Explosion protection specialist Pyroban assessed the two-tone crane in order to ascertain where modifications were needed. This resulted in the introduction of Pyroban’s System 5000D active protection brand for diesel equipment working in Zone 2 areas.
The system continuously monitors for an explosive atmosphere and will shut the equipment down if necessary. This includes the detection of a variety of flammable gases and vapours, which if detected trigger a warning and the complete shutdown of equipment.
Pyroban also introduced a slim-line water-cooled exhaust gas cooler to limit the surface temperature of the Kubota D722 diesel engine and stop potential sources of auto-ignition. This keeps surface temperatures below the level specified by T3 Class (200°C) to stop flammable hydrocarbons igniting.
The crane is now ATEX 94/9/EC compliant and able to work in Zone 2 areas previously off limits.
“Without suitable protection, if a flammable hydrocarbon is present in the atmosphere it is possible that a mobile crane could be the source of an ignition,” said Rob Vesty, customer services manager at Pyroban.
