Maximum transparency for maximum efficiency

The EX monitoring app from Linde Material Handling (MH) informs drivers of explosion-proof trucks about the status of safety-relevant parameters and supports service technicians in diagnosis and repair. The benefits for the operator: greater convenience, more transparency, time savings and better availability of the vehicle in operation.

In order to avoid ignition sources that could lead to detonations in the presence of an explosive atmosphere, the ATEX directive requires consistently defined, safety-relevant parameters to be monitored when operating industrial trucks. Linde MH has developed the EX monitoring app for continuous monitoring of these values: It ensures maximum vehicle availability by displaying safety-relevant values and errors and providing concrete recommendations for action. The app supports forklift drivers and fleet managers in operating the vehicle as safely and without failures as possible. At the same time, it simplifies maintenance, diagnosis and repair. “This makes the operation of ex-protected vehicles in sensitive areas even more productive,” summarizes Elke Karnarski, the product manager responsible for ex-protected Linde industrial trucks and solutions.

Many areas of the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and beverage industries, as well as logistics, are at risk of explosion because flammable hazardous materials are manufactured, processed, transported and stored. Here, it is essential to exclude any ignition sources that could cause an explosion with devastating consequences. Industrial trucks are found in ATEX zones 1/21 and 2/22 – these include, for example, areas of production where hazardous materials are openly mixed or transferred, as well as areas where hazardous materials are stored and transported in closed containers and can be released in the event of an accident or breakdown. When gases or dusts combine with the oxygen in the ambient air, an explosive atmosphere can develop. Ignition sources on vehicles are avoided on the one hand by appropriate explosion-proof equipment, and on the other hand by consistent monitoring of safety-relevant parameters – up to 50 values in an explosion-proof vehicle, above all temperature-relevant parameters, resistances, voltages and wear. These include the temperature of the housings of electronic controls and power modules, brake shoes, magnetic brakes and the traction motor. Up to now, it has been common practice to inform the driver of safety-critical faults by means of a blink code on the vehicle display. In everyday operation, however, the identification and handling of faults is not always carried out as it should be. With varying consequences – sometimes the vehicle remains out of service longer than necessary. It also happens that the fault is not checked thoroughly enough. And sometimes the visit by a service technician is inefficient because it has been inadequately planned.

EX monitoring app for preventive maintenance and service at the right time.

The Linde EX Monitoring app provides a remedy. It provides drivers and fleet managers in ATEX zones 1/21 or 2/22 with comprehensive condition monitoring. The app checks the explosion-protected vehicle on the spot and shows what specifically needs to be done. It informs about the meaning of the flashing code and names the present error. The integrated two-stage traffic light system indicates the next steps simply and unambiguously: With the yellow indicator, the vehicle should be cooled down and a maintenance appointment made. If the light is red, it’s time to stop and call a service technician! Assistance is provided by the detailed diagnostics with all values of the monitored components and parameters. The app also displays the error history and provides specific recommendations for action. Thus, all information regarding the wear of safety-critical components and the remaining operating hours is recorded. The EX monitoring app from Linde MH is a unique selling point. Already available today for five series, it will be part of all future explosion-proof Linde models.

For more information, please visit: https://www.linde-mh.de/de/Ueber-uns/Presse/