Earth-Rite® II PLUS
Newson Gale’s flexible active static earthing system
Ex d Enclosure
Ex d (Zone 1 Gas/Vapour Installations – Zone 21 Dust Atmospheres)
Monitoring Unit
| Power Supply | 115 V or 230 V AC, 50-60 Hz 12 V or 24 V DC |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 10 watt |
| Ambient Temperature Range | -40°C to +55°C |
| Ingress Protection | IP 66 |
| Weight | 4.5 kgs (9.9 lbs) nett |
| Construction | Copper-free cast aluminium |
| Monitoring Circuit | Intrinsically safe |
| Monitoring Loop Resistance | Nominally ≤10 Ohm (±10%) |
| Output Relay Contact Rating | 2 off voltage free changeover switch contacts 250 V AC 5 A 500 VA max resistive 30 V DC 2 A 60 W max resistive |
| Cable Entries | 7 x M20 (2 x plugged) |
Junction Box/Stowage Point
| Enclosure Material | GRP with carbon loading |
|---|---|
| Terminals | 2 x 2.5 mm² conductor capacity |
| Stowage Device | Insulated universal stowage pin |
| Cable Entries | 1 x 20 mm |
| Clamp Cable Connection | Quick Connect |
Grounding Clamp
| Clamp Design | 2 pole with tungsten carbide teeth |
|---|---|
| Body | Stainless steel (SS grade: 304) |
| ATEX / FM / IECEx Certification: | Ex II 1 GD T6 (Assessed to EN 13463-1 : 2009) ATEX certificate number: Sira 02ATEX9381 FM Certificate of Compliance number: 3046346 IECEx: Ex h IIC T6 Ga Ex h IIIC T85°C Da Ta = -40°C to +60°C IECEx EXV 20.0033 |
Spiral Cable
| Cable | Blue Cen-StatTM Hytrel® sheath (Static dissipative, chemical & abrasion resistant) |
|---|---|
| Conductors | 2 x 1.00 mm² copper |
| Length | 3m (10ft), 5m (16ft),10m (32ft) or 15m (50ft) 2 pole Cen-StatTM blue spiral cable with Hytrel® coating which has colour, UV protective and static dissipative additives |
GRP Enclosure
Single unit installation in Zone 2 and 21 Ex hazardous areas
Power Supply & Monitoring-Unit
| Power Supply | 115 V or 230 V AC, 50-60 Hz 12 V or 24 V DC |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 10 watt |
| Ambient Temperature Range | -40°C to +55°C |
| Ingress Protection | IP 66 |
| Weight | 2 kgs (4.4 lbs) nett |
| Construction | Carbon-loaded GRP |
| Monitoring Circuit | Intrinsically safe |
| Monitoring Loop Resistance | Nominally ≤10 Ohm (±10%) |
| Output Relay Contact Rating | 2 off voltage free change-over switch contacts 250 V AC 5 A 500 VA max resistive 30 V DC 2 A 60 W max resistive |
| Cable Entries | 7 x M20 (2 x plugged) |
Junction Box/Stowage Point
| Enclosure Material | GRP with carbon loading |
|---|---|
| Terminals | 2 x 2.5 mm² conductor capacity |
| Stowage Device | Insulated universal stowage pin |
| Cable Entries | 1 x 20 mm |
| Clamp Cable Connection | Quick Connect |
Grounding Clamp
| Clamp Design | 2 pole with tungsten carbide teeth |
|---|---|
| Body | Stainless steel (SS grade: 304) |
| ATEX / FM / IECEx Certification: | Ex II 1 GD T6 (Assessed to EN 13463-1 : 2009) ATEX certificate number: Sira 02ATEX9381 FM Certificate of Compliance number: 3046346 IECEx Ex h IIC T6 Ga Ex h IIIC T85°C Da Ta = -40°C to +60°C IECEx EXV 20.0033 |
Spiral Cable
| Cable | Blue Cen-StatTM Hytrel® sheath (Static dissipative, chemical & abrasion resistant) |
|---|---|
| Conductors | 2 x 1.00 mm² copper |
| Length | 3 m (10 ft), 5 m (16 ft), 10 m (32 ft) or 15 m (50 ft) 2 pole Cen-StatTM blue spiral cable with Hytrel® coating which has colour, UV protective and static dissipative additives |
Overview of the Earth-Rite® PLUS
The Earth-Rite® PLUS is a flexible active earth monitoring system that enables the static earthing of a wide range of metal ‘objects’ used in Ex atmospheres. Such objects include, but are not limited to:
- Metal drums
- Railcars
- Metal frames of Ex IBCs
- Pump metering skids
In line with recommended practice, it is advisable that plant operators follow a simple protocol of “Clamp on First, Clamp off Last” (CoF/CoL). This should, wherever possible, be incorporated into the process operator’s SOP.
