Saft, leader in the design, development and manufacture of high‐technology batteries for industry, has extended its Friwo brand range of intrinsically safe cells developed for use in potentially explosive atmospheres with the launch of its new C‐size M52Ex cell. The M52Ex cell is ideally suited for applications requiring safe, reliable high‐power performance such as smart gas meters with built‐in GPRS communications as well as a wide variety of other uses including gas tank level monitoring, leak detection and general usage in petrochemical and mining facilities.

The launch of the new M52Ex lithium manganese dioxide (Li‐MnO2) C‐size cell follows the success of Saft’s Friwo M20Ex D‐size cell, introduced in 2010. In addition to offering a unique, world‐leading level of high performance for intrinsically safe cells, the two cells are currently the world’s only high power lithium cells to be rated T4 at +70°C.

In common with the Friwo M20Ex, the M52Ex cell has been designed in compliance with the IEC 60079‐11 standard (Explosive atmospheres – Part 11: Equipment protection by intrinsic safety “I”). The new C‐size cell provides a nominal capacity of 5.1 Ah (at +20°C, under a 200 mA discharge) and a pulse capability up to 4 A. It also offers the benefits of a very low self‐discharge rate – less than 1% per year of storage at +20°C ‐ and the capability to operate over a wide temperature range (‐40°C to +70°C).

The Friwo M52Ex cell is based on a spiral electrode construction for high pulse applications and has an industrial design housed in a stainless steel container, with glass to metal seal, laser welding and safety vent for long shelf life. It ensures a high level of resistance to corrosion and safety under abusive conditions.