Commonly Requested Purge & Pressurization Options

1.What mounting options are available?

Panel Mount: The pneumatic regulators and valves sit inside the pressurized enclosure.
The unit requires an external sensor to measure local atmospheric pressure.
Remote Purge System: You can locate the purge system away from the enclosure,
although the distance should not be too great. We would be delighted to advise.
Relief Valve: This is normally sited diagonally opposite the purge air inlet. Alternative
positions are possible, if the purge air flow thoroughly circulates through the enclosure.
Complex enclosures may require a purge test to prove the purge system is effective.
SmartPurge II: Here the Relief Valve is part of the main enclosure. The intrinsically- safe
purge air inlet valve is located separately.
2. What is the largest pressurized enclosure size?
Our IECEx/ATEX certification enables us to deliver certified enclosures up to 3370 litres
2100mm x 1800mm x 1000mm.
The enclosure size can be much larger. We sometimes ship enclosures in sections, for onsite assembly. However, the air-flow rate and distribution requires skilled design. Large
complex enclosures may require a purge test that proves the purging is effective.
3. What output switches are available?
Expos expertise supports all electrical requirements and local variations. Common
customer requests include:
/PO option: Brings system-generated pneumatic signals to 1/8 NPT bulkhead fittings, so
you can pipe the signal onward.
/IS option: has an internal switch or switches.
/IS Z-purge option: These units are for Division 2/Zone 2 installation. The /IS option
delivers an encapsulated internal switch:

Labelled as Ex m (ATEX, Manufacturers Declaration) and hermetically sealed (US);

Connect to an intrinsically-safe, non-incendive, OR other protected circuit;

2m flying leads to meet local standards;

Expo Drawing EP80-2-11 provides wiring guidance.

/PA Option: satisfies IEC/ATEX applications in Zone 1. Expo provides:

IEC/ATEX certified components;

Ex de pressure switches wired to Ex e terminals in an Ex e junction box, ready

assembled onto the purge system housing.
Explosion-Proof Junction Boxes: for Zone 1/Division 1, and connected to appropriate
internal pressure switches. The Expo MIU datasheet describes common variations.
SmartPurge II is a self contained system:

Approved under IECEx/ATEX;

Incorporates power interfacing relays & terminals within the (Ex e) product enclosure
;

Includes power-Interlock terminals up to 250Vac/6A or 28VDC/5A;

Separate volt-free system status contacts suitable for inclusion in an intrinsically safe
circuit;

SmartPurge II manual contains full details.

4. Should push-buttons, lamps, switches, and keyboards on the pressurized
enclosure be Ex rated ?
Our enclosures can contain any equipment want.However, to comply with our certification,
everything that protrudes through the enclosures wall, or is outside the wall and powered
must either:

Be already certified. For IECEx enclosure certificates, that equipment must be

IECEx-approved;

Complies with the general requirements of hazardous areas standards. This mainly
concerns impact resistance and temperature rise.
Nevertheless, our pressurized enclosure certificate enables us to use a wide range of
appropriate components. Often, we evaluate alternatives or specific components for
customers.
Usually we mount instruments and complex equipment on a sub-assembly, behind a
viewing window. Please note that the higher internal pressure can effect flexible
components such as membrane keyboards and display screens.