High-Quality Explosion Proof Motors Factory & Companies

Global Hazardous Area Drive Systems, ATEX/IECEx Engineering, & Smart Electric Motor Solutions

ABOUT SHANXI NANFANG MOTOR

Shaanxi Nanfang Motor Technology Co., Ltd stands as the authoritative premier distributor of Wolong (Wolong Electric Drive Group Co., Ltd.), which was founded in 1984 and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2002 (code SH600580). Over nearly four decades of rapid industrial evolution, Wolong has built a world-class manufacturing network comprising 3 manufacturing bases, 39 advanced factories, and 3 high-tech R&D centers globally.

Wolong remains permanently focused on the manufacture of electric motors, control systems, and high-efficiency drives. By committing to a global brand strategy, Wolong has solidified its status as an international pioneer in research and development, process engineering, customized manufacturing, and client relations across five continents.

100+
Production Lines
58+
Countries
32+
Patents
200+
Projects
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CAPABILITIES
Factory R&D and Manufacturing Base

OUR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

End-to-end drive solutions tailored for complex energy, refining, marine, and mining enterprises.

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ATEX/IECEx/EAC Certified

Full regulatory compliance across global markets. We supply diverse explosion-proof certified motors conforming to standard EN/IEC 60079 series guidelines, enabling seamless deployment in dangerous Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22.

High Efficiency & Energy Saving

Engineered to exceed modern environmental requirements, our portfolio features IE3, IE4, and state-of-the-art IE5 ultra-premium efficiency models, including high-power permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM).

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Diversified Product Lines

Extensive catalog covering low-voltage, medium-voltage, and high-voltage three-phase asynchronous motors. Custom mountings, special shafts, and extreme ambient temperature modifications are readily available.

Precision Motor Stator Processing

CHINESE MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGES

Leveraging China's comprehensive industrial supply chain, Shaanxi Nanfang Motor delivers elite-tier explosion-proof motors with unique competitive strengths:

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R&D and Technical Advantages

Wolong operates specialized motor and drive control R&D centers in China, Europe, and Japan. Our Central Research Institute in Shanghai works on advanced thermal dynamics and fluid structural mechanics simulations, keeping our products at the forefront of international standards.

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Renowned Global Brand Integration

By blending local manufacturing capabilities with prestigious global brands—such as Brook Crompton, Morley, Laurence Scott, Schorch, ATB, and OLI—we provide high-end, reliable equipment optimized for major projects in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.

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Explosion-Proof Products Advantage

Our motors are designed for high structural resilience, thermal isolation, and reliability. They have passed explosion-proof testing from recognized national and international bodies, holding valid ATEX, IECEx, CU-TR (EAC), and DNV certifications.

OUR CERTIFICATION PORTFOLIO

Verified compliance for secure installation in highly volatile zones across global territories.

Wolong implements a comprehensive quality assurance policy throughout the entire manufacturing process, securing key international approvals:

  • ISO 9001 Standards: Our facilities operate under strict ISO 9001 guidelines to maintain consistency across all explosion-proof products.
  • NEMA Standards: We verify mechanical and electrical performance through comprehensive tests, including starting current, torque, and insulation resistance tests. For low-voltage lines, we offer UL and CSA certified configurations.
  • IECEx and ATEX: Standard certifications for hazardous areas, enabling deployment in European and global chemical, petroleum, and dust-prone industrial plants.
  • TESTSAFE (Australia): Testsafe certification allows us to supply high-spec coal mining motors directly to Australia and other major mining hubs, reinforcing Wolong's international presence.

ENGINEERING DETAILS & DESIGN

Inside the structural components of Wolong's heavy-duty explosion-proof motors.

Precision Engine Rotor Systems

Our rotors feature a robust squirrel cage design, using centrifugal casting or high-pressure die-casting processes to integrate the rotor bars and end rings into a unified structure. This method delivers stable torque properties and structural reliability under sudden load changes.

