The wide range of Atos explosion proof and intrinsically safe components are designed according to international standards to extend the advantages of electrohydraulics to any application in a hazardous environment. These components are therefore particularly suited to the petrochemical industry where the risk of explosion has to be reduced to a minimum.

Atos equipment is supplied to the offshore industries through Hydrastore Ltd, their Partner in the UK. This service is offered direct to equipment manufacturers and through an extensive distributor and service network throughout the UK. Hydrastore are also one of the few companies offering prompt deliveries on flameproof hydraulic valves.

Technical Data: Flows are available up to 5000l/min, pressures up to 350 bar, specific technical tables are available on a new CD - ROM Master Catalogue.

The explosion-proof solenoids are tested and certified according to standards: CENELEC, CEI and UL-1002 standards. They are available in ON/OFF or proportional executions, the later also for long distance feedback signals.

The intrinsically safe valves for "zone 0" environments can be coupled with intrinsically safe barriers, certified according to Eex ia.

6th September 2000

To meet European machine safety directives 98/37/CE, Hydrastore is offering a wide range of Atos high performance valves equipped with new safety devices. The valves can be equipped with either a mechanical microswitch or with an inductive detector to fulfil the safety criteria imposed on machinery manufacturers.

Available in direct, piloted and cartridge versions, the safety valves benefit from a modular construction, built from standard components, configured to provide an electrical output of the spool or poppet, thus providing a valve status signal.

Hydrastore sees typical applications for the safety valves to provide a cut-off for the hydraulic pressure in response to safety interlocks or emergency stops. Examples of such applications would include blow moulding machines and presses.

Also new from Hydrastore are the LE two-stage proportional valves. The design of these valves comprises the two stage valves (points 1 and 2 in the picture) with two transducers (3 and 4). This improves reliability and accuracy and simplifies the commissioning of systems. Three sizes, including ISO/CETOP 05, 07 and 08 provide valves to control flows up to 575 lpm and pressures up to 350 bar.

With all the latest modifications, including the integral electronics (5), coils (6) and spool design (7), the valves are being used more and more in areas where high degrees of positioning and speed control are required, such as plastic injection moulding, ceramic presses and electro-hydraulic simulators.

Hydrastore backs up the Atos products with a wealth of technical knowledge and excellent support.

21st June 2000

Steve Hurst was appointed to the position of UK Sales Manager for Atos Spa., in November 1998, his appointment has brought a youthful and fresh approach to the activities of Atos in the UK market.

Steve brings to his role a unique depth of technical and commercial experience, gained in various marketing and sales roles, extending back over 12 years. Steve's considerable knowledge of OEM and distributor markets is already proving to be invaluable.

Steve's prime focus is to grow the direct sales of Atos products to major, target OEM's, whilst nurturing the close relationship that has been built up with Hydrastore, DCA and it's other Atos distributors.

He comments: "The first year was a very interesting and sometimes frustrating time, we had some difficult issues to resolve before we could really move forward with the job in hand. Over the last few months however, things have developed very nicely and the year 2000 looks like being one of considerable growth for Atos. I am also very pleased with our developing relationship with Hydrastore. I believe that by working closely together in partnership, we can ensure a stronger market penetration of the Atos product and the Atos name, at all levels"