28 February 2017
Barrier-Ex Ltd has created a new standard for hazardous area operations with the launch of an independently-verified certification for explosion-proof enclosures and systems.
Validated by notification body, CML, the IECEX/ATEX EU Full Conformity Product Certificate significantly extends the scope of operations permitted by existing certification for explosion-proof enclosure products manufactured by Cortem.
The certification has been developed in response to challenges faced by the industry, specifically relating to the limitations on the use of Intrinsic Safety (IS) Barriers. Prior to the release of the Barrier-Ex Ltd certificate, only four types of IS Barriers were permitted for use in Cortem enclosures. Under the new certification all IS Barriers can be used within the explosion-proof enclosures.
In addition, the certification also addresses the issue of the use of large power transformers. While other companies are currently restricted to 17KVA units, Barrier-Ex Ltd are permitted under the certification to utilise transformers up to 50KVA.
This new industry standard further strengthens Barrier-Ex Ltd’s growing reputation for quality in the hazardous equipment market having already been certified to ISO 9001 and BS EN 80079-34.
Serving sectors such as oil and gas, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, manufacturing and mining, Barrier-Ex Ltd designs and manufactures bespoke solutions at its facility in Wallsend, utilising rigorously-tested Cortem Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components and accessories.
Alongside the supply and bespoke engineering of equipment, the company also provides training, consultancy services, project management and technical advice services.
Martyn Chapple Technical Director of Barrier-Ex Ltd, said: “This new standard meets the growing requirement from industry for suppliers to possess their own certification. This demonstrates technical excellence rather than simply operating under another company’s licence.
“In addition, this enables Barrier-Ex Ltd to expand the scope of its capabilities and increase the applications for our hazardous location equipment as our business is the only company that can operate to the standards set out by the certification.”
Jason Hamilton, Lead Electrical Engineer at Barrier-Ex Ltd, said: “The existing available certification has proven to be quite restrictive and can lead to non-conformance, product recall or re-certification if incorrectly interpreted. This can also invalidate insurance on facilities. We have ensured, through our certification, these current issues have been eliminated as well as removing a number of other restrictions to enable complete peace of mind to industry and flexibility.”
Photo caption: left to right – Barrier-Ex Ltd Managing Director, Steven Lee, Technical Director Martyn Chapple and Lead Electrical Engineer Jason Hamilton
