Manufacturer of vacuum equipment, Edwards, has launched a new range of

ATEX-compliant rotary vane pumps for potentially explosive environments. The reliable and compact EM range, which gives a high ultimate vacuum down to 10-3mbar, has been developed in response to customer demand and allows operators in the chemical industry to comply with the European ATEX Directive.

Suitable for gases in the gas group IIB, the pumps are available in four sizes with speeds from 40 to 275m3h-1, in two stage designs. The smaller E2M40 and E2M80 pumps have an internal and external classification to T4. The pumps can operate in environments where the gas has an auto-ignition temperature greater than 135°C. The larger E2M175 and E2M275 have an external rating to T160 (160°C) and an internal rating to T3 (200°C).

BOC Edwards is based in Crawley, UK. www.edwardsvacuum.com