New wall-mounted rack and pinion jack for use in potentially explosive and clean areas.

At CeMAT 2008 Pfaff-silberblau showed new models in its tried and trusted range products for ATEX areas in zones 1 and 2 or respectively category 2 and 3 including its new wall-mounted ZWW Ex rack and pinion jack and also the OMEGA Ex hand wire rope winch for use in potentially explosive areas.

The use of carefully selected materials and application of a top quality coating which prevent any mechanically induced sparks from being generated, have allowed the wall-mounted rack and pinion jack to expand its scope of application. All the individual components are designed from an electrical engineering point of view in such a way that the surfaces cannot over-heat. Equalisation of potential and surface restriction also prevent the wall-mounted rack and pinion jack from becoming statically charged.

The ZWW Ex can lift, lower, pull and push, move horizontally, support, adjust or fix loads such as heavy components or whole instruments and machines - of up to 250 kg. A lubricated, self-locking worm gear is set in motion by turning the crank handle, not only moving the load with ease, but also reliably securing it in any position.

Apart from its traditional applications in industrial assembly and production, the ZWW Ex is now ideal for use in potentially explosive areas in plant construction, shipping, waste-water treatment plants and also in “clean” environments, such as in the chemical or food industries. For the latter, the winch is also available in stainless steel or alternatively with a metallic or ceramic coating.

Pfaff-silberblau’s engineers have subjected all the individual components of the ZWW Ex Jack to comprehensive hazard analysis in accordance with EU directive 94/9/EC, taking into consideration DIN EN 1127-1 (Potentially explosive atmospheres - protection against explosion), DIN EN 13463-1, -5, DIN EN 13463-5 (Non-Electrical Equipment for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres) standards as well as BGR 132 (Avoidance of ignition hazards due to static electricity).

The new wall-mounted rack and pinion jack is thus suitable for ATEX areas in category 2 (= Zone 1/21) and category 3 (= Zone 2/22) and is labelled Ex II 2 DG c 195 °C (IIB T3). Category 2 includes equipment that provides a high level of safety even where disruptions are expected, while Category 3 covers equipment which provides a standard level of safety when used normally.