ingiant technology | industry new | May 8.2025
In many industrial fields, safety and efficiency are the eternal pursuit. For those production environments involving flammable and explosive substances, the safety of equipment is of paramount importance. As a key component that can reliably transmit power and signals in dangerous environments, explosion-proof conductive slip rings are playing an indispensable role. Whether in the fields of petrochemicals, coal mining, or military equipment, explosion-proof conductive slip rings provide a solid guarantee for the stable operation of equipment.
What is an explosion-proof conductive slip ring?
Explosion-proof conductive slip rings belong to a special category of conductive slip rings and are specially designed and manufactured for use in environments with explosion risks. Compared with ordinary conductive slip rings, explosion-proof conductive slip rings have strict requirements and special considerations in design, structure and material selection.
In terms of structure, explosion-proof conductive slip rings have extremely strict designs. Their outer shells are usually made of high-strength metal materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys. These materials not only have good mechanical strength and can withstand a certain degree of external force impact, but also have excellent sealing performance, which can effectively prevent the entry of flammable and explosive gases or dust from the outside. The internal conductive parts are also carefully designed and processed to ensure that no sparks or high temperatures sufficient to cause an explosion are generated during the current transmission process.
By definition, an explosion-proof conductive slip ring is a high-safety and high-reliability device that can achieve stable transmission of power, signals and data between rotating parts and stationary parts in explosive environments such as oil platforms, coal mines, and chemical workshops, providing the necessary conditions for the normal operation of the equipment.
Technical Advantages and Specific Technical Parameters of Explosion-proof Conductive Slip Rings
Technical advantages
a. Excellent explosion-proof performance: This is the primary advantage of explosion-proof conductive slip rings. Through special explosion-proof structural design, such as flameproof, increased safety, intrinsic safety and other explosion-proof forms, the factors that may cause explosions such as electric sparks and high temperatures generated during operation are fundamentally eliminated. For example, the flameproof type explosion-proof slip ring places the components that may generate sparks or high temperatures in a shell with sufficient strength. When an explosion occurs inside, the shell can withstand the explosion pressure and prevent the explosion flame from spreading to the surrounding environment.
b. High protection level: Generally speaking, the protection level of explosion-proof conductive slip rings can reach IP65, IP66 or even higher. The high protection level enables it to effectively resist the intrusion of dust, water and other harmful substances, ensuring stable operation in harsh working environments. Whether it is in a dusty coal mining site or on a humid offshore oil platform, it can work reliably.
c. Stable signal and power transmission: Using advanced conductive materials and precise manufacturing processes, explosion-proof conductive slip rings can achieve stable transmission of current, voltage and various signals (such as analog signals, digital signals, optical fiber signals, etc.). In complex industrial environments, even in the presence of electromagnetic interference, the accuracy and integrity of the signal can be guaranteed, ensuring that all parts of the equipment can work together.
d. High temperature resistance and corrosion resistance: Considering the particularity of its application environment, explosion-proof conductive slip rings are usually made of high temperature resistant and corrosion resistant materials. In high temperature environments, such as near high temperature reactors in chemical production, the slip rings can maintain good performance and will not affect normal operation due to excessive temperature; in environments with corrosive gases or liquids, such as petrochemical facilities on the seaside, corrosion-resistant materials can effectively prevent the slip rings from being corroded and extend their service life.
Technical parameters
1. Electrical parameters
a. Rated voltage: 380VAC/DC is common, and higher voltage levels can also be customized according to actual needs to meet the power supply requirements of different equipment. For example, some large industrial equipment may require 660V or even higher voltage.
b. Rated current: The current of each circuit can start from 10A and can be expanded to 120A/circuit or higher. In actual applications, it is necessary to select explosion-proof conductive slip rings with appropriate rated current according to the power requirements of the equipment to ensure that they can stably carry the current required for the operation of the equipment.
c. Insulation resistance: It is usually required to be ≥1000MΩ@500VDC. Higher insulation resistance can effectively prevent leakage and ensure the safety of equipment and personnel.
d. Withstand voltage: The voltage between the two circuits generally needs to reach ≥1000V@50Hz. This parameter reflects the ability of the slip ring to withstand voltage and ensure normal operation in a high voltage environment.
