NEW EEx d CONNECTORS ALLOW POWER BREAK WHILE ENERGISED
A totally new concept in EEx d connectors has been introduced by Rota Engineering allowing operations to be carried out more quickly and safely. These flameproof connectors can be disconnected while live, due to a unique double shuttle design. Each plug and socket has two sets of contacts, one that is fixed and wired up during installation and the other contact set in a shuttle that moves away from the fixed, and potentially live, contacts as the connector is pulled apart. Once separated, each shuttle remains locked, preventing it from being pushed back onto the potentially live contacts.
Rota's design is subject to a patent application and is radically different to all common flameproof plugs and sockets. The BASEEFA approval certificate states "The connectors are designed to be separated while energised by means of a second set of conductor pins in each connector that are mechanically interlocked to contact last on engagement and first on disengagement of the male and female connector." The connectors are ATEX approved to Ex II 2G EEx d II C T6.
The concept can save time as the requirement for a hot-work permit is not always necessary. A leading oil field service company spokesman using the connectors commented, "The Rota EEx d allows for the live connection and disconnection of our cables by our field engineers, improving safety and reducing costs. The connector is readily mated and demated quickly, reducing our rig up and rig down times. The Rota connectors are very robust, and well sealed, negating worries about water ingress. Their snap fitting has reduced connector failure due to thread damage noted in other styles of connector. We currently use the EExd's on coiled tubing, coiled tube drilling, cement units, injector head jacking frames and our computer systems."
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