Axial fan TCBT/4 EX ATEX 500/HB ducted, in explosion-proof version 41521105

Safety in Explosive Atmospheres

The TCBT/4-500/HB EX axial fan is a device dedicated to duct installations that must operate in environments with an elevated risk of explosion. Its construction meets the rigorous requirements of the ATEX Directive (94/9/EC), allowing installation in zones 1 and 2 for gases and zones 21 and 22 for dusts. The key element here is not only the housing itself, but above all the electric motor in an explosion-proof version, which prevents the formation of sparks that could initiate combustion in an atmosphere containing flammable substances. Thanks to this, the device can be safely used in the chemical industry, painting shops, solvent warehouses, or bulk material processing plants.

Application and Operating Conditions

The device is designed for operation with air at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +55°C, covering most standard industrial conditions. In the case of the specific model with a diameter of 500 mm (TCBT/4-500/HB series), this range is maintained for the entire range of devices of this size. The fan features an IP55 protection rating, which means effective protection against dust and water jets falling at various angles – important for frequent cleaning operations or in humid production halls. Class F electrical insulation provides an additional margin of thermal safety for the motor windings, allowing long-term operation even under higher thermal loads.

It is worth paying attention to the explosion group designation II 2G Ex e II T3. This means that the device is intended for gas groups (II), has an "e" protection level (increased safety), and a temperature class T3 (surface temperature does not exceed 200°C). For installers, this means the necessity to match the fan to the specific hazard in a given zone – this model is not suitable for zones with gases having a very low flash point requiring temperature class T1 or T2 without additional modifications.

Construction and Installation in Duct Systems

The TCBT/4-500/HB EX model is part of the COMPACT fan family, which translates into compact dimensions while maintaining high performance. The connection diameter is 500 mm, facilitating integration with existing industrial ventilation systems with medium flow rates. The duct construction allows for direct installation of the device in a rectangular or round ventilation duct, without the need for complicated transitions or reducers.

The electric motor driving this fan is of the three-phase type and operates at a voltage of 230/400 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. It should be noted that this unit does not have a speed regulation function – it operates at a constant speed, which simplifies control and reduces the number of potential faults in the control system. The housing is made of materials resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage, typical for the TCBT series, but additionally equipped with special explosion-proof protections, such as sealed motor housing connections. Device installation is possible in any axial position thanks to solid mounting and appropriate spacing of mounting holes (details depend on the specific H/L version).

When planning the installation space for this model (TCBT/4-500/HB EXEIIT3), its dimensions should be taken into account: the external housing diameter is 595 mm, and the width is 560 mm. The total length of the device is 180 mm. For safe mounting, 12 mounting holes with a diameter of 12 mm each are provided. These dimensions allow for precise fitting of the fan to the existing infrastructure without the need for major structural modifications to the ventilation ducts.

Thanks to this, the fan constitutes a reliable link in fire protection and technological ventilation systems where explosion safety is a priority. Its application eliminates the risk of failures resulting from the use of standard equipment unsuitable for conditions in an explosive atmosphere.