Aug/Sept 2007

The Raven range of truckmount/tablet mobile PCs from Belgravium subsidiary TouchStar is now available in an ATEX-approved version suitable for chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and similar industries.

ATEX approval (the term is derived from the French phrase atmosph�res explosibles) requires the device to be able to operate in areas containing flammable substances, as well as less obvious places such as those where there are large amounts of dust or even flour suspended in the air.

The Raven mobile computer has been ATEX-certified for use in Zone 2 conditions (CE Ex II3G EEx nL IIC T4X ). In addition, the product's accessories are said to meet the latest associated apparatus certifications.

The company explains that TouchStar designed the Raven to eliminate arcing and static electricity. TouchStar handheld computers are already in regular use around re-fuelling stations, airport aprons, in factories and often in enclosed spaces, each of which represents a specific explosive risk.

 

The TouchPC Raven is designed to be predominantly vehicle-mounted, but a quick-release mechanism allows the user to detach it from the vehicle and switch quickly to portable operation.