Zonerite IECEx and ATEX Certified Hazardous Area Compressors

Oceania Engineering Services’ Zonerite range comprises OEM hermetic and semi-hermetic compressors modified in Perth for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas.

The Zonerite design is independently certified under IECEx Certificate of Conformity IECEx ExTC 18.0029X and ATEX certificate TÜV 19 ATEX 8331 X.

What the Modification Covers

The Zonerite compressor modification process was developed to allow OES to modify virtually any standard OEM hermetic or semi-hermetic air-conditioning or refrigeration compressor that falls within the certified parameters. Unlike certification approaches limited to the specific compressor models tested during approval, the Zonerite certification was deliberately structured for application across a broad range of makes, models and refrigerants.

This gives system designers greater flexibility to select the compressor best suited to the required duty, refrigerant and equipment configuration, rather than being limited to a narrow range of available certified compressors. Each compressor and its intended application are assessed by OES before the modification is confirmed.

Depending on the compressor and installation arrangement, Zonerite compressors can be supplied for Zone 1 applications with Ex mb pxb IIC T4 Gb certification or Zone 2 applications with Ex mb pzc IIC T4 Gc certification. IIB+H₂ options are also available where required by the application.

Zonerite certification covers ambient temperatures from −40°C to +55°C, with an IP66 terminal box arrangement.

Hazardous Area Compressor Selection

Explosion-protected compressors are not commonly available from local HVAC&R suppliers. Conventional hazardous-area compressor arrangements are also typically much more expensive.

Compressor selection is normally based on cooling duty, refrigerant, operating envelope, electrical supply and equipment configuration. Hazardous-area projects can be more restrictive because certified compressors are available in fewer configurations and often have long lead times. The Zonerite modification can be applied to a suitable standard OEM compressor, including in situ where practical. It can also be used to upgrade existing equipment or during refit work, particularly where the original compressor is obsolete and changing compressor type would require wider changes to the refrigeration system.

Zonerite gives asset owners and project teams a practical and cost-effective option, with compressor modifications undertaken locally in Perth. Finished compressors can be supplied under IECEx and/or ATEX certification to suit the project requirements. Typical applications include oil and gas, marine and offshore HVAC&R systems.

One example is a batch of six Copeland scroll compressors modified under the Zonerite certified design for a Zone 1, IIC, T4 application. The compressors were supplied for incorporation into portable offshore air-conditioning units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Zonerite compressor?

Within OES’s broader Zonerite equipment range, Zonerite compressors are OEM hermetic and semi-hermetic compressors modified in Perth for use in hazardous-area air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The compressor modifications are covered by OES’s independently certified IECEx and ATEX design.

What protection methods do Zonerite compressors use?

Zonerite compressors use pressurisation (Ex p) and encapsulation (Ex m) under IECEx ExTC 18.0029X and TÜV 19 ATEX 8331 X.

What gas group are Zonerite compressors rated for?

Zonerite certification includes IIC and IIB+H₂ options, depending on the application.

Which OEM compressors can be modified?

The Zonerite modification can be applied to a broad range of OEM hermetic and semi-hermetic compressors. Each compressor and intended application must be assessed by OES before the modification is confirmed. Contact OES to discuss a specific compressor and application.

Talk to Us About a Zonerite Requirement

If your project requires a certified hazardous-area compressor, contact OES to discuss the compressor selection, IECEx or ATEX certification, gas group, zone classification and application requirements.