ELEVATORS: Standardized Atex-compliant lifts for hazardous environments
Andreas Magnusson, Alimak
A ‘standard build’ explosion protected lift has been introduced by Alimak for hazardous area offshore applications.
The new Alimak SE-Ex range complies with ATEX (Europe) and NEC (USA) regulations, offering protection in Zone 1 or 2, Gas group IIA or IIB, Temperature class T1-T4 and Class 1 Division 2, Gas group C or D, with Temperature class T1-T4. Lift capacities vary between 400 and 1,600 kg, with direct-on-line motor control. The range is available in 15 car sizes between 0.91 m x 1.3 m and 1.56 m x 2.21 m, with a traveling speed of 0.4-0.6 m/s.
External view of the Atex-compliant Alimak lift.
The Ex range incorporates standard components built to the same quality standards as the Alimak SE range. It also features the company’s proven rack and pinion build, in use since 1974 in numerous platform structures, outside platform modules, derrick towers and hull structures.
Internal view of the Atex-compliant Alimak lift.
Certain components have been re-engineered in the new range, the main benefit being safer transportation of workers and materials in hazardous areas. Since this eliminates movement in potentially dangerous stairways and ladderways, it provides easier access to, for example, pump and machine rooms.
The Alimak SE-Ex lift car is made of extruded aluminum and hot dip galvanized steel, or optionally of stainless steel. The car door can be sited on any of the lift’s three sides away from the mast, and is mechanically and electrically interlocked. Electric cabinets and landing control boxes are fabricated in stainless steel.
ALC-II, a new collective control system, with a built-in fault indication program, provides a high level of stopping accuracy. Optional features include Auto return, Auto alarm and Fire and gas alarm.
Progressive safety
The new range incorporates all safety features normally associated with Alimak lifts. If the lift exceeds its rated speed, the company’s progressive safety device comes into operation, bringing the car to a smooth stop, with power cut off to the drive motor. The machinery plate is constructed to ensure that the pinion of the safety device always remains in engagement with the rack.
Safety hooks located beneath the lowest drive pinion ensure that the car cannot climb over the top of the mast. A phase failure provides protection for the electrical system. The lift is normally equipped with a centrifugal brake, located between the motor and the gearbox, which allows passengers to be lowered to the landing below in the event of a power failure.
The Alimak lift carries its own machinery on top of the car, eliminating the need for a separate machine room. Moreover, the lift can be installed without a load-bearing shaft, as the guide mast transfers the vertical loads to the foundation. Alimak SE-Ex can also be installed on existing offshore installations undergoing upgrades or retrofits.
For more information contact Andreas Magnusson, Alimak. Tel: +46 910 87000, fax: + 46 910 56690,[email protected], www.alimakhek.com