2. Mechanical parameters
a. Number of channels: 1 - 24 channels or more can be provided according to the needs of actual application scenarios. Different equipment may need to transmit different numbers of power lines or signal lines. By flexibly selecting the number of channels, diverse needs can be met.
b. Working speed: Generally up to 300rpm, which can meet the speed requirements of most rotating equipment. For some special high-speed rotating equipment, there are also corresponding high-speed explosion-proof conductive slip rings to choose from.
c. Working temperature: The working temperature range is usually - 40℃ ~ +80℃. Some high-performance products can even work stably in a wider temperature range to meet the use requirements in different environments.
d. Protection level: As mentioned above, common protection levels include IP66, IP68, etc. The higher the protection level, the stronger the adaptability of the slip ring to the environment.
Application Scenarios and Equipment Types of Explosion-Proof Conductive Slip Rings
Petrochemical industry
a. Drilling platform equipment: On offshore oil drilling platforms, many devices need to transmit power and signals during rotation. For example, the rotation of the drill rod requires an explosion-proof conductive slip ring to provide it with stable power, and at the same time transmit various sensor signals at the drill bit back to the control center to monitor the drilling situation in real time. Since there are a large amount of flammable and explosive oil and gas around the drilling platform, the explosion-proof performance of the explosion-proof conductive slip ring is particularly critical here.
b. Chemical reactor: During the operation of the chemical reactor, the stirring device needs to rotate continuously. The explosion-proof conductive slip ring not only provides power for the stirring motor to ensure stable stirring, but also transmits sensor signals such as temperature and pressure to achieve precise control of the reaction process. There are usually flammable and explosive chemicals in the reactor. The use of explosion-proof conductive slip rings effectively avoids the risk of explosion caused by electrical failure.
Coal mining industry
c. Coal mining machine: Coal mining machines work in the harsh environment of coal mines, not only facing high dust, but also flammable and explosive gases such as gas. Explosion-proof conductive slip rings are used for rotating parts of coal mining machines, such as the rotation of the drum of the cutting part. They are responsible for transmitting electricity to drive the drum to cut coal, and at the same time transmit the monitoring signal of the equipment operation status to the control system to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the coal mining machine.
d. Ventilator: The stable operation of the underground ventilator in coal mines is crucial to remove gas and ensure the quality of underground air. During the rotation of the ventilator motor, it obtains electricity through the explosion-proof conductive slip ring to ensure the continuous operation of the fan. At the same time, the slip ring can also transmit the fan operating parameters, such as speed, vibration and other signals, so as to timely discover potential faults.
Military field
a. Rotating turrets of weapons and equipment: In the rotating turrets of military equipment such as tanks and armored vehicles, explosion-proof conductive slip rings are used to transmit electricity and signals. Electricity provides power for the rotation drive motor of the turret and the launch device of the weapon, and the signals include the signal of the aiming system and the command signal of the fire control system. On the battlefield, any electrical failure may lead to serious consequences. The high reliability and explosion-proof performance of the explosion-proof conductive slip ring provide a solid guarantee for the normal use of weapons and equipment.
b. Rotating parts of drones: Some drones used for special tasks may need to perform tasks in areas with flammable and explosive risks, such as inspections of chemical parks. Its rotating parts, such as the power transmission of propeller motors and the signal transmission of equipment such as cameras, rely on explosion-proof conductive slip rings to ensure that drones can fly stably and complete tasks in dangerous environments.
Other industries
a. Grain processing industry: In places such as flour mills and grain processing plants, the dust in the air poses an explosion risk. In the rotating equipment of these factories, such as mixers and screening machines, explosion-proof conductive slip rings are used for power and signal transmission to prevent dust explosions caused by electric sparks generated by equipment operation.
b. Spraying equipment: In scenes such as automobile spraying workshops and furniture spraying production lines, spraying equipment will produce flammable and explosive paint mist when working. Explosion-proof conductive slip rings are used for rotating parts of spraying equipment, such as the rotating mechanism of spray guns, to ensure that the equipment can achieve efficient spraying operations under the premise of safety.
How to Choose High-Quality Explosion-Proof Conductive Slip Rings?
