THE world’s first polymeric, corrosion-resistant, direct-entry, flameproof junction box from Pratley has been nominated for the 2024 HazardEx Awards in the category of Technical Innovation, Eldon Kruger, Pratley marketing director announced.
A total of five nominees have been shortlisted in this category, which is aimed at recognising excellence in the hazardous areas sector. The winners will be announced during a gala dinner at the HazardEx Live 2024 Expo on February 28, 2024, in Harrogate, UK.
After being launched in 2023, the Flameproof Ex d Envirobox junction box has already received the prestigious ‘Technical Product Innovation’ award from the South African Flameproof Association (SAFA). The new junction box is a major milestone for the electrical hazardous areas industry. “It is a new product unlike any other in the world,” says Eldon.
Flameproof equipment is designed to ensure that internal ignition within a flammable atmosphere is prevented from transmitting outside the protective enclosure. However, all traditional direct-entry flameproof junction boxes made from steel, cast iron or aluminium materials can be prone to corrosion over time when used in very harsh environments.
The new Flameproof Ex d Envirobox is made from a specially formulated, robust engineering polymer and is designed to withstand severe environmental conditions. It is ideal for use in areas with a high risk of corrosion, such as offshore oil platforms, underground mines, and petrochemical plants.
The specially formulated, robust engineering polymer is unique to Pratley. The material has exceptional mechanical properties such as strength, stiffness, creep, dimensional stability and more. This ensures that the junction box can withstand 2 x 20-joule impact tests in a staggering -40°C environment.
It has been third-party tested to a massive 4,000 kPa internal pressure. Additionally, it is IP66/68 certified for continuous underwater depths of up to 300m, making it water, dust, and gastight. The lid and base have an accurately machined flamepath.
The junction box can be supplied with either 4 x 20mm or 25mm entries or smaller on request. It can accommodate Pratley Ex d flameproof cable glands and accessories and is therefore exceptionally versatile. Each box is supplied as a standard two-way box with 2 x flameproof blanking plugs.
The internal bosses are drilled and tapped to provide an earthing point for terminal mounting rails or earth lugs. These are electrically connected to the box entries providing complete earthing continuity.
