ATEX Fans for Marine & Offshore Hazardous Areas

Given the corrosive and potentially hazardous nature of the marine and offshore environment, a number of variables need to be considered when selecting ATEX fans, equipment and components for marine and offshore applications. Fans within ventilation systems can be found in various areas of an offshore platform as many applications require extensive cooling to ensure their optimal performance and to prevent the premature failure of equipment. For example:

  • compressors
  • roadside lighting systems
  • nuclear power plants
  • combined heat and power
  • heat transfer systems
  • production platforms
  • gas turbine enclosures
  • power generation
  • water pumping stations
  • emergency back up stations
  • generators

These areas can present varying degrees of hazard which the offshore fans must be suitable for. Two important variables for consideration dependent on the nature of the application, include the need for ATEX (non-sparking and explosion proof) variants and the surface finish of the fans. If you’re not sure then give us a call and we’ll talk through the information that you need to find out. After you’ve confirmed this key information, then we can look at our extensive portfolio of fans to ensure you get the right equipment you need in line with certifications and legal requirements for equipment that is placed in a hazardous area.

 

ATEX Offshore Fans

 

ATEX Fans for Hazardous AreasATEX variants are required in areas in which hazardous gases are present. One such area would include gas turbine enclosures. Given that the turbine contains gas, the main aim is to reduce the risk derived from a build-up of hazardous gases by ensuring effective ventilation, ATEX cased axial fans for both supply and exhaust of these gases are often used.

Any ATEX variants should be specified by the system manufacturer’s maintenance manuals. This will advise the zone that the components should be certified to. Zoning is based on the type of flammable material (gas and vapours or dust and fibres) and the presence of that material (continuous, intermittent or abnormal). Learn more about the ATEX directive.

 

 

 

Offshore and Marine Grade Surface Finish

Industrial fans with special paint grades, coatings or hot dip galvanised processes are often specified in corrosive environments to ensure longevity of the product in use. Offshore and marine environments are classified according to their grade of environmental corrosivity which affects the components used in those environments. Moisture, oxygen, temperature, air pollution and marine atmospheres containing chlorides and dirt etc. affect the rate of corrosion of steel. Corrosion and the degeneration of stainless steel structures such as industrial fans can be limited through correct material selection, organic coating paint, good surface preparation and careful consideration of the corrosivity category.

ISO 12944-5:2018, describes the types of paint and paint system commonly used for corrosion protection of steel structures such as industrial fans. It also provides guidance for the selection of paint systems available for different environments and different surface preparation grades, and the durability grade to be expected. The durability of paint systems is classified in terms of low, medium and high. Paint grade finishes include C3 for urban and industrial atmospheres, C4 for industrial and coastal areas and C5M for marine, offshore and coastal environments. Learn more about corrosive resistant paint grade coatings here.

Axair Fans works closely with innovative supplier partner Casals Ventilation to provide a wide range of medium and high pressure centrifugal and axial fans painted to marine grade specifications, available in ATEX variants. Contact us on 01782 349 430, email [email protected] to request a quote or to discuss how we can help.

More Offshore News >> ATEX Certified Fans>>

Comments are closed.