Intertec has launched CubeShade, a cube-shaped sunshade for process instrumentation.
The protective casing manufacturer claims that the 165-litre-capacity product offers engineers a cost-effective method to shield equipment against solar radiation.
The cover measures 600mm x 550mm x 500mm, allowing it to accommodate a range of instrumentation, including electronic monitoring systems, explosion-proof junction boxes, and analyser installations.
Speaking about the advantages offered by CubeShade, Intertec stated: “Most process instrument sunshades on the market are relatively small, and are often targeted at single instruments or small-scale field equipment installations.
“If Intertec needs to provide solar protection for larger installations – such as two or three process transmitters – sunshades are usually created to suit the specific application by building up multiple layers of glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) in a custom mould to achieve the necessary thickness.
“This manually intensive process can increase costs significantly. And if the number of sunshades required runs into hundreds – which is common for greenfield projects – the extra costs can be high,” the manufacturer added.
CubeShade is constructed from a glass-fibre-reinforced, sheet-moulding compound (SMC), which combines chopped glass fibres, fillers, polyester resin, and a catalyst in the form of a ready-to-mould composite designed for low-cost, high-volume manufacturing.
SMC offers similar advantages to GRP, with its high resistance to ultraviolet light and corrosion. The material’s low thermal conductivity helps to prevent heat being transferred to the shaded area.
With a 5mm-thick body and 8mm-thick reinforcing ribs, CubeShade delivers rigidity and mechanical strength at a low weight, according to its designers.
The product can be mounted on a standard, two-inch pipe stand, or attached directly to walls and steel structures. CubeShade is also available in an electrically conductive, anti-static version.
