1. Introduction: Material Handling Challenges in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Plants
In chemical raw material handling, pharmaceutical intermediate packaging, paint and solvent processing, and combustible dust environments, plant safety is paramount. Many chemical products involve flammable, toxic, corrosive, or oxidizing materials where standard material handling equipment can introduce catastrophic ignition risks or spillage hazards.
As a specialized manufacturer of ergonomic vacuum lifting solutions, Shanghai Herolift Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. (HEROLIFT) designs certified explosion-proof vacuum tube lifters that eliminate ignition sources by engineering, ensuring safe handling for global industry leaders such as Akzo Nobel, BASF, DSM, DOW, and Owens Corning.
2. Why Vacuum Handling Fits Hazardous Chemical Zones
Traditional electric lifting equipment features motors, switches, and relays that can generate electrical sparks—posing a severe hazard in explosive atmospheres. HEROLIFT’s explosion-proof vacuum handling systems overcome this through dedicated engineering:
- Pneumatic Drive System: The lifting head contains zero electrical components and is entirely driven by compressed air, eliminating electrical ignition sources by design.
- Corrosion-Resistant Construction: Built with 304 or 316L stainless steel, enabling easy washdown and high resistance to aggressive chemical media.
- Anti-Static Grounding: Designed with strict anti-static grounding resistance below 100 ohms to prevent electrostatic charge accumulation.
3. Technical Specifications & Certification Standards (E-E-A-T Compliance)
When selecting material handling equipment for hazardous areas, plant engineers require verifiable certifications. HEROLIFT’s explosion-proof systems are backed by formal national certification and compliance standards:
- National Explosion-Proof Certification: Certified under Certificate No. CQCIT25.0273X issued by CCIC Infinite Testing Technology Co., Ltd. carrying the CNEX mark.
- Strict Ex Markings:
- Dust Atmosphere: Marked as
Ex c III 80°C Db. - Gas Atmosphere: Marked as
Ex c II T6 Gb(Gas group T6 corresponds to a maximum surface temperature of 85°C; dust marking corresponds to 80°C).
- Dust Atmosphere: Marked as
- Compliance Standards: Designed and manufactured in accordance with Chinese national standards (GB 3836.1-2010, GB 19518.1-2004, GB 3836.20-2010, GB 3836.2-2019) and aligned with international directives including ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, EN 13463-3, EN 583, and IEC 60079-0:2007 MOD.
4. Tailored Solutions for Sacks, Drums, and Containers
Chemical plants handle a wide variety of packaging formats, from raw material sacks to heavy drums. Our product configurations include:
- Powder & Raw Material Sacks: VEL tube lifters equipped with specialized sack suction attachments for bagged powders.
- Drums and Barrels: VEL drum handling attachments covering 15–270 kg drums, alongside CT convenient trolleys (40–500 kg) featuring dedicated drum fixtures.
- Non-Hazardous Chemical Areas: Standard VEL stainless steel tube lifters (30–270 kg) utilizing specialized “Foam rubber for chemical” pads.
| Configuration | Rated capacity | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| VEL tube lifter — sack attachment | 30–270 kg | Bagged powders and raw material sacks |
| VEL tube lifter — drum attachment | 15–270 kg | Drums and barrels |
| CT convenient trolley — drum fixture | 40–500 kg | Heavy drums moved on wheels |
| Explosion-proof VEL configuration | Custom-built | Gas or dust classified zones (marking must be matched to site) |
Engineering Note: Explosion-proof models are custom-built. Selection must precisely match the customer’s specific area classification (gas or dust) and temperature class. Dust and gas markings are not interchangeable.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are your vacuum tube lifters officially explosion-proof certified?
Yes. Our units hold Certificate No. CQCIT25.0273X (CNEX national explosion-proof certification issued by CCIC Infinite Testing Technology Co., Ltd.), marked Ex c III 80°C Db for dust and Ex c II T6 Gb for gas.
Are these units ATEX certified?
This requires careful distinction. The equipment complies with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, EN 13463-3, and IEC 60079-0:2007 MOD, but the certificate we hold is issued by a Chinese testing body carrying the CNEX mark. “Complying with ATEX standards” and “holding an EU Notified Body ATEX certificate” are distinct. If your project specifically mandates an EU Notified Body certificate, please consult our engineering department in advance.
Can the equipment be operated in combustible dust zones?
Yes, the dust marking is Ex c III 80°C Db. However, the exact model must still be rigorously matched to your site’s specific zone classification and temperature class.
How do you handle raw materials packaged in heavy drums?
We utilize VEL drum attachments designed for 15–270 kg drums, or CT series convenient trolleys. Please provide your drum diameter and type so our engineers can confirm the precise fixture.
For expert technical consultation or to request a customized explosion-proof material handling proposal for your chemical plant, visit the official HEROLIFT website at www.hero-lift.com.
Post time: Nov-02-2026