Intertec’s new Ex p explosion proof cabinets simplify the deployment of analysers in hazardous areas of process plants (photo: Intertec)

Outdoor enclosure specialist Intertec has launched a new range of explosion proof cabinets to protect field instrumentation operating in hazardous areas. Available in a diverse range of standard sizes, as well as in custom shapes up to walk-in shelter size, the cabinets are certified for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas. They are ideal for housing forward-placed analyser equipment in industrial process facilities such as petrochemical/oil refineries and fertilizer production/storage plants, and also provide the possibility to install non-Ex rated analysers and instrumentation inside Zone 1 or 2 classified environments.

Intertec’s pressurised explosion proof (Ex p) cabinets are constructed from GRP (glass reinforced polyester) composite materials. These materials are highly resistant to corrosion and have a similar strength to stainless steel, but are about 75% lighter, making them ideal for equipment containment and personnel shelter applications. They are especially suitable when robustness and rigidity need to be combined with low mass – such as on offshore platforms. They are also ideal for areas where there is a need to mitigate injury to personnel or damage to equipment, such as on sites where there is risk of an explosion.

The pressurised cabinets are equipped with a control unit that regulates the flow of inert purging gas or compressed air, and then monitors the pressure inside the cabinet to ensure that it is maintained slightly above atmospheric pressure by automatically compensating for any leakage losses. Intertec works with a number of controls manufacturers to equip its Ex p cabinets with the most appropriate type of purging and pressurisation systems.

According to Klaus Dieter Meyer of Intertec, “There is a growing need for Ex p field protection cabinets and enclosures in the process sector. Analysers are getting smaller and plant operators are keen to site these as close to the process as possible, in order to shorten sample lines and thereby improve the accuracy and speed of results processing. Our ability to create Ex p cabinets and enclosures of virtually any design and complexity provides system integrators with a very flexible and cost-effective solution.”

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