Diesel/electric material handling equipment

Diesel/electric material handling equipment ATEX conversions

We convert diesel and electric material handling equipment for a wide range of industries to BS EN 1755:2015 including:

Area Classifications

Zone 1: Gas, high risk
Zone 2 : Gas, low risk
Zone 21: Dust, high risk
Zone 22: Dust, low risk

Applications

Counterbalance forklift trucks
MEWPs
Reach trucks
Side loaders
Lifting platforms
Powered pallet trucks
Floor washers

ATEX Compliant Accessories

Lights and beacons
Sounders and horns
Road lights
Electric wipers
Manual wipers
Various truck sensors
Batteries and connectors

IF YOU OPERATE MHE IN A HAZARDOUS AREA, YOU NEED ATEX PROTECTION

Below are some of the hazards present on an unprotected forklift truck operating in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

Flametec ATEX Forklift Conversions Services 3 E1556193463499

ZONE 2 PROTECTION

YOUR TWO OPTIONS FOR ZONE 2 CONVERSION

There are two routes for protection available under BS EN 1755:2015 for Zone 2. The principles of protection are fundamentally different so an informed choice is critical.

Passive System
Active System

Always Protected

No Matter What

Passive protection is the only method allowed under Zone 1. It is a higher level of protection for a higher risk environment. Under this protection method, all the components on the MHE that can potentially cause an explosion are protected. A similar, but lighter, version of this protection for Zone 2 means that in the unlikely event of gas release the equipment will remain operable.

A passive system allows the driver to continue to operate the MHE even in the event of an accident causing a gas release, as the operator can move the MHE to a safe area. Flametec can also combine a passive system with the added benefits of gas detection if the customer requires an alert for gas release.

Advantages

Complete protection of MHE parts
No gas system parts to maintain
Instant start of MHE
Minimal changes to OEM schematic
Will operate in gas environment

Disadvantages

Modified OEM parts may have longer lead times
No alarm for gas release

Advantages

Limited modification of OEM parts
Operator alerted of gas release

Disadvantages

More proprietary parts to maintain
Consumable gas bottles typical
Can require regular calibration
MHE inoperable in gas environment

Threat Detection

Using a Gas Detection System

Active protection utilises a gas detection system. This is only available for Zone 2 since the presence of gas is not normally expected and shutting down all relevant systems achieves the level of safety required. Gas detectors are installed at the extremities of the equipment. The system checks for gas when the equipment is energised and only allows operation if no gas is detected. If gas is detected at any point, before or during operation, the system disconnects the battery from the rest of the truck and will remain isolated until the gas source has been removed.

In the event of gas release around the MHE, a series of alarms inform the operator so the load can be made safe and the MHE moved to a safe area. If the alarms are not acted upon in good time or the gas release is swift, the MHE is isolated in a safe condition and remains inoperable.