Engineered for critical industrial equipment operated under extreme atmospheric environments. Select your industry-certified drive solution below.
Understanding structural safety mechanisms, variable speed operation, and international compliance barriers in explosive atmospheres.
Industrial explosion-proof (Ex) motors serve as the foundational mechanical drivers inside hazardous zones containing explosive gases, dust, or vapors. Unlike standard AC motors, an Ex motor must contain internal flame fronts during electric failures, prevent sparks, and avoid heat generation that matches the ignition energy of ambient chemicals. Modern petrochemical, mining, offshore drilling, and maritime manufacturing systems operate under complex process automation. The structural reliability of heavy-duty flameproof drives constitutes the primary safety defense line protecting personnel and millions of dollars in industrial assets.
As a leading authorized global distributor, Shaanxi Nanfang Motor Technology Co., Ltd. coordinates with Wolong Electric Drive Group Co., Ltd. to manufacture and supply high-integrity OEM motor projects. Wolong's globalized structural configuration merges historic European precision engineering with scale-efficient Chinese factories, establishing high standards for high-voltage and low-voltage custom motor systems.
Designed to withstand internal explosive pressures without transmission of flame to the outer environment. Standard envelope for Zone 1 applications in petrochemical facilities and coal mines.
Maintains a protective inert gas or clean air overpressure inside the motor enclosure, effectively preventing ambient explosive mixtures from contacting energized parts.
Applies mechanical and electrical enhancements to prevent the generation of arcs, sparks, or dangerous hot spots under standard or defined overload operations.
Shaanxi Nanfang Motor Technology Co., Ltd. is the authorized international supplier of Wolong, a global motor pioneer founded in 1984 and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2002 (code SH600580). Over three decades of growth has transformed Wolong into a global force in motor manufacturing and drive control technologies.
Operating through 3 major global manufacturing bases, 39 modern factories, and 3 global R&D centers, Wolong delivers a comprehensive global brand strategy. The brand operates research centers in Europe (Austria and Germany), China, and Japan, bridging global innovation with local production capabilities.
Production Lines
Exporting Countries
Core Patents
Mega Projects Completed
Combining high-end engineering legacies from European and American pioneers to deliver advanced hazardous-area motor technology.
To establish a leading position in industrial AC motors and variable speed drive control, Wolong executed strategic international acquisitions, integrating historic European and North American industrial brands into its core technology portfolio:
Acquired in 2011, ATB stands as one of Europe's top three motor manufacturers. Within ATB, Morley Motors brings nearly 130 years of underground coal mining machinery experience, renowned for rugged mechanical design. Laurence Scott provides low-starting-current electrical designs for naval vessels and nuclear auxiliary cooling loops, boasting three consecutive Queen's Awards.
Over a century of design expertise. Brook Crompton is recognized for premium high-efficiency motors, notably the "W" and "10" series, engineered for aggressive chemical plants and marine vessel propulsion.
Acquired in 2011, Schorch (established 1882) is a standard-setter for customized heavy-duty drive systems. Schorch motors power gas pipeline compressors, seawater desalination, and high-capacity steel processing lines globally.
A leader in vibration motor engineering. Initiating strategic cooperation in 1999, OLI provides high-frequency vibration sensors and motors for concrete compaction and chemical dry bulk flow handling.
In 2015, China's largest explosion-proof research institute, Nanyang Explosion Protection Group, merged into Wolong. In 2018, Wolong acquired GE's Commercial & Industrial Division, inheriting GE's design expertise for oil, gas, power generation, and heavy process manufacturing.
Verified compliance certifications enabling seamless integration into regulated worldwide hazardous industries.
DNV Marine Approval
ATEX Ex d Certificate
IECEx Certificate
ISO 9001 Audited
CSA (North America)
Every Ex motor undergoes stringent diagnostic evaluations prior to shipment. Tests are performed on state-of-the-art testing stands capable of measuring high-voltage configurations up to 13.8kV. The qualification program includes:
| Test Type | Standard Applied | Technical Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Flameproof Joint Integrity | IEC 60079-1 / ATEX Ex d | Dimension checks on joint gap width and surface finish roughness to contain potential explosions. |
| NEMA Mechanical Parameters | IEEE 112 / UL / CSA | Insulation resistance tests, starting currents, torque profiles, dynamic vibration levels under load. |
| Australian Mine Compliance | TESTSAFE Standard | Specialized testing for high-voltage coal mining drive designs (e.g., Morley brand integration). |
| Marine Duty Certification | DNV / ABS / Lloyd's Register | Verifies resistance to heavy salt mist spray, high humidity, and structural inclination of motor frames. |
A detailed look at the structural materials and physics-driven design that guarantees reliable performance in high-risk zones.
The rotor configuration utilizes a squirrel-cage geometry. For standard ratings, cast aluminum designs are fabricated via centrifugal casting or advanced high-pressure die-casting. This creates a monolithic assembly, integrating rotor bars and end rings to eliminate loose contact joints. The result is a balanced mechanical assembly with linear starting torque capabilities.
For high-capacity, high-voltage motors, heavy-gauge copper rotor bars are mechanically locked into slots and secured to copper end rings through robotic induction brazing. High-speed models are outfitted with robust alloy retaining rings to mitigate centrifugal deformation during overspeed operation.
