Alfa Laval LKHex ATEX Hygienic Centrifugal Pump

Alfa Laval LKHex ATEX hygienic centrifugal pump

The Alfa Laval LKHex is the ATEX version of the LKH hygienic centrifugal pump. It is engineered for potentially explosive environments and conforms to ATEX directive 2014/34/EU, group II, category 2G, temperature classes T3 and T4. Seven Star LLC supplies the LKHex in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat.

The ex suffix marks explosion-protected construction on an otherwise standard LKH hydraulic and hygienic design. That lets a plant that handles dairy, food, beverage or personal-care products with flammable vapours nearby, such as alcohol, keep the benefits of the LKH platform.

LKHex technical specifications

The classification above refers to the pump as described by the manufacturer. The classification of the whole installation, including the motor, remains the responsibility of the plant, so the zone and gas group must be confirmed at the quotation stage.

What changes in the LKHex compared to a standard LKH

The fluid handling stays the same: a semi-open impeller turns with the shaft, transfers energy to the liquid and builds pressure at the outlet. The low NPSHr vane form helps avoid cavitation, which matters more in hazardous areas because mechanical damage to a pump is a possible ignition source.

The balance holes cut axial thrust and improve seal circulation, and the compression coupling aligns stub shaft and motor shaft precisely, reducing vibration and noise. The front-loading seal can be changed in minutes. The one seal design fits 11 LKH models as well as all SolidC pumps, so spare policy is easier than the ATEX label suggests.

Where the LKHex fits in the LKH range

Use the LKHex when the pump location is a classified area, for example a process room with ethanol or alcohol handling. For unclassified rooms the standard LKH is simpler, and for pharma duty the UltraPure versions are available. For filtration under high inlet pressure the LKHPF is the dedicated model, and for evaporator extraction the LKH Evap. The ATEX version is not the same item as a standard LKH pump with a flameproof motor: confirm the exact marking on the nameplate.

Selecting and ordering the LKHex

• Hazardous area zone, gas or dust group and required temperature class.
• Flow and differential pressure, with the frequency.
• Fluid, temperature and cleaning programme.
• Seal configuration, including any flushed or double seal.
• Elastomer grade.
• Motor power and voltage, and the motor certification needed on site.
• Documents required for the site’s explosion protection file.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance of the LKHex

Follow the ATEX instructions supplied with the pump and the site’s own hot-work and permit rules. Check earthing and bonding, avoid dry running, and make sure suction is open before start so the pump does not heat unexpectedly. Never replace parts with items that are not approved for the classification.

Seal replacement is fast, but in a classified area use only tools and procedures permitted by the site. The product page lists videos on single, flushed and double seal changes. Keep records of inspections, as most sites need them for the explosion protection document.

Compliance and records for the LKHex

For ATEX equipment, the paperwork is part of the product. Ask for the declaration of conformity and the instructions for the exact pump and motor combination, and keep them in the site’s explosion protection file. A change of motor, seal arrangement or operating temperature may change the classification, so route any modification through the responsible engineer.

Surface temperature depends on the process fluid temperature, so a hot cleaning cycle must be reviewed against the temperature class as well as normal production. The competent person on site decides whether additional protection, such as dry-run or temperature monitoring, is required.

Sizing and electrical notes for the LKHex

The ten sizes cover a wide flow range, so the choice of size is largely a question of the duty point and the motor frame. Explosion-protected motors are often larger and heavier than standard ones, which affects the base and the space around the pump. Check that cable glands, junction boxes and any starter or variable-frequency drive also meet the classification, since a compliant pump with a non-compliant drive does not make a compliant system.

Typical applications in Oman and the GCC

The LKHex serves dairy, food, beverage and personal-care plants with classified zones, for example where alcohol, solvents or flammable aerosols are present. Gulf plants also face high ambient temperature, which has to be compared with the temperature class T3 or T4 when specifying the installation.

LKHex against its siblings

Information to send with an RFQ for the LKHex

• Part name LKHex.
• Zone, gas group and temperature class requirements.
• Duty flow, head and frequency.
• Fluid and temperature.
• Seal, elastomer and motor options.
• Delivery location and date.

Documents and quotation

Send us the part name and your hazardous-area data, and we will confirm which manufacturer documents, such as ATEX certificates, are available.

Seven Star LLC will then prepare a quotation for supply in Oman and the GCC.