Thorne & Derrick, Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, are Specialist Distributors of Marechal plugs and sockets in the UK including ATEX and IECEx certified decontactors for LV electrical power distribution.
Marechalplugs and sockets (decontactors) provide low voltage power supply for high current, high temperature and hazardous area (Zone 1 & Zone 2) ATEX power distribution applications – this includes power plugs for electric generator sets, motors, machines, distribution boxes, pumps and electric cabinets.
The range of plugs and sockets are used in various industries globally including mining, oil & gas, offshore, water treatment and petrochemical as well as other areas that require a guaranteed safe electrical connection.
SOLUTIONS ADAPTED TO HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
GUARANTEED SAFETY
Safely disconnect your installation before intervention.
Facilitate the compliance of your electrical machines and equipment with the ‘’Machine’’ European Directive.
Protect operators from electrical accidents.
Protect against electric shock.
EFFICIENT FACILITY MANAGEMENT
Reduce intervention and production downtime.
Reduces the risk of phase reversal, damage to cables.
Allows signal transmission and electrical control (up to 4 auxiliary contacts).
ROBUST AND DURABLE SOLUTIONS
Withstands harsh outdoor environments:
Dust, humidity, extreme temperatures,
Corrosion (salty environment, H2S etc.),
Mechanical impacts, vibrations in the vicinity of rotating machines (on gangways, etc.),
IK09 (poly version), IK10 (metal version).
PRODUCTS FOR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
DEGREASING AND GRIT REMOVAL
TREATMENT OF SAND AND GREASE
SLUDGE TREATMENT
AERATION AND BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
DECONTACTOR™ BENEFITS
The power socket-outlet with built-in switching function called DECONTACTOR™ allows connection and disconnection of pumps up to 250 A (110 kW), even for hazardous areas.
Safe local breaking function and option for signal transmissions (temperature sensor and remote contacting).
Exceptional connection quality thanks spring-mounted crimped braid and butt contacts with silver-nickel tips.
Elastic ring connection terminals that prevent loose wires due to variations in temperature, vibration or damage of the conductors.
No access to live parts of the socket-outlet (IP4X).
Padlocking facility for strict compliance with LOTO procedures.
Automatic IP66/IP67/IP69.
Thermoplastic and metallic materials that resist to harsh conditions (mechanical, chemical, environmental).
OPTIMISED MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT
All-in-one : motor power and control
Integrated local control selector
Suitable for local emergency breaking
MARECHAL® DECONTACTOR™ (from 16 A to 250 A)
Marechal EVO
Main Features:
Switching capacity 18,5 kW
Padlockable
IP66/IP67/IP69 sealing in ON or OFF position and separated position with caps
IP4X on source side
Up to 6 poles + earth
Electrical endurance 15 000 cycles*
Umax : Operational voltage 690 V
Ithe : Conventional enclosed thermal current 40 A
Shock resistance (IEC 62262) IK09
Ambient air temperature – 25 °C/+ 60 °C
* In AC-23A 690 V AC/40 A service operation.
IEC/EN 60947-1/-3/-4/-5 :
Low-voltage switchgear and control gear: Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units.
Facilitates compliance: – of electrical machinery to the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/CE, to EN 12100 and EN 60204-1 standards, – of electrical installations to IEC/HD 60364 and NF C 15-100 standards.
DECONTACTOR™ 63 A – 4 AUXILIARIES
Example of connection of a DSN6 (3P+E+4 aux.)
Marechal Distributors
Thorne & Derrick have been appointed as official distributors of Marechal plugs & sockets in the UK, as of the 1st of March 2023. Our demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the industry enables us to deliver the completeMarechalproduct offering in both Industrial and Hazardous Areas.
ALL OF THE BENEFITS OF MARECHAL® TECHNOLOGY + ANTIBACTERIAL PROTECTION!
The World Health Organisation confirms that it is becoming harder and harder to treat bacterial infections. Regardless of the environment or industry, bacteria are everywhere to be found. The risk of contamination or infection from surface transfer is significant. A single bacterial outbreak in an industrial plant or processing facility can be devastating.
Continuing our drive for innovation, MARECHAL ELECTRIC have recently launched an anti-bacterial range to deliver best-in-class technology with the advantage of increased health protection to end users. Increased protection against bacterial infections has been achieved by infusing an active silver ion additive into Marechal poly handles, which provides a protective barrier inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Thorne & Derrick have been appointed as official distributors of Marechalplugs and socketsin the UK, as of the 1st of March 2023. Our demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the industry enables us to deliver the completeMarechalproduct offering in both Industrial and Hazardous Areas.
Wide range of applications – the inorganic nature, small particle size and high temperature tolerance of the antimicrobial additive makes it ideal for use in many different application areas.
