Tag: control cooler

Hazardous Location Classifications Explained: HazLoc Cabinet Cooler

Published on by Tyler DanielLeave a comment

As we approach the hot, humid summer temperatures across much of the USA, it’s important to begin considering a solution for your control panels. This is even more critical in facilities that handle hazardous or combustible materials or chemicals. A common solution for panel cooling is to simply install a couple of fans: one to draw in fresh ambient air and a second to exhaust warm air from the panel.

While this might work in some cases, it is most definitely unsuitable for use in an area where there’s exposure to anything flammable or combustible. The fan would simply draw those vapors in and pass them into the panel where it’ll create a quick ignition source.

EXAIR’s Hazardous Location Cabinet Coolers are engineered for use with purged (not included) electrical enclosures. The HazLoc Cabinet Coolers are not purged and pressurized control systems and should not be relied upon nor used in place of a purged and pressurized controller. They are a cooling solution meant to be used in conjunction with a purged and pressurized control system. These systems have been approved and tested by UL for use in the following areas:

Class I Div 1&2 – Groups A, B, C, and D

  • Class I Areas refer to the presence of flammable gases or vapors in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures. Class I Div 1 will have ignitable concentrations of flammable gases present during the course of normal operations. This is level of approval is one that differentiates the EXAIR Hazardous Location Cabinet Coolers from much of the competition. Class 1 Div 2 areas will have flammable gasses or vapors present only in the event of an accident or during unusual operating conditions.

Class II Div 1&2 – Groups E, F, and G

  • Class II areas are locations in which combustible dust may exist. The end user shall avoid installation of the device in a Class II environment where dust may be readily disturbed from the exhausts of the Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler. Any dust formed in the vicinity of the cooler must be cleaned regularly.

Class III

  • Class III areas are locations that will have ignitable fibers or flyings present. This is common within the textile industry.

The Cabinet Cooler also carries a temperature rating of T3C, meaning it cannot be installed near any materials that could auto-ignite at temperatures in excess of 320°F. For a comprehensive list and description of all the various Classified areas, check out the UL website.

The Hazardous Location Cabinet Cooler is available in (8) different cooling capacities, ranging from 1,000 Btu/hr – 5,600 Btu/hr. The Cabinet Cooler is the best solution for protecting your sensitive electronics from heat, dirt, and moisture. With Nema 4/4X systems available, the Hazardous Location Cabinet Coolers will keep the cabinet cool without compromising the integrity of the enclosure.

If you’ve got an electrical cabinet installed in a hazardous location, fill out the Cabinet Cooler Sizing Guide and allow an EXAIR Application Engineer to determine the most suitable model for you. Don’t let the heat get the best of you this summer!

Tyler Daniel, CCASS

Application Engineer/Intl Trade

E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com

X: @EXAIR_TD

Choosing the Right EXAIR Cabinet Cooler System

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

EXAIR Cabinet Coolers are compressed air-powered systems that use vortex tube technology to deliver cold air into sealed enclosures, preventing overheating without refrigerants or moving parts. They’re durable, easy to install, and designed for various environments, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioners or heat exchangers. Key benefits include:

  • No moving parts: Virtually maintenance-free with a long lifespan.
  • Compact design: Installs in minutes through a standard electrical knockout.
  • Environmental resistance: Available in NEMA 12, 4, 4X, and Hazardous Location ratings.
  • Energy efficiency: Thermostat-controlled systems minimize compressed air use.

To ensure you select the right model, follow these steps.

First Calculate the Heat Load

The total heat load includes:

  • External heat load: Heat transferred from the ambient environment, based on enclosure surface area and the temperature differential (ΔT) between external and desired internal temperatures.
  • Internal heat load: Heat generated by components inside the enclosure.
  • Solar heat load (if applicable): For outdoor enclosures exposed to sunlight, factor in heat absorption based on the enclosure’s color (darker colors absorb more heat).
  • Existing Cooling Devices: If fans are currently used, note their diameter or airflow (CFM) to account for the heat they remove, as these openings must be sealed when installing a Cabinet Cooler.

EXAIR’s Cabinet Cooler System Calculator simplifies this process. Enter your data online for an instant model recommendation, or submit the Sizing Guide to an EXAIR Application Engineer for assistance. For quick calculations, you can call EXAIR at 1-800-903-9247, and an engineer can estimate the heat load in minutes.

This NEMA 4 Dual Cabinet Cooler System protects a critical equipment panel on a hot roll steel line.

