Chemical Processing

Chemical-Resistant Enclosures for Aggressive Process Environments

Purpose-engineered housings resistant to hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, chlorine gas, and organic solvent vapors — with IP69K protection for CIP/SIP washdown compatibility.

CHALLENGE 01

Chemical Vapor Attack

Chemical plants contain aggressive vapor atmospheres — HCl from chlor-alkali processes, NaOH mists from caustic handling, and organic solvent vapors from pharmaceutical synthesis. These attack standard elastomer seals, causing hardening, swelling, or complete dissolution within weeks.

OUR SOLUTION

Our chemical-grade sealing system uses FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) O-rings — the same material used in semiconductor wafer processing. FFKM provides near-PTFE chemical resistance with the elasticity required for IP68 sealing. Available as an option on all EXPTZ and MarineCorr housings.

CHALLENGE 02

CIP/SIP High-Pressure Washdown

Food, beverage, and pharmaceutical processing requires daily Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Steam-in-Place (SIP) cycles. These involve 85°C caustic solutions at 15 bar pressure followed by 130°C saturated steam — conditions that destroy standard IP66-rated equipment.

OUR SOLUTION

IP69K rating means our housings survive 80°C water at 80-100 bar from four angles — meeting the most demanding washdown requirements. The fully electropolished internal surface eliminates crevices where bacteria could harbor, enabling pharmaceutical-grade cleanliness validation.

WHITE-LABEL & NDA-READY

Chemical industry housings include full FDA 21 CFR compliant material declarations for food-contact applications, USP Class VI certification for pharmaceutical use, and complete elastomer compatibility data for your specific process chemistry.

Ready to Discuss Your Chemical Processing Requirements?

Send us your camera specifications and site conditions. Our engineers will recommend the optimal housing configuration with complete compliance documentation.

Hazardous Area Technical FAQ

What is Zone 1 vs Zone 2 in hazardous area classification?

Zone 1 is an area where an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur during normal operation (>10 hours/year, <1,000 hours/year). Zone 2 is where it is unlikely during normal operation and only persists for short periods (<10 hours/year). Our Ex d IIC T6 Gb housings are certified for both Zone 1 and Zone 2, while our Ex e junction boxes are suitable for Zone 2 increased safety applications.

How do your enclosures prevent gas explosions?

Our enclosures use the Ex d flameproof protection method. The housing is engineered with precision-machined flame paths (gaps < 0.03mm tolerance) between the body and lid. If flammable gas enters and ignites inside, the explosion is contained. Escaping gases are forced through the flame path, which cools them below the auto-ignition temperature before they reach the external atmosphere — the same principle used in industrial flame arrestors.

What maintenance does explosion-proof equipment require?

Routine maintenance includes: (1) visual inspection of flame path surfaces for corrosion or damage — any pitting invalidates the Ex certification; (2) O-ring inspection and replacement every 2 years; (3) cable gland compression check during annual safety audits; (4) earth bonding continuity test per IEC 60079-14. Our quick-release wiper blade system enables single-person replacement in 90 seconds without opening the sealed enclosure.

Can your housings operate in extreme temperatures?

Standard operating range is -40°C to +60°C (ambient). The integrated PTC heater self-regulates power based on temperature, preventing condensation and lens fogging at low temperatures without a mechanical thermostat that could fail. The forced convection sunshield design reduces internal temperature by up to 15°C in desert sun. Extended temperature ranges available on request.