11th March, 2002 (Sydney, Australia) - ABB is launching a new range of explosion proof motors, which meet the requirements of Australian Standards. This new range of explosion proof motors complies with the new Australian Standard efficiency levels, meeting the highest efficiency level: ‘High Efficiency’.
This follows ABB's European launch of its new range of explosion proof motors, CE marked according to the new European directive 94/9/EC, for hazardous areas or "Atmospheres Explosives" (ATEX).
"High efficiency in Ex_ motors is something our customers have requested for some time," says Sean Stove, Vice President, Electrical Machines (Australia). "With our new M3000 range, we will be able to deliver this, fast; we will have larger global stocks of M3000 than of any previous Ex_ motor."
The improved efficiency will have a significant impact on running costs. For instance, a 90kW ABB motor rated 'High Efficiency' can save nearly A$7,800 over its life cycle compared to a competitor's motor with a 'Minimum Efficiency' rating, assuming continuous duty at a tariff of A$0.08/kWh and a 10 year service life. Sites such as refineries can have several thousand Ex motors, so significant amounts can be saved using high efficiency motors.
Lower losses in the motor also means longer life and improved reliability as less power is converted to heat. The temperature in the winding has been lowered by 3-5°C, which is equivalent to an increased lifetime of 30-50%.
Lower temperature also increases the life of the bearings and the bearing grease. A new design to the end shield further improves cooling of the bearing assembly, ensuring the grease maintains the optimum temperature for lubricating performance.
These features give the new M3000 range a much better reliability and availability, especially in countries with high ambient temperature like in the Gulf region, Asia-Pacific and Australia.
In relation to maintenance, the M3000 motors can be delivered either with lubrication nipples, or with bearings sealed for life, depending on the user's preferences. Measuring devices such as SPM nipples fitted to the bearings, enable the user to measure bearing vibration as part of a planned maintenance program.
Thermistors, fitted as standard, protect the motors against damage due to overload.
The M3000 Ex_ range will be available in Australian Standards frame sizes 71-400, 0.18-630 kW, with two, four, six or eight poles. The standard design complies with the most demanding customer's specifications and is available in flameproof (EEx d, EEx de), increased safety (EEx e), non-sparking (EEx nA, Ex nA, Ex N) and DIP (Dust Ignition Proof) versions. Ex N motors protects against ignition of explosive atmospheres under normal operation.
Variants for different standards in offshore, marine, onshore or chemicals sectors are available for all regions of the Globe.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a global leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. ABB has some 155,000 employees in more than 100 countries.
Notes:
1."ATEX - certified" means comply with the European Directive 94/9/EC coming in force after 1st July 2003 for products installed in hazardous areas. CE marking for explosion proof motors according to ATEX Directive is set to become mandatory in the European Union in 2003, following the EU’s recent announcement that the transition period to the new standard will not be extended. ATEX certification provides reassurance for buyers both inside and outside the EU that the motors conform to the latest standards. All new motors are ATEX-certified for D.O.L. (direct-on-line supply) as well as VSD (variable speed drive applications).