Durable – the antibacterial additive offers permanent protection.
Safe to use – the active agent complies with biocide regulation.
High performance – superior mechanical strength, IP66/IP67, UV protected.
Easy, reliable identification – laser marking on the handle. No more sticked labels.
Logical protection – largest surface area of most manoeuvred accessory is AG+ treated.
EFFECTIVE AGAINST A RANGE OF INFECTIONS
Campylobacter
Campylobacteriosis is an infection of the intestines. It is caused by the bacteria Campylobacter and occurs after eating contaminated food.
Salmonella
The infection usually occurs after eating contaminated food. Undercooked chicken or eggs are common examples.
Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes (known as Listeria) is a type of bacteria commonly found in food and other natural environments.
Pseudomonas
This micro-organism is particularly prevalent in hospitals and exposes patients with weak immune systems.
MRSA
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to certain antibiotics.
MARECHAL ANTIBACTERIAL TREATED HANDLES
The new poly handles, treated with AG+ silver ions, provides a protective barrier and inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Reducing the risk of bacterial transfer and potential infection is relevant across all industries and not only limited to the obvious food & beverage, pharmaceutical and hospital sectors. The inorganic nature, small particle size and high temperature tolerance of the antimicrobial additive also makes it ideal for use in many different application areas.
Marechal Distributors
Thorne & Derrick, Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, are Specialist Distributors of Marechal plugs & sockets in the UK including ATEX and IECEx certified decontactors for LV electrical power distribution.
The range of Marechal plugs and sockets are available in a range of current ratings, switching capabilities, voltage supply and hazardous area certifications (according to ATEX & IECEx) for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres – this includes Zone 1 & Zone 2 (Gas) and Zone 21 & Zone 22 (Dusts).
In today’s episode of the Dust Safety Science podcast, we’re speaking with Terry McDonald, Sales & Business Development Manager with Thorne and Derrick based out of the UK, about fake ATEX products and fake certificates.
We were inspired to conduct this interview after Terry posted a message on LinkedIn about fake ATEX products and a presentation he plans to give at the upcoming HazardEx Conference. Since we have been hearing more about fake systems and fake certificates of systems from Dust Safety Professionals member companies, as well as end-users around the world, we reached out to him about it.
In this episode, Terry answers the following questions:
How is combustible dust treated within the ATEX framework?
How do fake products and certificates make their way into the market?
What can companies do to avoid them?
How is Combustible Dust Treated Within the ATEX Framework?
“With regard to dust and gas in the UK, they are often considered as one,” Terry says. “I would say that in the industry, knowledge in the UK is much better when it comes to gas atmospheres than dust atmospheres, and people just use the terminology ‘explosive atmosphere’. Somebody has to actually know and understand a bit more about the regulations to then delve further into the difference between gas risks and dust risks, and the difference that has on the types of equipment that can and should be used in those areas.”
What is the ATEX Framework? How Does It Work in Terms of Certification?
Terry said that from a safety point of view, ATEX is designed to ensure that any product that finds its way onto the hazardous area market is compliant with the relevant standards. The manufacturer is solely responsible for all the risks and must know and be the technical authority on the product they are producing.
“You might think it is fair comment. If they’re going to develop a product, they should be the technical authority on it. However, there are manufacturers out there that spend 90-95% of the time manufacturing non-ATEX products and then one day develop an ATEX product and they haven’t got the first clue about ATEX equipment.”
He added that ATEX also puts the risk on the end user.
“It’s the end users’ responsibility to ensure any equipment that they put into use on their site and with their employees is safe and fit for purpose and compliant.”
How Do Fake Products and Certificates Make Their Way into the Market?
Terry explained that in his opinion, a big problem in the industry is the training and knowledge of the people involved. A lot of them aren’t suitably qualified and trained to purchase this type of equipment.
“There is a lot to learn, and even to understand the numbers on a certificate and what they all actually mean is almost impossible for someone like myself, never mind a buyer who’s responsible for probably millions of pounds worth of spends within organizations on multiple different types of products and equipment. For them to be experts in specifically hazardous area equipment is impossible.”
He pointed out that the engineers within those companies are supposed to lead and help specify and select the correct equipment, but if the main driver is cost, then it’s the buyer that makes that decision.
“That’s how fake products and fake certificates get onto the marketplace- because of lack of knowledge… You don’t know what you don’t know. How can you know that a certificate is incorrect or wrong if you don’t know what it’s supposed to say? A certificate might be put in front of someone and it says it complies with Standard X. How does that person looking at that certificate not know that it’s supposed to comply with Standard X and Standard Y? They don’t. They just believe what’s in front of them on a piece of paper, and then they rely on that certificate of conformity, and they put their trust in the person or the company supplying that equipment that the equipment they are going to receive is correct.”
