is the responsibility of the end user to identify
the Explosion-Proof classification required for the
equipment, not the crane manufacturer or supplier. |
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Space
Saving Solutions |
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To
meet the individual load handling capacities and
factory size requirements, CXT Ex cranes are available
in single and double girder construction using profile
or fabricated box girder design. Top, side and
underslung main girder connections can be utilised
according to the building requirements. |
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Single
Girder - loads up to 15 tonnes

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Under
Running - loads up to 10 tonnes

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Double
Girder - loads up to 80 tonnes
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Jib
Cranes - loads up to 10 tonnes
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Possible connection types |
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| Standard/Top Connections |
Medium Connections |
Low Connections |
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Explosion Proof Components
Konecranes offers a comprehensive range
of high quality, explosion proof crane components. All
strategic components, such as wire rope hoists, chain hoists,
belt hoists, travelling machineries, end carriages, crane
controls and control pendants as well as manual hand chain
blocks are designed, manufactured and tested to ensure the
highest safety level for the customer. Konecranes
explosion proof hoists cover a wide range of lifting
capacities, hoist duty groups and trolley types, from
125kg chain hoists up to 80 tonnes wire rope hoists: Chain Hoists Belt Hoists
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Chain Hoists
Konecranes Explosion-proof chain hoists
provide a cost-effective solution for capacities up to
5 tonnes. The hoists can be provided with top
hook suspensions or built into a range of push, hand
geared and electrical travel trolleys. The
modern design provides excellent hook approach
dimensions. |
Belt
Hoists
Konecranes Explosion-proof belt hoists
provide a unique solution where the importance of
hygiene and safety in production is vital. The
wear resistant polyester belt avoids the need for
lubrication of chains or wire ropes on conventional
hoists and this makes it ideal for laboratories,
pharmaceutical or food processing plants. |
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Manual Cranes & Hoists: |
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Manual
Cranes
Precise design and modern
components ensure that Konecranes manual cranes are
easier to operate with increased safety and reliability.
Spark resistant components such as bronze crane wheels, bronze
wheel drop stops and stainless steel hand chains ensure safe
operation in hazardous areas. Cranes can be of top
running or underslung design to 10 tonnes capacity with spans
up to 16m. |
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Wire Rope Hoists |
Multiple
lifetime of the rope
The innovative design of CXT Ex hoists
with a large drum (double that of conventional designs)
reduces the stress and wear of the lifting rope increasing
safety in the workplace.
Fine
positioning
The large rope drum also reduces the
hook drift during lifting eliminating the need for
true vertical lift in most cases. When combines
with dual operating speeds it allows the operator more
control when positioning delicate loads in hazardous
environments. |
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Powerful
Motors
A high performance hoist motor designed
and manufactured by Konecranes that complies with the new ATEX
directive is the driving force behind the new CXT Ex hoist.
Mounted within the rope drum it benefits from excellent
cooling characteristics and the brake is designed for 1
million operations without adjustment. |
Protection
from Dust Hazards
The CXT Ex Cranes utilise electrical
equipment that provides a high standard of protection to IP65
according to EN60 529, particularly when the hazard is dust.
Protection covers over motors and control cubicles help
prevent the build up of dust on the components and provide
easier surfaces to clean for good housekeeping. Trolley
drives avoid the use of open gears to ensure trouble free
operation and help to reduce the time required for
maintenance. These features are also applicable for
outdoor operation. |
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Manual
Hoists
Manual Hoists with loads up to 20
tonnes can be hook suspended or built into push or hand geared
trolleys. The hoists incorporate bronze load and return
sprockets, brake pinion and chain guides together with a
bronze coated load hook. Load chains are corrosion
resistant and hand chains are stainless steel. The
hoists can also include load limiters and chain collectors.
Manual
Trolleys
Konecranes also provide a wide range of
push or hand geared trolleys that can be adjusted to
suit all common beam profiles. The trolleys
incorporate bronze wheels and bronze wheel drop stops.
Once again hand chains are stainless steel. |
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