GEA has completed the T.VIS control top series with a version for potentially explosive processes. The T.VIS E-20 can be utilised for the dairy industry and others, which process highly flammable hazardous substances in the form of milk powder and sugar dust.
In the food, dairy, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where powders and liquids are processed, gas and dust explosions are among the greatest production hazards. Examples of highly flammable substances include alcohols, dyes and hydrocarbons, but can also be found in everyday products such as flour, pudding powder, instant coffee, sugar, milk powder, potato and soup powder.
Accordingly, manufacturers must protect their equipment from explosion (Ex) hazards. For valves controlling the flow of products at the interfaces between important process steps, it is all the more important to adapt all components and functions to the challenge of operational reliability. Every new development must pass global Ex certification.
Like all control tops of the T.VIS family, the new Ex-protected version has a very compact design. The low installation height of only 160 millimeters facilitates installation and maintenance. The T.VIS E-20 also does without the switch rod, which was still used in the predecessor model GEA SES for the mechanical status indicator of the valve. Since it protruded from the hood, it required a lot of installation space. Along with the new GEA T.VIS M-20 control top generation, the shock resistance has more than doubled to 10 g. For example, internal spring-loaded terminals secure the electrical connections under heavy stress caused by vibrations.
Thanks to the T.VIS housing technology, all components feature the highest level of dust and moisture protection according to the IP6k9k standard. GEA also converted the internal pilot valves to tappet technology. Compared to diaphragms that are prone to cracking, this offers better sealing performance and a very long service life.
GEA T.VIS E-20 is also one of the first Ex-protected control tops on the market that has all major approvals for use in potentially explosive atmospheres worldwide. This includes ATEX and UKEx for Europe, as well as the international IECEx system, which is also the basis for certification according to CCCEx in China.
