ABB unveils 8MW high-voltage flameproof motor 07 December 2012

Reduced vibration and maintenance requirements are being claimed by ABB for its new IEC frame size 900 8MW, high-voltage flameproof motor, which is aimed at the chemical, oil and gas industries.

Karita Forss, manager of ABB's high-voltage induction motor business, says that the new motor has been designed for fixed speed applications from 375 to 3,000 rpm, typically for pumps and compressors.

"There's a global trend towards larger-scale plants, with the capacity of the individual processing equipment increasing as well," states Forss.

"So higher output motors are needed to drive the bigger machines, and our new flameproof motor will be ideal for these applications."

Forss makes the point that no purging is needed before starting ABB's flameproof motors, and nor are pressurisation systems or inert gas.

There is also no thermal limitation for the 'te' time, and no need for a system test in variable-speed drive (VSD) applications – individual certification is not required.

Designing higher power motors to meet the requirements of flameproof protection (Ex d) involves signficant technical challenges. Forss says ABB's main focus was on optimising internal clearances, the labyrinth seals and the enclosure.

She says that both ATEX and IECEx certifications are available, and adds that although the motors are intended for fixed-speed applications from 333 rpm (18 poles) to 3,000 rpm (two poles), with 20-pole motors also available, they can also be VSD fed.

Operating voltages are 3 to 11kV, 50Hz or 60Hz. The motors are tube-cooled (IC511 or IC516) and can be supplied for either horizontal or vertical mounting.

Brian Tinham

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