8 MW high voltage flameproof motor

12 December 2012

A new 8 MW high voltage flameproof motor from ABB offers benefits for the chemical, oil and gas industries, including low vibration levels which increase reliability for an extended lifetime, and reduced maintenance requirements for a lower cost of ownership.

The motor is designed for fixed speed applications from 375 to 3,000 rpm and is suitable for driving pumps and compressors. It is certified up to IEC frame size 900.

With the new motor, ABB’s high voltage flameproof range is broad –from 160 kW to 8 MW. These motors are said to offer a number of benefits. No purging is needed before starting, and no pressurisation system or inert gas is required. There is no thermal limitation for the ‘te’ time, and no need for a system test in variable-speed drive applications – individual certification is not required.

The motor is designed for low vibration running, which helps to increase reliability and improve the overall lifetime. Reduced maintenance requirements lower the plant operator’s cost of ownership.

Designing higher power motors to meet the requirements of flameproof protection (Ex d) involves considerable technical challenges. The main focuses of development were on optimising internal clearances, the labyrinth seals and enclosure. Advanced FEM (finite element method) techniques were applied to ensure that the new labyrinth seal design and thicker enclosure meet rigorous safety demands and provide sufficient robustness. Full compliance with all requirements was confirmed by an extensive program of testing. Both ATEX and IECEx certifications are available.


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