Second, select the Appropriate NEMA Rating

EXAIR Cabinet Coolers are designed to maintain the environmental integrity of your enclosure, with models available for different conditions. Choose a NEMA rating based on your application’s environment:

  • NEMA 12 (IP54): For indoor use, protecting against dust and oil. Ideal for general factory settings.
  • NEMA 4 (IP66): For indoor or outdoor use, offering dust, oil, and splash resistance. Suitable for wash-down areas or wet environments.
  • NEMA 4X (IP66): Same as NEMA 4 but made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel (Type 303 or 316). Perfect for food processing, pharmaceutical, or corrosive environments.
  • Hazardous Location (HazLoc): UL Classified for Class I Div 1, Class II Div 1, or Class III areas or ATEX Zones 2 & 22. Used in environments with explosive gases or dust, such as chemical plants or coal facilities. Must be paired with a purge and pressurization system.
  • High Temperature: For ambient temperatures of up to 200°F (93°C), such as near furnaces or in desert climates.

Ensure the Cabinet Cooler’s NEMA rating matches or exceeds your enclosure’s rating to maintain its integrity. For example, a NEMA 4X enclosure requires a NEMA 4X Cabinet Cooler.

From right to left: Small NEMA 12, Large NEMA 12, Large NEMA 4X

Third, choose the Operating System

EXAIR offers two operating modes to suit different cooling needs:

  • Thermostat-Controlled Systems: These are the most energy-efficient option, using a thermostat and solenoid valve to activate cooling only when the internal temperature exceeds the setpoint (preset at 95°F but adjustable). Includes a filter, cold air distribution kit, and solenoid valve (available in 120Vac, 240Vac, or 24Vdc). Ideal for enclosures with fluctuating heat loads or seasonal temperature changes.
  • Continuous Operating Systems: Provide constant cooling and positive pressure to keep out dust and debris. Best for applications requiring uninterrupted cooling or in extremely dirty environments. Includes a filter and cold air distribution kit.

For precise temperature control, consider adding an Electronic Temperature Control (ETC), which offers digital monitoring and easy temperature adjustments, especially useful in sensitive applications like pharmaceutical plants.

Fourth, Consider Additional Options

EXAIR provides accessories and features to tailor the Cabinet Cooler to your needs:

  • Non-Hazardous Purge (NHP): Delivers a 1 SCFM airflow to maintain positive pressure when cooling isn’t needed, keeping dust and debris out of the enclosure.
  • Side Mount Kits: Allow installation on the side of the enclosure if top mounting isn’t feasible due to space constraints for the NEMA 4 and 4X coolers.
  • High-Temperature Models: Designed for ambient temperatures between 125°F and 200°F (52°C–93°C).
  • Material Options: Standard models use aluminum, while NEMA 4X models offer Type 303 or 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
  • Voltage Options: Solenoid valves for thermostat-controlled systems are available in 120Vac, 240Vac, or 24Vdc to match your electrical setup.

Final Tips for Success

  • Act Early: Install a Cabinet Cooler before heat-related failures occur, especially in summer or high-temperature environments.
  • Plan for Installation: Ensure all enclosure openings (e.g., fan vents) are sealed to maintain positive pressure and prevent contamination.
  • Monitor Performance: Use the ETC for real-time temperature monitoring in critical applications.
Inside, outdoors, high temperature, dirt/dust/humidity, corrosive and classified environments are no problem for EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems

Choosing the right EXAIR Cabinet Cooler involves calculating your heat load, selecting the appropriate NEMA rating, deciding between thermostat-controlled or continuous operation, and ensuring a reliable compressed air supply. By using EXAIR’s Sizing Guide or Calculator and consulting with myself or any one of our Application Engineers, you can confidently select a system that protects your electronics, minimizes downtime, and saves on maintenance costs.

Ready to cool your enclosures? Visit EXAIR.com to explore Cabinet Cooler options, use the Cabinet Cooler System Calculator, or contact an Application Engineer at 1-800-903-9247. Keep your electronics cool and your operations running smoothly with a EXAIR Cabinet cooler system.

Jordan Shouse, CCASS

Application Engineer

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Twitter: @EXAIR_JS

Non Hazardous Purge Cabinet Cooler saves the day!!!

Published on by John BallLeave a comment

A manufacturer that produced a blend of powders for consumers contacted EXAIR for electrical panel cooling.  They had two large mixers that would mix different powders.  One mixer could fit a total weight between 2,200 lbs. to 4,400 lbs. (1000 kg to 2000 kg) of powder.  The second one was between 220 lbs. to 2,200 lbs. (100 kg to 1000 Kg).    By mixing powders, this was a very dusty environment.  One potential problem was the over-temp fault with their VFDs, (Variable Frequency Drives).   VFDs control the speed of the motors that run the paddles.  In this industry, production is very extensive, and they wanted to prevent the fault with over-heating from occurring. 

