Firstly, the Flux F 460 Ex motor is the clear choice for professionals pumping from drums and IBC’s in explosion-risk zones, where intrinsically safe, certified equipment is non-negotiable. Furthermore, this explosion proof drum pump motor offers the ideal balance of performance, weight, safety and adaptability, supporting a wide range of hazardous fluid handling tasks. This includes transferring and dispensing highly flammable solvents, alcohols and fuels.
What sets the F 460 Ex apart is its double-walled, IP 55 housing, which consequently provides protection from dust and liquid ingress. Furthermore, combined with exceptional thermal management and fully-enclosed windings and armature, this motor can handle sustained periods of continuous operation in tough environments. In addition, corrosion-resistant paint provides resistance against chemical splashes and fumes. Not only that, the motor housing reduces noise output class-leading levels.
The F 460 Ex EL model, with stepless speed controller, provides precise flow control, thereby making it ideal for metering or filling applications. Meanwhile, the F 460-1 Ex variant boosts power output to 700 W for handling higher density and viscosity fluids, without compromising safety certification. This model is also suitable for use with F 570 Ex series high viscosity pumps.
Yes, when transferring flammable or explosive liquids, using an explosion proof drum pump motor is essential. Furthermore, the risk of ignition from electrical sparks, motor heat, or static discharge must be eliminated to comply with ATEX (Atmosphères Explosibles) regulations, which apply to equipment used in hazardous areas across the UK and EU.
To determine the right motor for your application:
The F 460 Ex motor is suitable for atmospheres containing flammable vapours and gases, with its ATEX certification of II 2 G Ex d e IIC T6. However, it is not safe to use in areas with flammable dust-air mixtures.
This motor is also available in a high-temperature (HT) version, making it suitable for use in ambient temperatures up to 60°C. Markedly, for maximum safety, only pair this motor with Flux ATEX-rated pump tubes and conductive hoses.
While both the F 460 Ex and F 416 Ex are explosion-proof motors from Flux, they are designed for use with completely power sources. The F 460 Ex electric motor typically runs on single-phase 230 V or 110 V power supplies, whereas F 416 Ex is powered by compressed air. Note that both motors are suitable for use in Zone 1/2 hazardous areas.
At 900 W, the F416 Ex delivers the highest power output among our ATEX-approved drum pump motors. However, both F 416 Ex and F460-1 Ex motors are suitable for use with F 400 and F 570 series barrel and IBC pumps.
F 460 Ex vs. F 416 Ex
Model | F 460 Ex | F 416 Ex |
---|---|---|
Power supply | 230-240 V AC, 110 V AC, 12-48 V DC | Compressed air |
Duty cycle | 100% (S1 continuous) | 100% continuous |
ATEX rating | II 2 G Ex de IIC T6 Gb* | II 2 G c IIC T6 |
Max ambient temperature | 40 deg C | 40 deg C |
Power rating | 460 W (F 460 Ex) or 700 W (F 460-1 Ex) | 900 W |
Ingress protection | IP 55 | N/A |
Max motor speed | 8,500 RPM | 10,000 RPM |
Speed control | Optional (F 460 Ex EL) | Yes, via trigger or ball valve |
Weight | 5.1–5.9 kg | 0.9 to 1.4 kg |
Usage | Humid, sanitary or noise sensitive areas | General ATEX applications |
*ATEX classification for F 460-1 Ex 110 V version is II 2 G Ex de IIC T5 Gb.
Choose the F 416 Ex when your application demands high (or variable) flow rates, or greater discharge pressure. It is also a good choice for handling higher viscosity, or higher density fluids. Its low weight reduces risks associated with manual handling. In addition, a compressed air powered motor such as this may be the only option in Ex-zoned areas where electrical power supplies are unavailable.
In contrast, the F 460 Ex runs more quietly, without any requirement for exhaust hose, or a remote mounted silencer. Although our F 416 Ex air motor can be run without lubricating oil, F 460 Ex eliminates any concerns regarding oil contamination. Additionally, this motor’s totally enclosed design is a better choice for humid environments and sanitary applications.
Firstly, the Flux F 460 Ex is a universal brushed commutator motor, that (depending on the model) converts AC or DC current into high-speed rotary motion. To begin with, the operator mounts the motor on the pump tube and tightens the connecting union nut. The motor output shaft engages with the pump tube via a replaceable quick-action coupling. When switched on, the motor transfers rotational torque to our F 400 series axial impeller pumps and F 570 series progressive cavity pumps.
The motor housing is a double-walled, cast aluminium design with earth bonding point. An integral ventilation fan draws cooling air between the inner and outer casings, subsequently cooling the windings and armature and maintaining safe temperatures. Thus, the motor is totally-enclosed within the inner casing. Importantly, this ensures that corrosive fumes do not come into contact with the motor itself, thereby extending service life.
The motor housing is coated with special corrosion resistant paint, thereby ensuring this motor is suitable for use in tough applications and fume laden environments. Furthermore, the IP 55 ingress protection rating also ensures the motor is protected from splashing liquids, high humidity and even indirect, pressurised liquid spray. However, the motor cannot be submerged.
The F 460 Ex EL variant incorporates a potentiometer, used to adjust current via a rotary speed control dial. The dial is recessed to avoid accidental damage and adjustments are directly proportional to pump rotational speed. Therefore, discharge flow rate can be controlled by the user.
Lastly, to ensure compatibility with Ex-approvals, F 460 Ex incorporates specific zone separation features that ensure any flash-fire is contained within the motor housing. Therefore, no ignition source can reach the surrounding atmosphere. Finally, the unique HT version can be deployed in ambient temperatures up to 60°C, thanks to enhanced cooling pathways.
Explore compatible ATEX-rated pump tubes
Finally, learn more about our explosion proof pump kits here