Tyrolit has stated that it is now the first company to introduce an ATEX certified diamond wire saw system for Zone 1 explosion-hazardous areas. ‘Atmosphères Explosibles’, abbreviated to ATEX, is the European Union’s explosion protection directive, which regulates compliance with the basic health and safety requirements for machines and protection systems for proper use in explosion-hazardous areas. The cold cutting technology enables the implementation of complex projects in chemical plants and oil facilities, for example. After extensive testing by GexCon in Norway, DNV granted Nemko Presafe the corresponding certification for Ex Zone 1, II 23G IIA C T3 in 2017. 

The system has now been adapted according to the current standards, recertified and complies with the current health and safety directives according to 2014/34/EU for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive areas.

Tyrolit’s system consists of a ‘Premium SB’ hydraulic wire saw and DWS-S galvanic sawing wire for steel, with the ATEX certification being extended to cover the protective cabin. This contains connections suitable for the PPH40RR drive as well as an ATEX certified remote control, and is thus optimally suited for companies that do not yet have an ATEX certified unit and would like to use a versatile drive. 

Safe, fast and efficient

In environments where there is a risk of explosive gases, the innovative wire saw system can be used to cut pipes and other steel structures. A significant advantage of the Tyrolit system is the ability to use drives that are already certified. This means that users only need to obtain the approvals, permits and authorisations required for the work process, which significantly cuts the costs and time involved in preparing for work. 

Interaction of the components

The ATEX certified system comprises of the Premium DWH-S diamond saw wire, Premium SB hydraulic wire saw as well as the ATEX certified protective cabin with PPH40RR. These component parts are optimally coordinated to provide the best cutting results in explosive working environments. The galvanic Premium DWH-S ATEX saw wire for steel and non-ferrous metals delivers excellent cutting performance combined with a long service life. Its specially optimised bead assembly and the bead count, ensure extremely smooth running. Due to the robust design, a high degree of safety can be provided even when meeting the highest demands and the most complex situations. The DWH-S saw rope has been newly certified with yellow rubber, which enables better visibility during underwater operations.

The ‘SB Offshore’ hydraulic wire saw, ‘Hydrostress’, has large wire storage in a small space as well as high power transmission and performance thanks to a multiple pulley drive. Integrated rope pulleys provide the option of deflection in all directions, while the hydraulic rope tensioner delivers smooth running. For easy and fast working, the rope storage can be reduced and enlarged without additional tools. The ATEX certified protective cabin has a remote control and is suited for companies that want to use a versatile system together with the PPH40RR drive. The 40kW PPH40RR drive provides the optimum cutting speed thanks to its four stage control and is easy to use thanks to the radio remote control. 

Pioneer in diamond wire technology

Tyrolit’s latest development is based on many years of experience in the production and application of diamond wire saws and wire saw machines. The ATEX certified wire saw system enables the Austrian company to expand its portfolio and now offer systems for potentially explosive atmospheres. The company’s solutions are also ideal for use in such applications as during renovation, demolition of bridges, buildings and many other large scale reinforced concrete components.