In January 2013, we began a research and development project to create the successor for our tremendously successful phx21. This process was fueled by two factors:
- Innovation – 8 years of working with phx21 and hundreds of customers has taught us that there were things we could do even better.
- Expanded Safety Certifications – responding to world-wide demand requires that we expand our safety certifications. We are in the process of certifying the phx42 to 27 different standards.
In September 2015, we initiated the Intrinsic Safety Certification process with Intertek, a globally-recognized testing laboratory.
Our plan was to have the instrument ready to deliver about the same time that we sold our 1,000th phx21 (#2000). A recent major order caused an acceleration in our sales. We are grateful for the sale. But it has led to a likely interruption in our supply chain as we complete the certification process for phx42.
Following the sale of the 1000th phx21, LDARtools will not be able to deliver analyzers until the safety certification process for phx42 is completed.
As far as serving our current fleet of phx21s is concerned, absolutely nothing is changing. We will continue to provide parts and repairs well into the future based on having a 5-year plus supply of many parts in inventory.
We are asking our friends to forego any immediate purchases of analyzers UNLESS they have a new customer or a new program. If you can get through this short interruption, phx42 will be worth the wait.
We have made significant progress on the most challenging components:
- FID Housing- completed drop testing, explosion testing, flame propagation testing, hydrostatic pressure testing and a DRAFT certificate has been issued for International Electrotechnical Commision Certification Scheme for Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx) and EU directive 2013/34.
- Battery Circuit Board – evaluated per IECEx and UL standards for Intrinsic Safety.
- Main Circuit Board – evaluated per IECEx and UL standards for Intrinsic Safety; components – submitted for Spark and Thermal Ignition Assessments.
- Testing on battery cells is currently underway per IEC/EN/UL/CSA 60079-11.
- Overall design has been evaluated per IEC/EN/UL/CSA standards.
Interested in a phx42? We will be taking pre-orders, so that the earliest instruments will go to the customers who want them the most.
We will make further announcements about the certification process on May 1.
If you have any questions, let us know at sales@ldartools.com.
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