There are two types of COMAH systems in the UK: Tier 1 and Tier 2. COMAH stands for “Care Of Major Accidents And Hazards.” In simple terms, Tier 1 is the most dangerous and Tier 2 is the second most dangerous. With a Tier 1 COMAH site, the organization tends to have much better knowledge than most because they have to. Still, there are risks and challenges.
“Let’s take the example of a large organization that has a paint shop, a spray booth, and that’s the only hazardous area on the site. So they don’t have the knowledge and expertise inside of their organization to be able to purchase correctly certified equipment. They trust people like Thorne and Derrick and all the companies that what they tell them is true. The ATEX Directive puts all the risk really on the manufacturer of the equipment and the end user. There’s very little, almost no risk on the people in between – companies like Thorne and Derrick.”
A lot of fake equipment is sold online by faceless organizations through the internet. Terry admitted that it angers him when companies buy from these websites.
“We have to go through approved vendor procedures to supply a lot of the companies that we supply. I’m a big advocate of that. But when one of those companies gets caught out and perhaps is desperate for a piece of equipment, they bypass that approved vendor list and they’ll do a one-off purchase via online using a company credit card and buy the equipment. That’s how the equipment ends up on site because nobody’s done the due diligence of the equipment that they’re buying and they believe what they’re reading.”
He recently looked at a website and saw a product labelled as an ATEX certified ventilation fan, certified for use in gas and dust atmospheres. However, it was clearly fake. There were no Ex markings or certificates available to download. But an untrained buyer would not know the difference.
Terry McDonald speaking at HazardEx 2023 about the problems posed by fake products and certificates, including incorrectly certified products, that enter the market. He discussed just how big the problem is and highlighted some solutions to the issue.
Self-Certification Can Cause Challenges
The manufacturer is the technical authority- they’re supposed to identify which standards their product or piece of equipment has to comply with. They then have to work with a third party, an independent notified body who is registered to test that equipment and sign a certificate that says that equipment conforms to those standards.
However, ATEX permits Zone 2 self-certification – which means a manufacturer can self-certify a piece of equipment that will be used in Zone 2. This can cause issues.
“It’s cost prohibitive to put a bespoke piece of equipment through certification. I get that,” Terry says. “But I don’t believe that a manufacturer can self-certify without having some level of conflict of interest because ultimately for them it’s about the commercials, it’s about selling the product.”
He recalled that around 10 years ago, a manufacturer approached Thorne and Derrick with an infrared ATEX heater. Luckily, it didn’t cause an explosion, but the glass shattered and exposed the heater inside of the infrared heater.
“So we took that back to the manufacturer and asked for them to do their analysis on why that had happened. And they came back and said that the reason for both instances was that it was user error…. We said, “Well, this product isn’t fit for purpose. There’s no way that that product can be used in these kind of environments without getting dirty, without getting a build up of dust.” So we removed it from our portfolio. It was a self-certified product. That product still remains on the marketplace. That manufacturer is still selling that piece of equipment.”
Conclusion
At the end of the interview, Terry had the following words of advice.
“Firstly, you’ve got to improve the knowledge and training of your persons responsible. Yes, you should check the certificates and declaration of conformity, and nobody should be using equipment before going through that due diligence process. And absolutely use trusted and approved vendors…. If one person does things differently, it can lead to safety improvements.”
Terry McDonald (Sales & Business Development Manager) collecting the Delegates’ Award on behalf of Thorne & Derrick from Alistair Hookway (Editor, HazardEx).
Delegates’ Award
Thorne & Derrick, based in the UK, are delighted to announce that we are Winners of the Delegates’ Award at the annual HazardEx Gala Dinner on 1st March 2023.
The Delegates’ Award was voted for by delegates and attendees at the Hazardex 2023 Conference and Exhibition, to identify which of the nominated entries provides the overall best hazardous area sector product, system or service. Thorne & Derrick were also highly commended in the ‘Best Customer Service Award’ after scooping the gong back in 2021.
Terry McDonald said, “It was an honour to collect the final award of the evening on behalf of Thorne & Derrick – we have a robust reputation for supporting our customers with the replacement and upgrade of end-of-life equipment to deliver significant operational safety and process improvements to their project or plant.
It is great to be recognised by our peers operating in the industry for providing a service above and beyond within the hazardous area sector.
I am very proud that the effort from our hard working staff has been recognised and I would like to thank the organisers for running a successful event.”
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for Thorne & Derrick and all Delegates, Speakers, Exhibitors and Visitors that attended Hazardex 2023.
Thorne & Derrick over the years have listened closely to their customers and extensively researched the market to bring their clients fully compliant and correctly certified hazardous area solutions for the safe use in explosive atmospheres. This award is recognition of the team’s hard work.