For larger capacity motors, we use copper bar rotors with secure bar locking and end ring welding. High-speed motors are further protected by retention rings to ensure stable operation at higher speeds.

Explosion-Proof Motor Rotor Design
VPI Insulated Stator Coil Processing

Class H VPI Insulated Stator Assemblies

The stator coils are wrapped with high-mica polyester film and glass cloth, then treated with a Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) process to create a durable, moisture-resistant insulation barrier.

This process eliminates air pockets within the slots, improving thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and electrical performance in environments with high humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Frame

Our motor frames are designed using multi-physics simulations for structural and fluid dynamics. Made of high-tensile cast iron (or fabricated steel for custom designs), the frames feature robust structural redundancy and optimized cooling fins.

The design minimizes vibration levels, isolates resonant frequencies, and supports heat dissipation to maintain low temperature rises during continuous S1 duty cycles.

Heavy Cast Iron Motor Frame
Low Noise Fan Hood Assembly

Low Noise Fan & Hood Systems

The fan cover system includes an integrated air guide, protective mesh, and sound-absorbing plates to reduce operational noise. Its side air inlets bypass obstacles at the rear of the motor, improving airflow efficiency.

Fitted with non-sparking fans, these systems comply with IP22 standards to prevent physical contact with moving parts while maximizing cooling airflow.

HISTORY OF GLOBAL BRAND ACQUISITIONS

How Wolong brought together leading heritage brands to build a unified global manufacturing footprint.

Wolong's growth includes strategic acquisitions of established European and American motor manufacturers, integrating their technical expertise and brands into our global network:

ATB Group Acquisition (2011): Wolong acquired 97.94% of Austria's ATB Group, which includes Morley and Laurence Scott. Morley is known for manufacturing rugged underground coal mining motors, while Laurence Scott has a long history of supplying custom low-starting-current generators and motors for marine vessels and nuclear power facilities.

Brook Crompton Motors: Joining the Wolong Group brought Brook Crompton's century-long experience in efficient motor design. Brook Crompton is recognized for developing the premium "W" and "10" series motors, built for reliable operation in hazardous and harsh industrial environments.

Schorch Electric Motor (2011): Established in 1882, Schorch specializes in heavy-duty drive systems for petrochemicals, oil and gas, power generation, and water management installations globally.

OLI & MVE Vibration Motors: Since partnering in 1999, Wolong and OLI have grown to hold a major share of the global vibration motor and Ex vibration sensor markets, supporting material handling and screening processes worldwide.

Nanyang Explosion-Proof Group (CNE) (2015): Bringing China's largest explosion-proof research and manufacturing base into the Wolong family extended our capabilities in high-voltage flameproof and positive-pressure motors.

General Electric (GE) Industrial Motors (2018): Wolong acquired GE's commercial and industrial motor division, integrating GE's design expertise in heavy duty API-compliant motors for oil, gas, and power applications.

INDUSTRY TRENDS & LOCALIZED SOLUTIONS

Key trends driving the future of hazardous area electric motors and drive systems.

Transition to IE5 Ultra-Efficiency

Industrial operations are increasingly adopting higher efficiency standards to meet carbon reduction goals. Modern motors, like our YBX5 series, utilize optimized rotor geometries to meet IE5 parameters, helping operators reduce energy losses by up to 20% compared to standard IE3 equipment.

VFD Optimization in Volatile Zones

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are widely used to match process flow demands. Modern explosion-proof motors are designed to withstand high voltage spikes (dV/dt) from VFD switching, using insulated bearings (such as hybrid ceramic designs) to prevent electrical pitting and failure.

Smart Monitoring and IoT Integration

Predictive maintenance is replacing reactive servicing. By integrating Ex-certified vibration sensors, RTD winding probes, and temperature transmitters directly into the motor frame, operators can monitor machinery health in real-time, preventing unplanned downtime in offshore or remote oil fields.

