PMA Products Get Explosive

Feb. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- Development and progress are at the heart of Swiss-based company, PMA, as they constantly strive to resolve problems within the industry by testing materials against high pressures, temperatures and in poor conditions, to ensure their products remain revolutionary within their field. Well-known for exhibiting resistance in applications on machine apparatus, plant equipment, control and feedback systems, railway vehicles and industrial installations, the company is at the forefront of research, continuing the evolution of their products.

With nylon systems revolutionising cable protection in a number of industries, from infrastructure and traction to power and construction, the flexible but durable qualities of PMA’s polyamide products present a range of benefits, including a significantly easier installation which saves both time and money.

Although nylon proves itself in a number of areas, the material presented a problem when it came to being used in hazardous environments, due to a standard nylon’s trait of building up a static charge in chemically reactive environments or when fine particles are present in the air.

But, keen as always to find solutions, PMA developed a specifically modified, electrical discharging material, the Ex-system range therefore will not act as an ignition source. With a range of fittings that can go from flexible to solid steel, it’s perfect for going around corners, can be adapted to suit any application and is suitable for use in dusty environments such as flour and paper mills.

Tony Hollands, National Sales Manager of Swiss cable manufacturer PMA-UK says: “The system technology is based on the PMA protection system for highest requirements proven for more than thirty years. The new range means our products can be used across an even broader range of applications – ideal for use in breweries where hops could cause ignition and places where potentially hazardous environments exist such as refineries, power stations, paint shops and petrol stations.”

“The new Ex-system range from PMA boasts a number of qualities which helped achieve ATEX approval, including the ability to self-extinguish, be corrosion free and have very good durability against chemicals and weathering. All these characteristics make it the ideal choice for use in metal-free environments where the material can act as an electrical conductor, or will cause problems of possible abrasion.

Hazardous environments aren’t the only places PMA has saved the day, with PMA Ex-system products also fulfilling the ESD requirement in clean room class 100 and 10 environment, as well as providing the answer for those who need cable protection installed in extremely small or awkward spaces.

A recent example of when the new range proved its worth was in the painting division of a Toyota, Peugot and Citroen factory in the Czech Republic, where a special solution was required on thirty power engines for paint mix machines in an ‘explosion area’ of the factory. Fulfilling all the criteria set out by ATEX, as well as being produced in line with an Environmental Management System (set up in accordance with to ISO 14001) and having received a number of accreditations from the EU directive, PMA products are the obvious choice for anyone wishing to avoid red tape and install a high-quality product.

It’s for this very reason that 4500m of the company’s PCL conduit was used in the construction of the prestigious Torre Agbar in Barcelona, Spain. Meeting with the required approvals V2 – UL94, CSA and ASTM, the systems were implemented under the roof in the main halls and offices.

Nylon is widely and successfully used for machinery and equipment across a broad spectrum of industries. Thanks to its excellent mechanical and physical properties over a wide range of application temperatures and its resistance to extreme force, nylon can be used to make products for interior and external use that meet the most stringent of demands.

With this latest development meaning that the material can also be implemented in potentially hazardous environments, it’s just another reason why PMA can be relied upon to avoid headaches and provide a simple, easy and protective installation, wherever it may be required.

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About PMA: As a world leader in nylon cable protection systems, PMA has achieved a global reputation with its range of 6500 products, which exhibit strength and resistance in some of the toughest conditions.
With their vast range of strong, yet malleable systems, PMA’s products are renowned for their outstanding level of performance in extreme weather, hazardous environments, high-pressure water and explosive conditions.
For more information, visit http://www.pma-uk.com or call Donna Clash at PMA’s UK head office on 01264 333 527.