Operation
To help minimise interaction with complex system interfaces, the process operator does not need to interact with any settings or interpret any readings, on the Earth-Rite® PLUS system. By simply attaching the earthing clamp of the Earth-Rite® PLUS to the object requiring static earthing the system will automatically determine if the connection resistance to the object is 10 ohms or less. It achieves this by passing an intrinsically safe signal via the clamp teeth into the base metal of the object. If a connection resistance of 10 ohms or less is achieved, the signal returns to the Earth-Rite® PLUS where the circuit electronics register a permissive condition.
An important point to note is that the Earth-Rite® PLUS not only monitors the earthing clamp’s connection to the object, it also actively monitors its connection to the designated earthing point of the plant. Connection to earth via a local designated earth point and not via a high integrity electrical earth is possible due to the intrinsically safe circuit concept being achieved through ‘galvanic isolation’.
When the necessary inputs are in place the Earth-Rite® PLUS switches from a static red “NO-GO” to a flashing green “GO” LED indication. Site operators have the option of using either intrinsically safe or volt-free non-intrinsically safe contacts to interlock with the equipment. This can be utilised to prevent the process from beginning unless a permissive state is provided by the Earth-Rite® PLUS.
Please note that in an emergency shutdown scenario product may continue to move or flow after the equipment has been shut down. This could lead to the accumulation of static electricity on the object requiring static earthing if the earthing clamp has been disconnected. If a HAZOP assessment highlights the potential for such a scenario to occur additional measures may need to be put in place. For example, it may be possible to determine the charge relaxation time of the material and issue an SOP to operators so that they do not approach the equipment/object during the specified time period. Site operators should retain the services of a static control consultant if this scenario could arise.
Clamp penetration
The operations listed above often result in equipment being covered in product deposits, thick protective coatings, rust or the build-up of dirt/grime over a sustained period of time. In order to achieve a 10 ohms or less connection it is crucial that the earthing clamp is capable of penetrating such layers in a repeatable, robust and reliable way. It is for this reason that Newson Gale pioneered the use of the hard-wearing metal tungsten carbide to produce teeth capable of penetrating connection inhibitors like product deposits, paint coatings, rusted surfaces, etc.
The sharpened profile of the teeth used in combination with a strong spring housed in a heavy-duty stainless steel body enables their repeated use in harsh industrial environments. Not only are strong initial connections made to the equipment, but they are also maintained for the duration of the material handling process.
Intrinsic safety (IS)
It can be difficult to determine the boundaries between Zone 0 and Zone 1, particularly in drum/IBC mixing and filing operations. This is why you will benefit from our certified Earthing Clamps, with an equipment protection level (ELP) of “Ga/Da.” This means the clamps can be used in all Ex atmosphere area classification zones, (gas/vapour zones 0, 1, 2 and dust Zones 20, 21, 22).
The earthing clamps are constructed to meet the recommendations of IEC 60079-32-1 with respect to limiting the use of insulating materials (see Table 3 below) in Ex atmospheres. IEC EN 60079-0 clearly states that the use of insulating materials must be limited on equipment used in Ex atmospheres. Although IEC 60079-32-1 highlights differences in the criteria listed in IEC EN 60079-0, due care should be taken to assess the amount of insulating materials forming part of the construction of Ex equipment. E.g., the use of rubber covers for clamp handles.
Installation
Simple wall mounted enclosures complemented by straightforward cabling and PCB system wiring requirements. Flexible Ex enclosure options and power supplies which can run off both 115v/230v AC and 12v/24v DC. The Earth-Rite® PLUS is simple to install and operate. The unit is designed to operate “out-of-the-box”. No required calibration at the point of installation nor throughout its time in use.
The Ex(d) flameproof and dust certified enclosure can be installed in all gas/dust groups, in Zone 1/21 areas.
Can be installed in all gas groups (IIA, IIB and IIC), including hydrogen, and all dust groups (IIIA, IIIB and IIIC). When installed in accordance with EN IEC 60079-14 compound filled/barrier cable glands may not be required.
The earthing clamp can be supplied with a range of spiral cable lengths or on a 15 m 2-core retractable reel.
Please note that an Ex competent person is required to carry out the installation of Ex certified products, as per the product manual. If you have any doubts with respect to the installation requirements of Newson Gale equipment in Ex atmospheres one of our CompEx certified engineers will be happy to support you.
- Gain insights into the specification of hazardous area certified equipment.
- Understand standards referenced in the industry.
- Learn about the selection of Ex equipment.
- Evaluate competency requirements for individuals.
- Navigate Ex equipment documentations.
UKCA Certificates - United Kingdom
ATEX Certificates - Europe
IECEx Certificates - International
cCSAus Certificates - United States
CCC Certificates - China
KCs Certificates - South Korea
PESO Certificates - India
InMetro Certificates - Brazil
P1 = one GRP enclosure
Book a live product demo
Newson Gale has an extensive product range that can be tailored to your processes and the range of hazardous area classifications at your location. The most effective way to identify what is applicable for your operations is by talking to our team. They will provide in-depth information on the products, features and how the range of options can be tailored to your needs.
