Explosion-proof vehicles are designed for use in the most demanding conditions and hazardous environments. They avoid ignition risks in the surrounding atmosphere, making them an essential item of oil and gas equipment at gas and oil processing plants. They are also used in chemical plants, tunnel construction, and mining.
Whether it is for maintenance, logistics, firefighting, first aid, or surveillance, explosion-proof vehicles are designed to prevent sparks, keeping your workforce safe.
How Do They Work?
Explosion-proof vehicles are built using specially certified components made to strict safety standards. They are rated for their intended work environment, including zones 1 and 2, where potentially explosive atmospheres contain flammable vapours and gases, and zones 21 and 22, where flammable powders are in use.
ATEX electric vehicles are rated for ATEX M2 subsoil environments. IP4X and IP5X certified explosion-proof vehicles are designed for use in the presence of explosive materials such as fireworks and ammunition products.
The explosion-proof vehicles contain many specialised components, such as disks and brake drums with temperature and wear sensors. Seats can be covered with anti-static material, and external surfaces can be covered with electroconductive paint.
Air-conditioning systems are designed to work in extreme high-temperature environments of up to 55C, with heating and cooling provided through explosion-proof systems. They are as adept in the desert as they are in a frozen wasteland with AC motors that produce gradual power distribution and high torque for driving on low-grip surfaces such as ice and sand. Uphill standing starts are no problem for this category of electric vehicles.
Alkè Explosion-Proof Electric Vehicles
Designed, tested, and manufactured in Italy, Alkè explosion-proof electric vehicles are made using high-grade components from Europe and North America to guarantee top-quality and safety. Special safe-design of the electrical system and parts that could generate high temperatures or sparks is needed. This safe design includes sensors, control units, connectors, batteries, brakes, and mechanical parts, which automatically shut down before any overheating risk.
Our range of explosion-proof vehicles are created according to ATEX 2014/34/EU and include:
- ATX 340EX: This model has a load capacity of 1,205kg and a towing capacity of 4,500kg. These explosion-proof vehicles have a range of 90km.
- ATX 340EDX: This model has a twin cab, accommodating up to four people. Two further seats can be added to the loading area with optional rear seat kits.
These models cater to different needs with various configurations and fittings, such as mobile crane fixtures. The chassis is built using a stress-resistant steel tube that is treated with an anti-corrosion cataphoresis process.
For zone 1 and 21, the vehicles use Ex-d battery connectors, Ex-e type batteries, and have an earth leakage check system. For zone 2 and 22, batteries and connectors meet the EN 60079-15 standard.
For assistance choosing, category 2 and 3 surface activity electric vehicles and category M2 underground activity vehicles, contact our team today.