Flameproof Nipple Thermocouples Simplify Compliance

To simplify installation and compliance for customers, Okazaki (Japan) has developed the FPN (flameproof nipple) range of thermocouples and RTD sensors. These units, which are pressure tested to 1,000psi, can be fitted to other manufacturers’ temperature transmitters, while still maintaining the spring loading feature and an IP66/67 rating, without requiring any compression glands to be fitted that would restrict movement of the sensor. The FPN range carries Exde IIC T6 certification.

When terminating mineral-insulated (MI) thermocouples and RTD sensors into suitably certified Exd or Exe enclosures, engineers also need to ensure that the terminal glands carry the appropriate certification. The glands themselves need to be approved for use with sensors rather than just for cables. This is because, unlike cables, a temperature sensor is not terminated at each end and so can have different fault conditions. Okazaki offers a comprehensive range of thermocouples and RTDs that are certified as combined units with their own range of termination glands, giving an overall certification of Exde IIC T6. This greatly simplifies the whole compliance process for customers.