In our discussions, they were interested in our EXAIR Cabinet Coolers. I asked the general questions to correctly size the Cabinet Cooler.  For this electrical panel, they used panel fans to cool the internals.  Some problems with panel fans are that they will draw the warm ambient air to try and cool what’s inside.  It can make it difficult during high summer temps.  Also, fans require filters to remove the dust from the environment from entering the cabinet.  The plant had a dirty environment and the powder was able to clog the filters. This condition reduced the effectiveness of fan cooling and still allowed dust to get into the electrical panel.  The result was that the VFDs were unable to operate properly under such conditions. 

EXAIR Cabinet Coolers have an option called the Non-Hazardous Purge (NHP) System.  This product is designed to continuously bleed about 1 SCFM (28 SLPM) of compressed air into the cabinet when not operating.  This will cause a slight positive pressure to keep any dust particles from migrating into the electrical cabinet.  With the installation of the Cabinet Coolers, the vents and panel fans are removed and covered for proper cooling.  This helps to reduce the amount of powder that can migrate into the panel and reduces the maintenance cost of changing or cleaning the panel filters. 

From the heat load calculation, I recommended the NHP4340, which produces 2,800 BTU/hr of cooling.  With this complete system, which included the thermostat control and the NHP solenoid valve, the company was able to save compressed air during the cooler months, keep the dust out of the electrical panel, and had a reliable way to keep the VFD from tripping on high heat.  If you would like more information about our Cabinet Coolers, you can always contact an Application Engineer at EXAIR.  We will be happy to help you. 

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Photo: Large mixer by Charlemagne.  Pixabay Content license

EXAIR Leads Industry in Standards Compliance

Published on by Tyler DanielLeave a comment

EXAIR prides itself in offering products with high-performance and peak efficiency. All EXAIR products are manufactured to meet the strict requirements of a variety of different standards, ensuring that you receive a reliable, high-quality product that WILL perform to the specifications we publish.

Safety is a top priority for most companies. EXAIR’s line of Intelligent Compressed Air Products meet or exceed the strict safety standards set forth by both OSHA and the European Union. EXAIR products comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.242(b), the standard implemented to ensure safe operation of compressed air blowoff devices, and the EU General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC).

 Additionally, they comply with the noise limitation requirements set forth under 29 CFR 1910.95(a) and the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). From the Optimization product line, EXAIR’s Electronic Flow Control and the Electronic Temperature Control meet the low voltage standards of EU Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC). A CE label is placed on all products that comply with applicable directives.

A more recent edition to the EXAIR line of Cabinet Coolers has been our UL HazLoc and ATEX lines for maintaining safe operating temperatures for control panels in hazardous areas or ATEX Zones. In these spaces, it’s critical to have a product that’s designed for safe operation to alleviate any risks for fire or explosion due to combustible materials or vapors that may be in the atmosphere.

In the assembly of electrical products there can be hazardous materials used during production. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances, also known as RoHS or (2002/95/EC), restricts the use of materials such as: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and four different phthalates. The electrical portions of EXAIR’s Static Eliminators, Electronic Flow Control, Electronic Temperature Control, Digital Flowmeter, solenoid valves, and thermostats all comply with the amendment outlined in the European Commission decision L 214/65.

EXAIR is also committed to providing products that are conflict mineral free. In support of Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, EXAIR complies with the conflict minerals rule to curb illicit trade of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold in the DRC region. Using the CMRT 4.20 template, we’re able to document our supply chain to ensure our materials are not being sourced from places that could finance conflict in the DRC and surrounding countries.

According to regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Title I, Article 3, paragraph 3, the European Union enacted legislation requiring substances and chemicals imported into the EU to be registered to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment. Per Title II, Article 7, paragraph 1, articles must be registered when a substance is intended to be released during normal conditions of use that would exceed 1 metric ton per producer per year. Since EXAIR products do not contain substances that are intentionally released, registration is not required.

If you’re looking to maintain compliance in your industry, EXAIR products have you covered. If you have any questions about these standards of compliance feel free to reach out to us. Our team of Application Engineers have years of experience in industry and are waiting to take your call.

Tyler Daniel

Application Engineer

E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com

X: @EXAIR_TD