While the basic functionality of ordinary TETRA handsets and ATEX radios is the same, the key differentiator is the actual construction or manufacturing process, Barnby explained. Additional safeguards are put in place in the ATEX process so that the radio remains ‘safe’ even under fault conditions. Should a fault occur, sparking cannot start a fire.

The company is also keen to stress the point that the STP8X inherits a host of unique features from its flagship STP8000 handportable range, including missed event notifications, a Micro-SD image viewer – ideal for looking up hazardous material data – and a display which offers crystal-clear viewing under all viewing conditions, including harsh sunlight. Other features include extended battery (who wants to have to change a battery in the middle of a flaming oil refinery?), and Sepura’s man-down application, capable of identifying when a user has become incapacitated, notifying rescue crews via TETRA and sounding a local alarm to assist rescuers in locating their colleague.

Since the launch of this radio, Sepura has won several contracts with clients in the oil and gas and mining industries in the Middle East, Russia and Asia Pacific region.

Worker protection

An early ATEX player was Cassidian, which launched its first such product, then known as the Nokia THR880i Ex handportable, back in 2007. The THR880i Ex has a two-sided design – a phone side and a radio side. It provides integrated GPS, voice feedback, colour display, an XHTML browser and Java platform, offering a wide range of voice and data services as well as positioning. Supporting smart card based end-to-end encryption, it is fully compliant with other Cassidian i-range radios. 

At the end of 2010 the company’s THR9 Ex was released. Pierre Lopez, head of terminal and indirect channel business at Cassidian, said: “The THR9 Ex combines high performance and security in mission-critical voice and data communication where intrinsically safe products are needed.

“With ATEX and IEC-Ex certification for both gas and dust, the THR9 Ex offers protection against physical and environmental exposure in explosion-prone areas and can be used where flammable substances are produced, processed, transported or stored, such as oil and gas, petrochemical and steel industries as well as rigs, airports and harbours, and it also meets the needs of fire brigades for Ex equipment when working in hazardous scenarios.”

The handset’s Lifeguard feature is an advanced solution for man-down functionality, recognizing if the radio stops moving or remains horizontal for a defined period.

The THR9 Ex features a large and bright colour display, providing valuable information for users on changing situations in the field. For example, a red signal bar warns the user if the 2000 mAh battery is running low or network coverage is diminishing. The radio has a dedicated fast menu key for the quick selection of the most common tasks, such as switching to direct mode.

Lopez said that end users of the IS device still expect a high level of functionality from their handsets alongside the ATEX protection, which is why Cassidian “always integrates ATEX into its most advanced radio platform”. This ensures Cassidian’s ATEX devices have virtually the same full feature set as their standard TETRA radios, including large emergency key, man-down alarm, vibrating alert, GPS, dual PTT, voice feedback, Java applications, and others.

But you can’t tell a book by its cover and although, from the visible hardware point of view, the THR9 Ex looks similar to the THR9i, with the largest display existing on the market, its internal design is very specific, with the ATEX manufacturing process following stringent rules under the strict supervision of an independent ‘Notified Body’. Lopez said: “Generally the electronic board is compounded to avoid any spark or overheating in contact with gas. Component reliability and traceability at each level of the manufacturing process is key to ensure the high quality of such safety devices.”

He added that Cassidian’s ATEX TETRA radios are in use in around 30 countries around the world with various types of customers, including production, distribution and transportation of oil and gas; chemical industries, airports as well as fire services.

One of these very challenging working environments is the world’s longest oil pipeline system in Russia, covering thousands of kilometres over Eastern Europe and Asia. Here Cassidian ATEX radios are in use under extreme conditions, functioning even during harsh Siberian winters.

Lately commended

Motorola’s ATEX handportable, the ultra-rugged MTP850Ex radio, very recently gained distinction in the 2012 International TETRA Awards, being highly commended by the panel of judges in the Best TETRA Product for Enterprise category. 

Launched in 2010, the MTP850Ex ATEX radio also benefits from enhanced environmental protection to IP65 certification for resistance to environments containing dust or pressurised water, such as water jets and heavy seas. 
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