Over the last 4 years, Thorne & Derrick the Leaders in ATEX Innovation, have introduced several products which have led to improved efficiency, reliability and productivity in the hazardous area and process industries.
Over the last decade, the HazardEx Awards Programme has become a benchmark for those supplying products, services and systems within hazardous areas – raising awareness and standards across the sector.
Thorne & Derrick have been at the forefront of many critical national infrastructure projects supplying customers with world-class cable accessory productsto build new high voltage electrical systems; powering the renewable energy revolution and data centre sectors across numerous UK, European and international projects.
We are pleased to have another award to add to the cabinet scooping the ‘Delegates Award’ on the back of winning ‘Best Customer Service’ at the last ceremony.
Thorne & Derrick featured a range of products and solutions including innovations in Power, Heat,Ventilation, Lighting & Security for use in harsh industrial and hazardous area environments – helping to improve our clients’ operational efficiency and safety.
Laura McCabe Sales Engineer | Displaying the most extensive range of Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment including Heating & Lighting. To maintain the highest levels of customer service Thorne & Derrick hold the largest stocks of electrical heating & lighting products for explosive atmospheres in the UK.
Terry McDonald speaking at HazardEx 2023 about the problems posed by fake products and certificates,including incorrectly certified products, that enter the market. He discussed just how big the problem is and highlighted some solutions to the issue.
IBC Heating
Heating Up IBC Containers
Companies that use Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) often need to raise the temperature in order to reduce viscosity and prevent the content from freezing temperatures. Sustaining an elevated temperature ensures that the contents remain ready for production and easy to dispense. IBC containers are commonly used for storing and transporting liquids, including various chemicals and hazardous materials.
Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s Specialist Distributor of IBC Heaters & Drum Heating Equipment to diverse industries including process, food and beverage, confectionery, manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceutical and utilities – we service the international marketplace via our dedicated Exports Department.
Users of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) often need to raise the temperature to reduce viscosity or protect the contents from the cold. Maintaining an elevated temperature ensures materials remain ready for production and easy to dispense. If the temperatures of the contents fall below desired levels, the contents could be ruined or unable to dispense at all. This can result in increased production cost or damage to equipment. Replacing ruined materials and damaged equipment could be very expensive and cause serious downtime.
In order to prevent these issues, users of IBCs utilise various methods to raise and maintain the temperature of the contents.
Why Heat IBC Containers?
1. Prevent Freezing: Many liquids stored in IBC containers are susceptible to freezing at low temperatures. Freezing can lead to the expansion of the liquid, which may cause the container to burst or become damaged. Heating IBC containers prevents freezing and ensures the integrity of the container.
2. Maintaining Viscosity: Some liquids, especially viscous or thick substances such as oils or chemicals, may become too thick to flow properly at lower temperatures. Heating helps to maintain the desired viscosity and consistency, ensuring easy pumping and handling of the contents.
3. Process Requirements: Some industrial processes or applications require specific temperature ranges for optimum performance. Heating IBC containers allows for precise control over the temperature of the stored liquid, ensuring it meets the process requirements.
4. Environmental Factors: In colder climates, IBC containers may be exposed to low temperatures during transportation or storage. Heating the containers prevents damage due to freezing and maintains product quality.
It is important to note that heating IBC containers should always be done with caution. Proper temperature control and safety mechanisms should be in place to avoid overheating, leaks, or any potential hazards.
How Do IBC Heaters Work?
IBC heaters are typically electrically powered and feature heating elements that wrap around the sides or base of the IBC to provide even and consistent heat distribution. They are often insulated or have insulating jackets to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
IBC heaters are available in different sizes and temperature ranges to accommodate various IBC sizes and heating requirements. They can be controlled manually or through a thermostat or temperature controller, allowing users to easily adjust and maintain the desired temperature.
The efficiency and performance of IBC heaters can vary depending on the specific design and features. Some heaters may have built-in insulation layers to minimise heat loss, while others may include safety features such as overheat protection or automatic shutdown. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for proper usage and maintenance of the IBC heater to ensure safe and efficient operation.
BESPOKE IBC HEATING
Prevent cold-weather damage to your critical process assets!
Our heating jacket technology can be adapted to suit non-standard containers and bespoke applications – suitable for both harsh industrial and hazardous areas.
With over 35 Years’ experience, T&D can offer tailored specification advice and produce in-house customised heating solutions with fast delivery to UK and international locations.Our technical experts will conduct heat loss calculations to ensure reliable process heating, temperature maintenance or frost protection of your container depending on the application.
Thorne & Derrick hold the largest UK stocks of frost protection & winterisation equipment to help keep your plant and personnel operational during the winter months.
💡 Contact us today and our skilled and friendly team can provide technical support as well as reliable, fit for purpose and compliant solutions to suit your exact requirements.
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