Global Sourcing & Procurement Guidelines

Procuring explosion-proof machinery for international projects requires checking key parameters to ensure safety and compliance:

1. Match Environmental Classifications

Confirm whether your application requires Zone 1 (Ex d flameproof) or Zone 2 (Ex ec increased safety) motors, and verify the correct Temperature Class (T3, T4, T5, or T6) to prevent auto-ignition of ambient gases.

2. Verify Local Regulatory Certifications

Ensure the manufacturer holds certifications recognized by the local jurisdiction (ATEX for Europe, IECEx for global markets, UL/CSA for North America, and CCC Ex for mainland China).

3. Insulation and VFD Suitability

When using VFD speed regulation, specify motors equipped with thermal detectors (PT100) and insulated non-drive end bearings to protect against shaft currents.

4. IP Ratings and Marine Protections

For offshore and coastal marine applications, verify IP56 or IP66 enclosures, anti-condensation space heaters, and corrosion-resistant marine epoxy paint systems.

APPLICATIONS IN HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Where reliability and explosion protection are critical for daily industrial operations.

Wolong's explosion-proof and industrial motors are integrated into key equipment across diverse processing sectors:

  • Oil & Gas: Powers upstream drilling operations, midstream pipeline pumps, and downstream refinery compressors handling flammable gases.
  • Petrochemicals: Drives chemical mixers, reactors, and cooling tower fans in volatile chemical processing environments.
  • Mining: Heavy-duty flameproof motors run coal face conveyors, ventilation fans, and rock crushers in underground mines.
  • Marine & Shipbuilding: Custom YQ series motors with DNV certification operate deck winches, thrusters, and ballast pumps in offshore environments.
  • Industrial Automation & Material Handling: Vibration motors support bulk material flow in silos, feeders, and screeners across chemical and food processing plants.
Explosion Proof Motor Installation Site
Machinery Production Line Heavy Industry Motor Testing Casting Mold Production Coiling and Stator Winding

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Expert answers on specifying, installing, and maintaining explosion-proof motors.

What is the difference between Flameproof (Ex d) and Increased Safety (Ex e) motors?

Flameproof (Ex d): Designed with an enclosure robust enough to withstand internal gas explosions without propagating the flame to the surrounding volatile atmosphere. Joints and clearances are engineered to cool escaping combustion gases before they exit the enclosure.

Increased Safety (Ex e / Ex ec): Focuses on preventing sparks, arcs, and excessive temperatures from occurring inside the motor during normal operation. It does not contain an internal explosion but uses high-integrity insulation, specialized terminal boxes, and strict temperature limits to prevent ignition sources from forming.

How does a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) affect an explosion-proof motor's temperature rating?

Operating a motor at lower speeds reduces its self-cooling fan efficiency, which can increase the internal operating temperature. When using VFDs in hazardous areas, you must verify that the motor has passed "Inverter Duty" testing.

This includes ensuring that winding RTDs or PTC thermistors are connected to a certified trip system to keep the motor's surface temperature within its designated Ex class limit (e.g., T4).

What causes shaft currents in high-voltage motors and how are they prevented?

Shaft currents are caused by magnetic imbalances or high-frequency voltage fluctuations from VFD operations. These currents can flow through the bearings to the stator frame, causing electrical pitting and premature bearing failure.

To prevent this, we install insulated bearings (typically ceramic or hybrid) at the non-drive end, along with shaft grounding brushes to ground currents before they reach the bearings.

Which standards apply to explosion-proof motors in the US versus Europe?

In the United States, motors are specified under the NEMA system following the National Electrical Code (NEC) Class/Division system (e.g., Class I, Division 1 or Division 2 for gases).

In Europe, the ATEX directive and IECEx standards are used. These classify hazardous areas into Zones (Zone 1, Zone 2 for gases; Zone 21, Zone 22 for dusts) and require CE and Ex markings based on European EN standards.