Offshore

When working in hazardous environments, there are always risks posed to the equipment used. It is important to protect against mechanical corrosion – and worse, equipment failure. It’s crucial to take precautions and ensure that machinery stays up and running even in the most unforgiving operating conditions. APM Hexseal states one of the best ways to prevent equipment failures is to make sure systems are properly sealed.

Hazardous environments are settings in which typical atmospheric conditions can damage a piece of equipment. Regardless of location, unsealed electrical devices are much more likely to succumb in harsh conditions than other pieces of equipment.

The three main causes of equipment failure, particularly among unsealed machinery, include:

• Surface degradation. This is the most common cause of failure, usually precipitated by corrosion and mechanical wear when unsealed equipment is exposed to water or other fluids.
• Obsolescence. Occasionally, the range of components typically deemed suitable for a piece of equipment can be restricted in hazardous environments. This can force equipment downtime while more appropriate parts are being redesigned or upgraded.
• Accidents. In any hazardous environment, there is always a risk of accidents, but taking preventative action such as routine maintenance checks can help to lower it.

Effective solutions for hazardous environments

Hazardous environments exist both indoors and outdoors and pose varying risks depending on location. APM claims there are three common conditions that make for a hazardous working environment:

• Extreme temperature. APM Hexseal products provide effective insulation against extreme heat and cold conditions for applications such as paving or plowing machines, construction and drilling equipment, outdoor survival gear, and laboratory equipment.
• Oil and chemicals. APM sealing solutions can protect machinery against spills and leaks from oil and other chemicals that may cause a reaction. Common applications withstanding these conditions include elevators, HVAC systems, security systems, and scientific and agricultural instruments that require sealing screws to keep out contaminants.
• Water and weather. Protecting against water damage is a challenge, but APM products are designed with versatility in mind, and range from electrical panels, marine and boating equipment, outdoor construction equipment, and train steering systems.

“At APM Hexseal, we offer products specifically designed to keep your devices safe from common sources of damage – no matter what environment they operate in. Our self-sealing boots and fasteners will help reduce costly failures and down-time,” says APM Hexseal.