Sartorius FC34EDE-HX Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Floor Scale

Overview

The Sartorius FC34EDE-HX is a certified intrinsically safe floor scale engineered for precise, reliable mass measurement in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dusts may be present. Designed and manufactured in Germany to meet stringent international explosion protection directives, this 34 kg capacity scale operates under the fundamental principle of electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC), delivering high linearity, long-term stability, and repeatability across its full range. Its intrinsic safety design ensures that no spark or thermal effect generated during normal operation—or foreseeable fault conditions—can ignite surrounding explosive atmospheres. The FC34EDE-HX complies with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU (Category II 2G), IECEx, FM (Class I, Division 1), and CSA standards, making it suitable for installation in Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) classified areas without additional barrier systems. It is commonly deployed in chemical synthesis labs, pharmaceutical manufacturing cleanrooms, solvent-handling filling stations, and bulk powder processing lines where regulatory compliance and operational safety are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Intrinsically safe architecture certified for use in hazardous locations: ATEX II 2G EEx ib IIC T4, FM/CSA Class I, Div 1, Groups A–D, T4
• High-resolution weighing performance: 34 kg capacity with 0.1 g readability and <±0.002% linearity error (full scale)
• Dual-power flexibility: Supports universal AC input (100–240 V, 48–63 Hz), 24 V DC industrial power supply (for panel-mount 19″ cabinet integration), and rechargeable battery operation approved for Zones 1, 21, and 22
• Integrated isoTEST self-calibration system: One-touch activation initiates automatic internal calibration using factory-mounted reference weights; eliminates manual calibration drift and supports ISO/IEC 17025 traceability protocols
• Backlit graphical LCD display with intuitive English-language prompts and icon-driven navigation — fully functional within hazardous zones without external lighting
• Robust mechanical construction: Stainless steel load cell housing, IP65-rated enclosure, and reinforced 400 × 300 mm weighing pan with 122 mm vertical clearance for containerized or palletized loads

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC34EDE-HX accommodates a wide variety of sample forms including drums, IBCs, tote bins, reaction vessels, and intermediate bulk containers—provided total mass remains within the 34 kg limit. Its low-profile platform and integrated leveling feet ensure stable readings on uneven industrial flooring. All models conform to European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) Annex MI-001 for non-automatic weighing instruments and support statutory verification by national metrology institutes. The scale’s firmware and hardware architecture comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with SartoPac Basic or Average Weight Control Terminal Software, enabling electronic signature, audit trail, and user access control functions essential for GMP-regulated environments. Calibration records, weight logs, and isoTEST execution timestamps are timestamped, user-identified, and exportable via RS232 for quality assurance documentation.

Software & Data Management

Standard RS232C serial interface enables seamless integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and automated packaging control platforms. Optional software packages include SartoPac Basic (for basic data capture, statistical evaluation, and PDF report generation) and Average Weight Control Terminal Software (designed for dynamic batch weight monitoring, statistical process control, and real-time over/under-fill alerts per EU Directive 76/211/EEC). Up to eight FC-series scales can be daisy-chained on a single serial bus with configurable device addressing. All data transmissions support ASCII protocol with configurable baud rates (up to 115.2 kbps), parity, and stop bits. Audit trails record operator ID, timestamp, calibration events, and parameter changes—retained locally for ≥30 days and exportable in CSV or XML format.

Applications

• Accurate dosing and formulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients in GMP-compliant production suites
• Weighing of solvent-filled reactors and distillation receivers in petrochemical pilot plants
• In-process quality checks during tablet coating, capsule filling, or lyophilization loading
• Batch reconciliation and material balance verification in multi-step synthesis workflows
• Dynamic animal weighing in containment laboratories handling volatile anesthetics or biohazardous compounds
• Inventory management of hazardous raw materials stored in ventilated cabinets or explosion-proof storage rooms

FAQ

Is the FC34EDE-HX certified for use in Zone 21 dust environments?
Yes — the unit carries IECEx and ATEX certification for Zone 21 (explosive dust atmospheres) when operated with the approved rechargeable battery pack or 24 V DC power supply.
Can the scale perform density determination without external accessories?
No — density applications require optional accessories (e.g., density kit with sinker and immersion vessel) and are supported only in non-hazardous configurations due to procedural safety constraints.
Does the isoTEST function satisfy annual verification requirements under national metrology regulations?
isoTEST provides routine performance verification but does not replace statutory periodic verification by an accredited body; however, it significantly reduces downtime between official calibrations.
What is the maximum cable length supported for RS232 communication in hazardous areas?
For intrinsic safety integrity, RS232 cabling must remain within 15 meters and use shielded twisted-pair cable meeting EN 61326-1 requirements; longer distances require isolated repeaters installed outside the hazardous zone.
Is firmware upgrade capability available in the field?
Yes — firmware updates are delivered via secure USB-to-serial adapter and validated through Sartorius’ authorized service network; all updates preserve calibration constants and audit trail continuity.