ITW Vortec is proud to release an exciting update to our popular line of enclosure coolers. The ProtEX Vortex A/C enclosure cooler, released in April of 2017, has been granted certification for Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C and D; Class II, Division 1, Groups F and G; and Class III, after extensive review by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). The new UL Classification is on top of the existing ATEX Certification for Zones 1 and 21, which complies with the latest EN ISO 80079 36:2016 standard. The unique combination of UL Classification (UL File E356284) and ATEX Certification greatly expands the industries and locations where Vortec enclosure coolers can be used. We asked Vortec Engineer, Steve Broerman, about what this dual certification can mean for industrial facilities.

“ATEX and UL Certification means that industrial facilities can now save thousands of dollars while cooling electrical, electronic and control system enclosures in ATEX Zones 1 and 21, as well as Class I, II and III Division 1 locations. Previously, industrial facility managers had to purchase large, heavy and expensive hazardous location air conditioners, requiring a large initial investment with ongoing maintenance costs. The new ProtEX models are small, easily installed and require minimal maintenance costs. In addition, they are certified for ambient temperatures up to 175°F, which is significantly greater than most hazardous area rated Freon air conditioners.”

The newly certified ATEX and UL ProtEX Vortex A/C models 8115, 8125, 8135 and 8170 draw on Vortec’s fifty plus years of air technology expertise and an in-depth knowledge of industrial needs. Vortec noticed a need for cost effective, efficient cooling solutions in industrial environments, specifically in hazardous locations. These Vortec models offer 900, 1500, 2500 or 5,000 BTU/hour cooling capacity to suit the differing needs of each enclosure and facility. Vortec’s ProtEX Vortex A/C units are designed to cool enclosures quietly, with 62 dBA operations, 78% quieter than typical vortex coolers. The design of the product, along with the customer’s purge and pressurization unit, ensures that the electrical enclosure stays cool and slightly pressurized to protect it from the hazardous environment. They require no wiring and can be easily installed in under 5 minutes. A mechanical thermostat turns the cooling on only when necessary, giving you greater efficiency and savings. Plus, with the addition of a new filter with a pressure drop indicator, notifying you of necessary filter changes, you can ensure continued efficiency and safety. All four of the Vortec ProtEX models have a small footprint, allowing it to fit in confined areas, have top or side mount capabilities, carry UL Type 4X certification and are approved for a Temperature Class of T3. The Vortex A/C units have already been successfully cooling in a wide range of industrial environments from petrochemical plants to food manufacturing and foundries.

Cincinnati based, ITW Vortec is proud to be a market leader and innovator of compressed air solutions since 1961. Vortec was the first company to develop the technology for converting the vortex tube phenomenon into practical and effective, industrial cooling solutions. The release of our UL Classified ProtEX Vortex A/C is a continuation of this passion and commitment towards offering innovative compressed air application solutions. Vortec offers a variety of pneumatic products to provide effective cooling, blow off and conveying solutions that help companies improve productivity and efficiency.