Stator coils are wrapped with premium polyester film and glass-reinforced, high-content mica tapes. Once standard slot-winding is completed, the entire stator core undergoes the VPI (Vacuum Pressure Impregnation) process, forcing solventless epoxy resins deep into the insulation layers. This creates a solid void-free system that protects against moisture ingress, chemical corrosion, and mechanical vibration. The Class F/H insulation system maintains structural integrity during thermal excursions in harsh locations.
Using digital 3D multi-physics and finite element analysis (FEA), the motor frames are engineered with thick ribs to optimize heat dissipation. Fabricated from high-tensile cast iron or heavy welded structural steel plates, the frames offer high structural rigidity. They withstand severe external impacts and contain internal flame fronts, keeping motor vibration levels well below ISO 10816 standards.
The cooling fan hood system integrates a housing, inner air guide, protective screen, and acoustic lining. The optimized design reduces windage losses and noise levels. The IP22-rated side-oriented air intake prevents debris accumulation behind the motor, optimizing airflow. High-absorption soundproofing liners help suppress aerodynamic noise, ensuring compliance with global occupational safety limits.
How Shaanxi Nanfang Motor and Wolong optimize operations to deliver lead times and cost-efficiencies for heavy industry.
Wolong utilizes long-term supply agreements for critical raw materials. Our manufacturing bases feature in-house copper wire drawing mills, automated electrical steel laminating machinery, and iron casting foundries. This vertical integration reduces pricing volatility for copper and silicon steel, allowing us to offer competitive pricing on large OEM custom motor projects.
Operating distribution hubs in Asia and Europe, Shaanxi Nanfang Motor coordinates ocean, rail, and air freight logistics. Standardized frame designs (NEMA and IEC) are maintained in stock for rapid customization. For complex high-voltage custom drives, our streamlined engineering-to-order (ETO) workflow cuts standard manufacturing lead times by 20% to 30% compared to typical European suppliers.
Bridging the gap between domestic production efficiency and on-site engineering requirements.
Our engineering teams design customized mechanical shaft layouts, terminal box configurations, and customized mounting bases to retro-fit existing installations, avoiding the need for expensive piping and structural modifications.
We provide compliance audits for motor installations in explosive areas, certifying that all cabling, grounding, temperature limiters, and safety barriers comply with regional guidelines (such as NEC 500, IEC 60079).
Through Wolong's international service network, we supply certified replacement parts, provide startup commissioning support, and offer rapid-response field services in more than 50 countries.
Wolong drive solutions operate under continuous, demanding duties in key global processing sectors.
Powers process pumps, pipeline compressors, and cooling towers inside refineries and offshore platforms where flammable gases are present.
Heavy-duty flameproof motors (like the Morley series) drive face conveyors, winches, and ventilation fans exposed to methane gas and coal dust.
DNV-approved motors drive propulsion units, bow thrusters, bilge pumps, and cargo handling machinery in corrosive marine environments.
Supplies critical low-starting-current auxiliary motors for cooling systems, boiler feed pumps, and safety systems in nuclear and thermal power plants.
Decarbonization and digital technologies are transforming industrial hazardous-area drivetrains.
Implementing permanent magnet synchronous technology (such as the TBVF series) minimizes electrical losses. Upgrading to IE4/IE5 efficiency can reduce operating costs and lower carbon emissions in continuous-duty applications.
Integrating Ex-certified temperature, vibration, and current sensors allows for cloud-based predictive maintenance. Operators can monitor drive conditions and schedule service before a failure occurs.
Using variable speed drives in combination with motors like the YBBP series allows system output to match varying demand, resulting in significant energy savings for centrifugal pumps and fans.
Technical answers to key selection, application, and compliance questions about explosion-proof motors.
ATEX is a mandatory European Union directive governing equipment used in explosive atmospheres. IECEx is an international certification scheme aimed at harmonizing safety standards worldwide. While they share test methods, ATEX is a legal requirement in Europe, while IECEx offers a pathway to global compliance.
Yes, provided the motor is specifically certified for VFD operation (e.g. YBBP or WEBP3 series). The motor must include thermal sensors (such as PT100 or PTC thermistors) connected to the VFD to prevent excessive temperatures under low-speed, high-torque operating conditions.
Ex d (flameproof) enclosures contain any internal ignition, preventing sparks or flame from escaping the motor. Ex e (increased safety) designs focus on preventing internal spark generation, electrical arcs, and hot spots through enhanced mechanical and insulation standards.
We supply NEMA standard motors in frame sizes ranging from 143T up to 449T, as well as customized high-voltage frames built to custom specifications. These units are built to meet or exceed NEMA MG1 electrical performance requirements.
As an authorized distributor of Wolong, our facilities comply with ISO 9001 and are subject to third-party audits by organizations such as DNV, Nemko, and TestSafe. All explosion-proof motors are shipped with testing reports showing dimension verification and performance compliance data.
Depending on the certification requirements and frame complexity, custom engineered-to-order (ETO) high-voltage motors are manufactured and tested within 12 to 18 weeks. Standard low-voltage configurations are frequently available from stock.
High-efficiency, permanent magnet, non-sparking, and mining-duty drive solutions engineered for harsh operating environments.
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