VarTech VT500ESW purged workstation computer system

VarTech’s VT500ESW is a rugged, purged workstation computer system, with integrated LCD, built for areas classified as Class 1/Division 2 hazardous areas. The purge system uses an automatic pressure switch to automatically trigger alarms in case of pressure loss. These hazardous area computers will not cause conditions that may result in an unstable environment.

The VT500ESW is fully enclosed in a NEMA 4X stainless steel housing. It is equipped with a 1.73 GHz Intel Pentium Core Duo processor, 2 GB of system memory and a 160 GB hard disk. It has a 15″ XGA resolution LCD with a brightness level of 350 nits. It comes complete with integrated graphics accelerator, Intel Gigabit PCI Express LAN chip, a mini-PCI expansion slot and a DVD drive.

The VT500ESW uses a Type Z purge system which operates by forcing air or an inert gas through the enclosure until all of the hazardous gas is removed. After purging, constant pressure is maintained within the enclosure and equipment inside the enclosure can be energised. The system performs four air exchanges and maintains a safe pressure.

The VT500ESW has an anodised aluminium heat sink allowing for a wide operational temperature range of -20 to 55°C. It is protected from shock and vibration, corrosion and water. The purge system can be mounted on top, bottom, left or right of the workstation. It also has a silicone rubber keyboard and pointing device. The computer and its predecessors are currently in use in coal mines, oil rigs, chemical manufacturing plants and production floors.