Potentially explosive gas mixtures, vapors, mists, or dust clouds are generated as a by-product of processes in many industrial sectors. These include the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, the printing and paper sectors, as well as other areas such as cereal or sugar processing. In these companies, intralogistics trucks must guarantee the maximum level of explosion protection in order to avoid accidents.
Linde Material Handling therefore offers numerous counterbalanced trucks, reach trucks, pallet stackers and pallet trucks from in explosion-proof 'Ex' versions, meaning that the entire material flow in a company can be carried out under explosion-proof conditions. Components which could trigger sparking, such as drive components, wheels or even lifting forks, are protected through surface treatment.
In addition, the surface temperature of individual truck components is regulated in order to prevent overheating. Despite this additional equipment, the trucks retain the cost-effectiveness, handling performance, and ergonomic design that Linde is known for.
Standard-Compliant in Hazard Zones
The legal requirements for explosion protection are constantly being developed and standardized. It is important to implement these promptly and correctly. All explosion-proof versions of Linde trucks and warehousing equipment conform to the most up-to-date legislation, as does the documentation associated with them. They comply with the EU regulations on the use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres (EN 1755) and the ATEX Directives 2014/34/EU.
The use of harmonized standards in the development process ensures CE conformity. All relevant components, devices and modules, as well as the whole truck must undergo a type test or be certified by an accredited, reputable testing center. Linde provides trucks for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, caused by gas, vapor or dust, which occur occasionally (Zone 1/Zone 21) or temporarily (Zone 2/Zone 22) during normal operation. Trucks in categories 2G/D and 3G/D are adapted precisely to the respective conditions of use, which are derived from the customer’s explosion protection document.
Explosion Protection Measures
Linde trucks are specially designed to meet the requirements for working in potentially explosive areas. They combine the well-known advantages of series-produced trucks with comprehensive explosion protection measures pursuant to the ATEX product guidelines.
A range of protection measures is used to protect electrical equipment such as motors, controls, sensors, switches or displays. Linde uses flameproof enclosure, increased safety, intrinsic safety, encapsulation, sealed devices, non-sparking equipment and restricted breathing housings.
Constructive measures protect the mechanical equipment. The formation of mechanical sparks is avoided on the forks and brakes. Plastic components such as floor mats, tires, tanks and seat covers are protected against hazardous electrostatic charges.
Electronic temperature monitoring ensures that no excessively high temperatures are reached, even under extreme operating conditions.
DESIGNED ACCORDING TO EXPLOSION GROUP AND TEMPERATURE CLASS
During the design of explosion-proof forklift trucks, Linde engineers use technologies designed for defined explosion groups and temperature classes. Potentially explosive substances are categorized into certain explosion groups depending on how sensitive they are. Trucks for use around substances in higher explosion groups, such as hydrogen, require more extensive protective measures. The substances are also classified according to the temperature at which they become explosive as a gas or vapor. The components of the forklift truck are designed accordingly.
Innovative Technology in Explosion-Proof Design
Due to the close collaboration between the Linde Series Development and Explosion Protection departments, innovative assistance systems, safety features and special equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres are made available in the shortest possible time. There is a wide range of optional special equipment, including the Linde connect fleet management system, Linde BlueSpot, and the new Linde VertiLight working lights. Fleets of standard and explosion-proof trucks can thus be equipped to the same comfort and safety standard offered by all Linde trucks.
PERFECTLY CO-ORDINATED
Manual Drum Handling
Remote-Controlled Drum Handling
Service
You can also rely on our strong service network when using the trucks in a hazardous, potentially explosive atmosphere. Our service technicians are trained in accordance with international explosion protection regulations. They ensure that your explosion-proof truck remains ready for use at all times and that regular statutory inspections are carried out without any problems. As with the provision of spare series parts, Linde service partners worldwide also provide spare parts for explosion-proof trucks from a central supply which is available 24/7. These spare parts remain available long after series production has ended.