ATEX dust approved
January 1st 2007 ATEX dust certification has been achieved by HoerbigerOriga rodless pneumatic cylinders. This compliments the existing ATEX gas approval that the cylinders hold. Rodless pneumatic cylinders differ from conventional cylinders in that the load is connected directly to the internal powered piston, instead of via a rod running the length of the barrel. This allows installations to be much more compact, often leading to significant cost savings and machine design advantages. However rodless cylinders have to have a slot along their barrel so that the yoke connecting the load and piston can now move back and forth. This is pneumatically sealed with a special piston seal and a uniquely profiled stainless steel inner sealing band. An outer sealing band, also stainless steel in construction, prevents ingress of particles from the environment onto the pressurised area. The effectiveness of the combined sealing system and the fact that inner and outer stainless steel sealing band are held together with magnetic force, enabled the dust approval to be achieved. Airborne particles, even of apparently stable substances like flour or cement, can oxidise virtually instantly and therefore form a flame path allowing sparks to propagate and lead to an explosion. and lead to an explosion. Rodless cylinders are often used in dry environments where dust may be present and so now require ATEX certfication. More articles from Hoerbiger-Origa Ltd: | 
