ATEX/IECEx certified and offering the highest levels of safeguarding, the W22X motors are designed to cope with the rigours of aggressive and explosive atmospheres, while delivering the added benefits of high efficiency, (IE2 energy efficiency rating), minimised noise and vibration, and low operating temperature for increased reliability and safety.

Developed for low, medium and high voltage supplies, and with either Ex d or Ex d(e) flameproof protection, the W22X product range covers 2, 4, 6, and 8- pole motors in 500 frame sizes, across the power range from 160kW to 1500kW. The first units released in the motor series are top- of- the- range frame sizes 500K/-l: 4-pole, 6kV motors with power ratings up to 1500kW.

The W22X range has CE marking in compliance with EU directive 94/4/EC - ATEX - and is classified as equipment Group I (mines) and Group 11 (surface industries), for gases Group llB and IIC. The range is suitable for use in Zone 1 - Gases and Vapours (G), and Zone 21 - Gases, Vapours and Dust (GO).

The advantage of dual certification for gas and dust is that it makes the W22X range modular and flexible, reducing inventory costs for users by enabling a common motor frame to be used with different types and sizes of terminal boxes.

The introduction of the W22X series of motors means that WEG now serves the global Oil and Gas industry and other hazardous area markets around the world, complementing the existing range of hazardous areas products, which extends from 0.75kW to 40MW, and is available in Ex-P, Ex-N, Ex-e configurations and suitable for Groups IIA, IIB and IIC.