Why aluminium starter motors struggle to obtain ATEX approval
Aluminium starter motors often struggle to obtain ATEX approval. But why are they not considered safe for use in hazardous environments? The reason is aluminium is one of the primary fuels for creating a thermite reaction. It’s a chemical process that gives off so much heat it is used to weld railway tracks. When aluminium is mixed with an oxidiser such as iron(III) oxide (known to you and me as rust) and is ignited (by heat or a spark) the reaction produces a molten metal at about 3000°c! Additionally, if water is used to try and extinguish the reaction, explosive hydrogen gas can be produced. Rust is a common factor in industrial areas, so introducing aluminium to a hazardous…
Read more…