Determine application requirements
a. Determine the explosion-proof level: Different application scenarios have different requirements for explosion-proof levels. For example, underground coal mines are high-risk areas with extremely high explosion-proof requirements; while some chemical workshops are relatively less dangerous and have different explosion-proof requirements. Before choosing an explosion-proof conductive slip ring, you must accurately determine the required explosion-proof level, such as Ex d IIC T6 Gb, based on the specific working environment.
b. Channel number requirements: Determine the required number of channels based on the number of power lines and signal lines that the equipment needs to transmit. If the equipment needs to transmit three-phase power, multiple sensor signals, and control signals, etc., you need to select a slip ring with the corresponding number of channels to ensure that it can meet the transmission requirements of all lines.
c. Electrical parameter matching: Carefully evaluate the voltage and current requirements of the equipment to ensure that the electrical parameters such as the rated voltage and rated current of the selected explosion-proof conductive slip ring can meet the operating requirements of the equipment. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider the peak current during the operation of the equipment to avoid damage to the slip ring due to overload.
Inspect product quality
a. Materials and processes: High-quality explosion-proof conductive slip rings usually use high-quality conductive materials, such as high-purity copper alloys or precious metal alloys, to reduce resistance and improve conductivity. The shell material is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant metals, and the manufacturing process pays attention to details, such as precise processing technology to ensure the accuracy of the internal structure, and advanced sealing technology to ensure good protection performance.
b. Brand and reputation: Choose suppliers with good brand reputation and rich industry experience. Well-known brands usually invest more resources in product research and development, production and manufacturing, and quality control. Their products have been tested by the market for a long time, and the quality is more guaranteed. You can understand the reputation of different brands by consulting industry information, user reviews, etc.
c. Certification and test report: Make sure that the selected explosion-proof conductive slip ring has relevant explosion-proof certification, such as an explosion-proof certificate issued by an authoritative organization. In addition, other test reports of the product, such as electrical performance test reports, protection level test reports, etc., should also be checked to verify whether the product truly meets the relevant standards and requirements.
Consider price and after-sales service
a. Reasonable price range: When choosing explosion-proof conductive slip rings, price is an important consideration, but price cannot be used as the only criterion. Too low a price may mean that there are problems with product quality, while too high a price may exceed the budget. Products with reasonable prices should be selected while ensuring product quality and performance. Products from multiple suppliers can be compared to comprehensively evaluate the cost-effectiveness.
b. Improve after-sales service: High-quality after-sales service can solve users' worries. Choose suppliers who can provide timely technical support, product repair, and replacement services. For example, when a product fails, the supplier can respond quickly and provide solutions to shorten equipment downtime and reduce the impact on production.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Explosion-proof Conductive Slip Rings
Daily maintenance points
a. Cleaning and maintenance: Clean the explosion-proof conductive slip rings regularly to remove dust, oil and other impurities on the surface. In dusty environments, compressed air can be used for blowing; for stubborn stains such as oil, special cleaning agents can be used for wiping. Keeping the surface of the slip ring clean helps improve its heat dissipation and electrical performance.
b. Check the connection parts: Regularly check the connection cables, connectors and other parts between the slip ring and the equipment to ensure that the connection is firm and there is no looseness, oxidation and other phenomena. Loose connections may increase contact resistance, affect power and signal transmission, and even cause overheating and other faults.
c. Lubrication treatment: For parts that need lubrication, such as rotating shafts, lubricate according to the specified cycle and lubricant requirements. Appropriate lubrication can reduce friction, reduce wear and extend the service life of the slip ring. Pay attention to choosing lubricants that meet explosion-proof requirements to avoid safety problems caused by lubricants.
Common faults and troubleshooting methods
a. Abnormal signal transmission: If there are problems such as signal loss and signal interference, first check whether the connecting cable is damaged or in poor contact. It can be checked by re-plugging the connector, replacing the cable, etc. If the cable is normal, it may be that the conductive contacts inside the slip ring are worn or contaminated, and the slip ring needs to be disassembled for inspection and cleaning.
b. Abnormal heating: The slip ring has abnormal heating during operation, which may be caused by current overload, excessive contact resistance or poor heat dissipation. Check whether the operating current of the equipment exceeds the rated current of the slip ring. If the current is normal, check whether the conductive contacts of the slip ring are oxidized, worn, etc., and repair or replace them if necessary. At the same time, check whether the heat dissipation device of the slip ring is working properly, such as whether the cooling fan is running and whether the heat sink is dusty.
c. Rotation jam: When the slip ring is jammed during rotation, it may be a mechanical component failure, such as bearing damage, rotation shaft deformation, etc. It is necessary to check the mechanical structure of the slip ring, replace damaged bearings, correct the rotation shaft, etc. In addition, insufficient lubrication may also cause rotation jam, and lubricant can be added in time.
