Coatings Manufacturer Chooses ATEX-rated Tugs

A company that manufactures protective woodcare coatings in Poland has selected two MasterMover electric tugs converted by Pyroban to ensure complete safety when moving vessels within its potentially explosive operation.

“The flammable vapour from varnishes and woodstains containing highly flammable solvents can be ignited by the heat or sparks found within standard material handling equipment,” says Rob Vesty, Sales Manager, UK and Ireland, for safety company Pyroban.

Two electric MasterMover tugs are being used at the facility in Poland to push, pull and steer loads on castor wheels in areas where solvents are stored and transported in volume. The tugs help to reduce manual handling.

Collaborating With Best-in-Class Partners

“These electric tugs presented many possible ignition sources that needed to be addressed,” explains Rob. “Pyroban converted the two tugs to ensure that they are safe for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres and comply with the strict requirements of the ATEX 2014/34/EC Directive.”

The MasterMover MT400 electric tugs concentrate the load weight directly over the drive wheel making it easy for the operator to manoeuvre. Traction is achieved by a hydraulic weight transfer system giving the operator up to 4,000kg capacity for loads on castors.

The “ATEX” conversion by Pyroban features system6000E™ which includes the use of restricted breathing enclosures to house many of the components. Surface temperature cooling to T4 (135°C) also ensures the motors, brakes, electrics and other components remain below the auto-ignition temperature of the flammable solvents. The temperatures are also monitored leading to a controlled shut down of the tug if they exceed 135°C.

“To detect a wide range of potential hazards, system6000E features a gas detection system that uses pellistor-based gas sensing technology,” says Rob, explaining that when a gas is detected, system6000 will safely shut down the tug and bring it to a controlled stop, protecting staff from the risk of explosion. Operators are also assured the system is working correctly each day thanks to auto-calibration and self-testing at start up.

“We’ve completed an increasing number of projects with Pyroban over the last ten years,” says Hugh Freer, Sales Director of MasterMover. “Pyroban understands our business and offers a proven safety solution which helps to guarantee product quality for challenging applications all over the world.”

Service support is provided through the local MasterMover dealer in Poland and technicians are trained to maintain the Pyroban system.