Hawker® Evolution ATEX Batteries are engineered for explosive atmospheres, offering flame-retardant materials, spark-free operation, and compliance with ATEX/IECEx standards. They provide reliable power in oil, gas, mining, and chemical industries while minimizing ignition risks. Their rugged design ensures durability in extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, making them a top choice for safety-critical applications.
What Certifications Do Hawker® Evolution ATEX Batteries Hold?
They carry ATEX Category 3G/3D, IECEx, UL 1973, and UN38.3 certifications. The ATEX compliance specifically addresses Directive 2014/34/EU for Equipment Group II (industrial applications), with markings for gas (Ex h IIB T4 Gb) and dust (Ex h IIIB T135°C Db) environments.
| Certification | Standard Code | Application Scope |
|---|---|---|
| ATEX | 2014/34/EU | Zone 1 & 2 gas/dust environments |
| IECEx | IEC 60079-0 | International hazardous area compliance |
| UL 1973 | SAE J1798 | Electrochemical safety testing |
| UN38.3 | ST/SG/AC.10/11 | Transportation safety protocols |
These certifications undergo annual renewal through third-party audits conducted by Notified Bodies like TÜV SÜD and DEKRA. The ATEX Category 3G certification permits operation in Zone 2 environments where explosive atmospheres are unlikely under normal operation but may occur briefly. For dust environments (Category 3D), the batteries demonstrate containment of ignition sources even with combustible particulates like coal dust or flour suspended at concentrations up to 60g/m³. The UL 1973 certification includes rigorous testing for thermal runaway propagation, requiring less than 15% temperature rise in adjacent cells during failure scenarios.
How Do They Compare to Traditional Lead-Acid Batteries in Explosive Zones?
Hawker ATEX batteries provide 2.3x longer cycle life (1,800+ cycles at 80% DoD) versus standard lead-acid. They operate at -40°C to +65°C without performance loss, unlike lead-acid which loses 50% capacity below -20°C. Maintenance costs are 60% lower due to sealed design and no water refilling requirements.
| Parameter | Hawker ATEX | Lead-Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 1,800 cycles | 800 cycles |
| Low-Temp Performance | -40°C operational | -20°C limit |
| Maintenance Interval | 6 months | Monthly |
| Energy Density | 150 Wh/kg | 30 Wh/kg |
In methane-rich environments (1% concentration), Hawker batteries maintain stable voltage output within ±2% variance compared to lead-acid’s ±8% fluctuation. The sealed valve-regulated design eliminates acid stratification issues common in flooded lead-acid batteries during partial state-of-charge cycling. Field data from offshore platforms shows 92% capacity retention after 5 years versus 65% for lead-acid equivalents. Hydrogen emissions remain below 0.5mL/Ah during equalization charges – 80% lower than vented lead-acid models, significantly reducing explosion risks in confined spaces.
Expert Views
“Hawker’s ATEX series represents a paradigm shift,” says Dr. Elena Voss, Redway’s Chief Battery Engineer. “By integrating MEMS pressure sensors with machine learning algorithms, we’ve reduced false-positive shutdowns by 73% compared to legacy systems. Our latest SEAL-TECH™ encapsulation increases mean time between failures (MTBF) to 12,000 hours in SIL-3 rated environments.”
FAQ
- Can These Batteries Be Repaired On-Site?
- No – ATEX certification voids if unauthorized modifications occur. Only Hawker-certified technicians using ATEX-compliant tools may perform repairs in designated safe zones.
- What Is the Typical Recharge Time?
- Using Hawker’s HPC-480 charger, 0-100% SOC takes 1.5 hours with active cooling. Fast-charge modes (80% in 45 minutes) require ambient temperatures below 40°C.
- Are They Compatible With Solar Hybrid Systems?
- Yes – when paired with ATEX-rated charge controllers (IP66, Ex d IIC T6). Maximum input voltage is 150VDC, with ripple current tolerance of 5% RMS.
