Klinge intros ATEX unit

US-headquartered tank container refrigeration specialist Klinge Corporation has introduced an offshore refrigeration unit that complies with the guidelines included in ATEX Directive 94/9/EC level of Ex II 3 G, Group IIA, for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The company says that it is launching the product in response to rising demand from the oil and gas industry for offshore refrigerated containers. 

“Klinge produced its first container for hazardous goods nearly 30 years ago and has applied its unique expertise in this area to the design of the new ATEX-compliant unit,” says Klinge. “Our PFR-571 ZII-II contains ATEX-certified components such as an electrical control box, cable glands, electric motors, a solenoid valve, a temperature switch, and a pressure switch. Every component in the evaporator section is explosion-proof, since this section is in direct contact with the cargo area, and all external parts are explosion-proof.  The unit is also insulated with fire-resistant and CFC-free polyurethane foam between the evaporator and condenser section.”

Klinge says that the PFR-571 ZII-II is categorised as Group II, Category 3, meaning that it is equipment intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapours, mists or air/dust mixtures are unlikely to occur, or, if they do occur, are likely to do so only infrequently and for a short period. The PFR-571 ZII-II is also designed for safe operation in ATEX Zone 2 classified areas, which are places in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation, but, if it does occur, will persist only for a short period, says the company.

“Adding to the safety of the ATEX Directive compliant refrigeration unit is the EN12079 and DNV 2.7.1 certified offshore container to which the PFR-571 ZII-II refrigeration unit is mounted,” says Klinge. “The combination of Klinge’s ATEX-compliant PFR-571 ZII-II and EN12079 and DNV 2.7.1 certified containers makes this offshore refrigerated container the ideal solution for the global offshore oil and gas industry.”

www.klingecorp.com