HMi Elements, a Malton-based manufacturer specialising in advanced technology for hazardous environments, has launched a revolutionary human-machine interface (HMI) display unit for the global oil and gas sector. The new product, named the 490-Z1, is the first modular display of its kind designed for hazardous Zone 1 environments and offers significant cost savings for businesses in the industry.
The 490-Z1, which has been over two years in development, meets the strict ATEX, IECEx, and AEX certification standards, making it fully certified for use in dangerous zones. The unit is fully modular and maintainable in the field, allowing companies to minimise downtime and reduce shipping costs by performing maintenance on-site, rather than having to send units back to the manufacturer.
The process of developing a modular system while adhering to the stringent safety standards required significant investment from HMi Elements. One of the key components that helped achieve this goal is the SA1929, a hand-crafted cable loom that connects the rear of the 490-Z1 to its front. The cable is designed to carry various voltages, signals, and high-speed video data, without allowing any interference or “cross talk.” It also meets the demanding Hazloc regulations and features full dual redundancy, which is critical for its safety certification.
Given the relatively small production volume, each cable loom is meticulously built by hand, with the assembly process taking over four hours per unit. Skilled workers with precise soldering expertise ensure that every loom meets the highest quality standards. After construction, each cable is closely inspected by the company’s electronics inspection and test department before being approved for use.
Howard Gould, CEO of HMi Elements, expressed his pride in the product and the team behind its development. “I am incredibly proud of the team for our latest Zone 1 product, which provides even more options to our growing user base. We always strive to create the highest-quality products that make our customers’ lives easier and help them operate more safely and efficiently in hazardous environments,” he said.
The innovative modular design of the 490-Z1 offers businesses in the oil and gas industry substantial cost savings, as repairs and maintenance can be done on-site, significantly reducing downtime. This modularity also aligns with HMi Elements’ focus on sustainability, with the product expected to have a longer operational life and lower overall costs.
HMi Elements is headquartered in Malton, North Yorkshire, with research and development facilities in Leeds, and a base in Houston, Texas. The company is a leader in designing advanced technology for hazardous areas, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Their products are trusted by some of the industry’s top companies, including Baker Hughes, Cameron, Nabors, and National Oilwell Varco.
The SA1929 cable loom, though just one small component of the 490-Z1 unit, has been hailed as a key technological innovation. It not only ensures the highest standards of safety in hazardous areas but also demonstrates HMi Elements’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the oil and gas industry.
This launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to expand its presence and reputation in the global market for hazardous area technology.