Recommended Alloy for cast explosion proof enclosures

[philzone1234]

Hello,

Looking to make a cast aluminum explosion proof enclosure.

I sent the drawing out for a quote and called out Aluminum 356 T-6.

Can anyone recommend a good aluminum alloy to use in this application and wall thicknesses? Right now the box is 10x11x4 with a hinged cover.

Thanks,

Phil

 

[EEJaime]

The only information Appleton and other manufacturers give on their standard data sheets is "copper free aluminum". They don't indicate a specific alloy. They also use bolted covers as I imagine an explosion proof hinge is goin to be a challenge. Appleton makes these in various sizes, some quite close to your spec's. Look at:

http://www.appletonelec.com/pdf/K-15thru18,39.pdf

Maybe you don't have to cast one yourself. And they do offer hinged options.

Just a thought,
EEJaime

 

[JLSeagull]

Don't the wall thickness and bolt pattern need to be calculated to contain the explosion inside the enclosure - and with sufficient cooling over the width of the flange to avoid ignition outside the enclosure?

 

[philzone1234]

JL,

Do you know what the equation is for calculating the bolt pattern.

Is the wall thickness calculation a heat transfer equation?

Phil

 

[JLSeagull]

I have never considered designing an explosion-proof enclosure. I only buy them.

 

[EEJaime]

BTW, how is this a code question?

 

[JLSeagull]

Well now isn't that a trick question? If you mean the NEC, the National Electrical Code would be NFPA 70 not an IEEE issue although IEEE C2 is a code.
;-)

 

[JLSeagull]

See ANSI/NEMA FB 1-2007 FITTINGS, CAST METAL BOXES, AND CONDUIT, BODIES FOR CONDUIT, ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING, AND CABLE. Also, see UL 877 Standard for Circuit Breakers and CB Enclosures for use in Hazardous Locations.