Technological Innovation of Explosion-proof Conductive Slip Rings
Intelligent development
With the continuous advancement of industrial automation and intelligence, explosion-proof conductive slip rings are also developing in the direction of intelligence. In the future, explosion-proof conductive slip rings may integrate more sensors, which can monitor their own operating status in real time, such as temperature, speed, vibration and other parameters, and transmit these data to the control system. Through data analysis, early warning of slip ring failures can be achieved, maintenance can be carried out in advance, sudden equipment failures can be avoided, and production efficiency can be improved.
Miniaturization and high performance
In some application scenarios with strict requirements on equipment size and weight, such as drones, portable detection equipment, etc., explosion-proof conductive slip rings will develop in the direction of miniaturization. At the same time, on the basis of miniaturization, its performance is continuously improved, such as improving current transmission capacity, enhancing signal transmission stability, etc., to meet the dual needs of equipment miniaturization and high performance in different industries.
Application of new materials
With the continuous advancement of materials science, new materials will be more widely used in explosion-proof conductive slip rings. For example, new alloy materials with higher conductivity and strength can further reduce the resistance of the slip ring and improve its ability to carry current; new polymer materials with better sealing performance and corrosion resistance can be used in the housing and sealing components of the slip ring to improve the protection performance and service life of the slip ring.
Conclusion: Choose a Reliable Explosion-proof Conductive Slip Ring Supplier
Explosion-proof conductive slip rings play a key role in many industrial applications in dangerous environments, and the quality of their performance is directly related to the safe operation and production efficiency of the equipment. From basic concepts to core technologies, from a wide range of application scenarios to key points for purchase, to daily maintenance and industry trends, we have a more comprehensive understanding of explosion-proof conductive slip rings.
In practical applications, it is very important to choose a reliable explosion-proof conductive slip ring supplier. Reliable suppliers can not only provide products that meet quality standards and application requirements, but also provide professional technical support and perfect after-sales service throughout the life cycle of the product. When choosing a supplier, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as product quality, brand reputation, technical strength, price, and after-sales service, and make wise decisions through sufficient research and comparison.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between explosion-proof conductive slip rings and ordinary conductive slip rings?
A1: Explosion-proof conductive slip rings are specially designed for explosive environments. They have special requirements in structure, materials and manufacturing process to prevent the generation of electric sparks, high temperature and other factors that cause explosions. They have high explosion-proof performance and protection level. Ordinary conductive slip rings are mainly used in general environments and have lower requirements for explosion-proof and protection.
Q2: How to determine the explosion-proof level of the required explosion-proof conductive slip ring?
A2: Determine according to the specific application environment. Different workplaces, such as underground coal mines, petrochemical workshops, etc., have different degrees of danger and possible flammable and explosive substances, and the corresponding explosion-proof levels are also different. Generally, you can refer to relevant industry standards and specifications, or consult a professional explosion-proof certification agency.
Q3: Can explosion-proof conductive slip rings be customized?
A3: Yes. Due to differences in electrical performance, mechanical structure and application environment requirements of different equipment, customized explosion-proof conductive slip rings are required in many cases. Suppliers can carry out personalized design and manufacturing according to the specific parameters and needs provided by customers.
Q4: How long is the service life of explosion-proof conductive slip rings?
A4: Its service life is affected by many factors, such as the use environment, working frequency, maintenance and so on. Under normal use and maintenance, it can generally be used for 3-5 years or even longer. However, if it is frequently used in harsh environments and improperly maintained, the service life may be shortened.
Q5: Can the explosion-proof conductive slip ring continue to be used after it fails?
A5: Once the explosion-proof conductive slip ring is found to be faulty, it should be stopped immediately and the fault should be checked and repaired. Because continuing to use it in a faulty state may cause the fault to expand further and even cause a safety accident, it can only be put back into use after the fault is completely eliminated and confirmed to be normal after testing.
I hope this article can help you. If you have encountered problems related to explosion-proof conductive slip rings in actual applications, or want to further explore some technical points in the article, please feel free to communicate with us.
Post time: May-08-2025