Posted to News on 13th Nov 2007, 16:11
Vast new range of flexible conduit for hazardous areas
Kopex International now offers a substantial range of ATEX and IECEx approved cable management products, including metallic and non-metallic conduit and fittings, conduit accessories, and non-metallic cable glands and fittings. Indeed, Kopex claims to have the broadest range of nylon and steel IECEx compliant conduit in the world.
The company is committed to an extensive and ongoing new product development programme and will continue to deliver innovative and high-performance products for installation within safety-critical areas. By the end of 2007 there will be 500 items in the Kopex Ex range, and this will be expanded further in 2008 with more cable management products and related items such as GRP boxes with and without terminations.
Meanwhile, the Ex products already available lend themselves to many market sectors, including machine building, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and offshore environments - as well as any safety-critical or harsh environments where correct product choice and performance are essential.
International approval
While ATEX approvals are necessary for European applications, IECEx certification is accepted by Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Korea, Norway, Hungary, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, the USA and Serbia.
International approvals are very helpful for global companies, and it is also attractive for suppliers such as Kopex International. Furthermore, in situations where compliance to existing national standards are still required – such as in countries with extreme temperatures or other hazardous operating conditions – Kopex can verify product conformance through its IECEx test results.
Kopex International says it was the first manufacturer of electrical conduit to gain IECEx certification for one of its products. Following tests carried out by Baseefa, the company's ATEX range combines the requirements for explosion-proof applications with requirements for use in increased safety areas.
New non-metallic nylon conduit systems and fittings, with anti-static properties and IP66 sealing, are available in 16-54mm diameter sizes. These versatile products can be used in Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 hazardous areas where there is no ignition source present. In applications where EMC (electro-magnetic compatibility) is important, an overbraided nylon conduit is also available with high-strength EMC screening of 60dB at 1MHz.
Flameproof and liquid-tight
The company's HAM, HAMM and HAMS ranges of ATEX flameproof glands are approved for use in Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 hazardous areas where an ignition source is present. Available in brass and 316 grade stainless steel versions, these ATEX flameproof glands are suitable for use where an explosive atmosphere is, or is expected, to be present.
With a nylon seal and epoxy resin, the ATEX flameproof gland is a high-quality, high-specification product that is suitable for Ex II 2 GD gas and dust, EExd IIC and EExe II applications. It is designed for use in conjunction with Kopex Liquid Tight flexible metallic conduits.
Accompanying these new systems there is now a comprehensive range of conduit accessories for hazardous areas, including thread convertors, reducers, enlargers, and many other products in brass, nickel and 316 stainless steel - all tested to the ATEX and IECEx standards. Consequently Kopex International claims to be the only conduit manufacturer able to sell conduit systems for use in both Exe and Exd zones.
