Crowcon says its new Vortex FP Compact control panel increases the flexibility of its flame-resistant product range.
Like the existing Vortex FP, the FP Compact is specifically designed to monitor toxic and flammable gas detectors, or fire detectors where the control system is installed in ATEX Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. Crowcon says the panel is particularly suited to confined spaces, such as analyser shelters in refineries, offshore rigs, or FPSO (floating production, storage and offloading) installations.
On both models, day-to-day operations can be performed without having to open the panel’s enclosure: gas levels, alarms and faults are viewed through a window, and all system functions are accessed either via buttons or a ‘Crowmag’ magnetic key. This means the system can be checked at a glance without the need for a ‘hot work’ permit, which, explains Crowcon, means adjacent areas can stay online, saving money.
The standard Vortex FP is said to contain up to 24 relays and can monitor up to 12 gas/fire detectors. The FP Compact can also monitor the same number of detectors, but contains up to 16 relays.
According to the firm, the panels are rated IP66 for dust and water ingress, and meet the latest gas-detection legislation and EMC standards.
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