Bodine Electric’s AC and BLDC Gearmotors are Ready for Explosive Environments

Bodine Electric’s new Explosion-Proof AC and brushless DC (BLDC) gearmotors can be used in hazardous locations such as oil & gas refineries. 230 VAC or 460 VAC inverter-duty, 3-phase windings are available for the AC models, and the BLDC models offer low voltage (12 VDC or 24 VDC) winding options.

 

Bodine Electric: Company Overview

Bodine Electric was founded in 1905 and has continued to developed numerous products and solutions, such as BLDC gearmotors, inverter-duty gearmotors, planetary gearmotors, and solar-powered motion control for the energy industry.

The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, and the assembly and manufacturing operations are located in Iowa. Bodine’s quality management systems have received the ISO 9001 certification. Their products are sold through a distributor network or directly to the OEM.

 

AC and BLDC Gearmotors for Hazardous Locations 

These AC and BLDC gearmotors from Bodine meet National Electrical Code (NEC) Class I, Division 1 requirements. These gearmotors can be used in environments where group C and D flammable liquids, or where explosive concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are likely to be found.

 

The new Explosion-Proof AC and brushless DC (BLDC) gearmotors. Image used courtesy of Bodine Electric

 

These new gearmotors also meet UL temperature codes T3C and T4A, and IP-66. They are equipped with Bodine’s type 34R6 (AC) or 34B6 (BLDC) motors and type FX gearhead, designed to withstand water jets from any direction.

The initial launch features 40 standard models available with gear ratio ranges from 5:1 to 300:1, speeds from 5.3 to 560 rpm, rated torque from 46 lb-in (5 Nm) to 350 lb-in (40 Nm), and two NEMA C face mounting options.

 

Using the Gearmotors in the Field 

Engineers can use Bodine’s new Class I / Division 1 gearmotors in petroleum refineries, fuel servicing areas, gas pipelines aircraft hangars, industrial coating, mixing facilities, and chemical processing plants.

 

The 22B-3RD Series BLDC Right Angle Gearmotor. Image used courtesy of Bodine Electric

 

The low-voltage BLDC gearmotors fit for off-grid and mobile applications in industrial or hazardous environments. These motors were developed for solar power and battery use. They can be integrated into agricultural equipment, portable medical devices, warehouse automation robots, or chemical injection pumps for the gas or oil industry.

The inverter-duty gearmotors with AC three-phase motor windings offer higher output torques in the same size package than the AC single-phase ones. The integrated winding insulation system can protect these motors from potential corona damage voltage spikes. 

Brush replacement or maintenance is not required. They can also be used in factory automation, conveyor systems, food processing, pumps, lifts, or packaging equipment. 

According to Bodine, the new gearmotors and the 0931 base mount kit can be purchased via the company’s website or through their distributor network. OEMs can choose modification options, including special driveshafts, custom windings, or application-specific mounting options.