THE renowned manufacturer of innovative electrical termination products, Pratley, has developed and launched a ground-breaking new product, the Flameproof Ex d Envirobox®. This is the world’s first polymeric, corrosion-resistant, direct-entry, flameproof junction box.
Its recent launch signals a major milestone in the electrical industry and has been confirmed by Pratley Electrical Research & Development manager Sven Breedt as: “A new product unlike any other in the world and one of Pratley’s most innovative electrical inventions.”
Flameproof equipment is designed to prevent internal ignition within a flammable atmosphere from transmitting outside the protective enclosure. However, all traditional direct-entry flameproof junction boxes made from steel, cast iron or aluminium materials can be prone to corrosion over time and when used in very harsh environments.
Special attention needs to be given not just to the overall climatic conditions of the area where the enclosures are installed, but also to the material and design of the equipment.
Pratley’s new Flameproof Ex d Envirobox junction box, made from a specially formulated, robust engineering polymer, is designed to withstand severe environmental conditions. This makes it ideal for use in areas with a high risk of corrosion, such as offshore oil platforms, underground mines, and petrochemical plants.
“The need for a lightweight and corrosion-resistant flameproof junction box is evident with the current, ever-changing mining environment,” says Breedt.
“Over a decade’s worth of research and development went into the design and development of this junction box.”
The specially formulated, robust engineering polymer is unique to Pratley. The material has exceptional mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness, creep, dimensional stability and more.
This ensures that the Envirobox can withstand 2x 20-joule impact tests in a staggering -40°C environment and has been third-party tested to a massive 4 000-kilopascal internal pressure. Additionally, it is IP66/68 certified for continuous underwater depths of up to 300m, making it water, dust, and gastight.
The lid and base have an accurately machined flame path. “The flame path surface of traditional Ex d junction boxes is coated or greased to prevent corrosion. However, this is not a long-term solution as the coating can wear off and greases would need to be reapplied periodically,” continues Breedt.
