Hazardous Environments that Cause Equipment Failures
If you frequently work in hazardous environments, you already know the risks they pose to your equipment on a daily basis and how important it is to protect against mechanical corrosion—and, worse, equipment failure. It’s crucial to take precautions so your machinery stays up and running even in the most unforgiving operating conditions.
One of the best ways to prevent equipment failures is to make sure that your tools are properly sealed. If you need guidance on selecting the right sealing solution for your application, the experts at APM Hexseal are here to help.
The Causes of Equipment Failure
Hazardous environments are settings in which typical atmospheric conditions can damage a piece of equipment. Regardless of the exact location, unsealed electrical devices are much more likely to succumb in harsh conditions than other pieces of equipment.
The three main causes of equipment failure, particularly among unsealed machinery, include:
- Surface degradation. This is the most common cause of failure, usually precipitated by corrosion and mechanical wear when unsealed equipment is exposed to water or other fluids. Exposure to water will often cause iron surfaces to rust and ultimately fail.
- Obsolescence. Occasionally, the range of components typically deemed suitable for a piece of equipment can be restricted in hazardous environments. This can force equipment downtime while more appropriate parts are being redesigned or upgraded.
- Accidents. In any hazardous environment, there is always a risk of accidents, but taking preventative action such as routine maintenance checks can help to lower it.
Common Hazardous Environment Types
Hazardous environments exist both indoors and outdoors and pose varying risks depending on location. Specifically, there are three common conditions that make for a hazardous working environment:
- Extreme temperature. APM Hexseal products provide effective insulation against extreme heat and cold conditions for applications such as paving or plowing machines, construction and drilling equipment, outdoor survival gear, and laboratory equipment.
- Oil and chemicals. Our sealing solutions can protect machinery against spills and leaks from oil and other chemicals that may cause a reaction. Common applications withstanding these conditions include elevators, HVAC systems, security systems, and scientific and agricultural instruments that require sealing screws to keep out contaminants.
- Water and weather. Protecting against water damage is a challenge, but our products are designed with versatility in mind, and range from electrical panels, marine and boating equipment, outdoor construction equipment, and train steering systems.
Learn More from APM Hexseal
At APM Hexseal, we offer products specifically designed to keep your devices safe from common sources of damage—no matter what environment they operate in. From sealed switches and self-sealing hardware to sealing washers and boots, we have what you need to keep your equipment running for years to come.
To learn more about our diverse sealing solutions, download our recently published eBook, “Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out,” or Ask the Experts at APM Hexseal about a custom solution for your unique equipment.
