6000 Series Purge and Pressurization for Marine Environments

A marine customer required a purge and pressurization solution for their DVM ExP2 communication platform that would be mounted on ships. The application not only had to meet marine requirements. It also had to cope with an extended temperature range of -20 °C to 60 °C, and had to come with certification for ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 or 21, Ex pxb.

The communication system had to be designed for Zone 1 operating specifications. It also had to guarantee secure, high-bandwidth, low-latency data communications and a stabilized microwave link between vessels and ashore, even in constantly changing sea states and potentially harsh environmental conditions. Another requirement was the configuration of the system for emergency shutdown (ESD) and the ability to provide up to 6 hours of extended communications, despite the loss of GPS. IP66 degree of protection was required because the control unit needed to be mounted on the outside of the enclosure.

The 6000 Series purge system was ideally suited for this task, as it had already been implemented in several other marine applications where the customers had received DNV marine certification for their equipment.

The system is also certified for hazardous gases and dust. Although the combined certification for dust and gas is not defined in IEC60079, the use of the 6000 Series in both environments has previously been accepted by the certification body. Besides IP66 degree of protection, the control unit is able to operate fully automatic without the need of any operator interface.

Due to innovative Connect and Track technology, a reliable and high capacity microwave link can be maintained even with the continual movement of one or both end points. The system is configured for ESD (emergency shutdown) communication and has been tested to provide up to 6 hours of extended communication, despite the loss of GPS.

As a global company, Pepperl+Fuchs was the only competitor providing purge and pressurization systems with offices all over the world. This was an important factor for the customer, whose communication platform is used on ships worldwide.

Zone 1 installation requirement precluded other possible types of protection. The 6000 Series purge and pressurization system proved to be the only suitable method to achieve this in a fast and cost-effective way, while meeting all requirements of the application. In addition to the fully automated 6000 Series system, Pepperl+Fuchs was able to provide the customer with Zone 1 rated stainless steel field junction boxes and cable glands. In addition, they also required galvanic switch isolators for push buttons on the outside of the enclosure, which Pepperl+Fuchs also provided.

As the customer for the first time had to manage the certification process for hazardous areas, Pepperl+Fuchs provided on-site training and helped them design and certify their equipment. This also included a quick manufacturing of sample units for submission to DNV (Det Norske Veritas). Despite all these additional services, Pepper+Fuchs was able to offer the system at a much lower price than the competition.

• Certified for hazardous area operation
• Emergency shutdown (ESD) capability
• IP66 degree of protection
• Fully automatic operation without operator interface
• Connect and Track technology for reliable communication