Finish Thompson Launches SX Series Explosion-Proof Electric Motor

Finish Thompson Inc., an international leader in the corrosive chemical transfer industry, has announced the launch of its SX Series explosion-proof electric motor for drum and barrel pump applications, expanding its portfolio of equipment designed for hazardous fluid handling. The SX Series has been developed for global use and is positioned as an economical, electrically powered explosion-proof and flame-proof motor. 

The new SX Series explosion-proof motor is designed specifically for compatibility with the EFS Series drum pump/container pumps and addresses operational requirements where safety, reliability, and compliance are critical. According to the company, the SX Series reflects a step forward in providing a compact and lightweight solution while maintaining the performance standards required for hazardous locations and the transfer of flammable and combustible fluids.

Engineered to support demanding industrial environments, the SX Series is built around a two-speed motor configuration that allows operators to balance speed and control across different applications. At full speed, the motor delivers up to 17 gallons per minute (64.4 lpm), while the low-speed setting provides 7 gallons per minute (26.5 lpm) for non-flammable fluids and up to 4 gallons per minute (15.1 lpm) for flammable or combustible liquids. This configuration allows a full 55-gallon drum (≈200 liters) to be emptied in just over three minutes, while also enabling slower, more controlled filling of smaller containers to reduce splashing. 

Despite weighing only 6.6 pounds, the SX Series explosion-proof motor is designed for continuous use and can empty multiple containers consecutively without overheating or experiencing performance degradation. Safety considerations are addressed through a built-in grounding lug, which allows the motor, pump tube, and container to be bonded and grounded together to dissipate potential static electricity accumulation.

The SX Series is offered in three versions to support worldwide operation and varying environmental conditions. The S1X model operates at 115 volts and is explosion-proof and flame-proof, with QPS certification for Class 1, Division 1, Group D environments and a T3 temperature rating, supporting ambient temperatures from -4°F to 104°F. 

The 230-volt S2X model is certified to CE, ATEX, and ICEx standards for II 2G Ex db IIB T5 Gb environments, also covering temperatures from -4°F to 104°F. For applications requiring higher temperature tolerance, the S3X-HT model extends operational capability up to 140°F while maintaining the same core certifications. All SX Series motors are equipped with a 12-foot cord, allowing greater flexibility during installation and easier access to power sources in industrial settings.