Sartorius IF Stainless Steel Intrinsically Safe Platform Scale
| Brand | Sartorius |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | IF |
| Certification | ATEX II 2 G1D EEx ib IIC T4 (T135°C), FM/CSA Class I, II, III Div 1 & 2 Groups A–G |
| IP Rating | IP67/IP68 |
| Load Capacity | 150 kg – 3000 kg |
| Platform Height | 35 mm or 45 mm (standard), optional 25 mm or 35 mm |
| Sensor Type | Four shear-beam strain gauge load cells |
| Accuracy Class | Up to 30,000 divisions (high-precision mode) |
| Legal-for-trade | 3,000 e (OIML R76 / NTEP Class III) |
| Material | Electropolished or passivated stainless steel (AISI 304 or 316 per configuration) |
| Optional Accessories | Ramp kits, stop bars, lift systems |
| Interface Compatibility | Intrinsically safe FCT01-X, CIXS3 displays and Sartorius control units via certified interface converters |
Overview
The Sartorius IF Stainless Steel Intrinsically Safe Platform Scale is an engineered solution for precise, reliable, and legally compliant weighing in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dusts may be present. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the IF series operates on the fundamental principle of strain gauge-based force measurement—utilizing four high-stability shear-beam load cells integrated into a rigid stainless steel platform structure. This architecture ensures exceptional linearity, long-term repeatability, and minimal creep under dynamic or static loading conditions. The scale meets stringent international requirements for intrinsic safety (IS), enabling operation in Zone 1 and Zone 21 (gas) or Zone 2 and Zone 22 (dust) as defined by ATEX 2014/34/EU and IECEx standards. Its modular design allows seamless integration with Sartorius-certified intrinsically safe displays—including the FCT01-X and CIXS3—and programmable controllers, all connected via approved galvanic isolators or IS interface converters. The IF platform is not merely a weighing device but a foundational component within process-critical workflows governed by occupational health and safety regulations, including Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX Workplace Directive) and NFPA 70 (NEC Article 500/505).
Key Features
- Stainless steel construction (AISI 304 or 316) with electropolished or passivated finish for corrosion resistance and cleanability—ideal for pharmaceutical, food processing, and chemical manufacturing environments.
- Intrinsically safe certification per ATEX II 2 G1D EEx ib IIC T4 (surface temperature ≤135°C) and FM/CSA Class I, II, III Div 1 & 2 Groups A–G, verified by notified bodies such as PTB and UL.
- High-resolution weighing capability up to 30,000 divisions (d) in precision mode; configurable for legal-for-trade applications at 3,000 e per OIML R76 and NTEP Class III compliance.
- Robust mechanical design featuring four shear-beam strain gauge load cells—optimized for off-center load tolerance, thermal stability, and shock resistance.
- IP67/IP68-rated enclosure integrity, validated under prolonged submersion and high-pressure washdown conditions—ensuring operational continuity in humid, wet, or aggressive cleaning regimes.
- Modular platform heights (standard 35 mm or 45 mm; optional 25 mm or 35 mm) and accessory compatibility—including ramps, stop bars, and hydraulic/pneumatic lift systems—for ergonomic material handling and workflow integration.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IF platform scale supports a wide range of industrial weighing tasks involving drums, IBCs, palletized loads, reactors, and intermediate bulk containers. Its structural rigidity and calibrated load cell array ensure consistent performance across load ranges from 150 kg to 3000 kg. All variants comply with metrological requirements under Directive 2014/32/EU (Measuring Instruments Directive, MID), supporting traceable calibration against national standards (e.g., DKD/DAkkS). Documentation packages—including EU Declaration of Conformity, ATEX Technical File summaries, and installation guidance—are provided to facilitate regulatory audits under ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and GMP Annex 11. The scale’s intrinsic safety architecture eliminates ignition risk without compromising signal fidelity, making it suitable for use in API synthesis suites, solvent recovery areas, and powder blending zones subject to GLP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations.
Software & Data Management
While the IF scale itself is hardware-based, its interoperability with Sartorius display and control units enables full digital traceability. When paired with the CIXS3 controller, the system supports configurable weighing protocols (checkweighing, filling, gross/net/tare), batch logging, and time-stamped audit trails. All data exchanges occur over intrinsically safe RS-232/RS-485 or Ethernet interfaces with built-in event logging—including zero tracking, overload alerts, and calibration status flags. The firmware architecture supports secure user access levels and complies with electronic record retention principles outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11, including electronic signatures, audit trail activation, and tamper-evident data storage.
Applications
- Accurate dispensing and formulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in ATEX-classified containment areas.
- Weighing of hazardous raw materials (e.g., solvents, catalysts, peroxides) during chemical synthesis in pilot plants and production facilities.
- In-process verification of drum or tote filling operations in petrochemical and agrochemical manufacturing.
- Quality control sampling and reconciliation in food-grade production lines requiring frequent CIP/SIP cycles.
- Inventory management of flammable liquids or combustible powders in warehouse staging zones classified under IEC 60079-10-1/2.
FAQ
What certifications does the IF platform scale hold for hazardous area use?
It carries ATEX II 2 G1D EEx ib IIC T4 (T135°C) and FM/CSA Class I, II, III Div 1 & 2 Groups A–G approvals—validating suitability for Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22.
Can the IF scale be used for legal-for-trade applications?
Yes—when configured with appropriate display units and calibrated per OIML R76 or NTEP Class III requirements, it supports trade-approved weighing with up to 3,000 verification scale intervals (e).
Is the scale compatible with existing Sartorius software ecosystems?
It integrates natively with Sartorius LabX and Sartorius Proline+ platforms via certified interface modules, enabling centralized data aggregation, report generation, and SOP-driven workflows.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained ATEX compliance?
Annual verification by an accredited body is advised; visual inspection of sealing integrity, load cell mounting bolts, and cable gland torque should occur prior to each shift in critical applications.
Does the IF series support remote diagnostics or predictive maintenance?
When deployed with the CIXS3 controller and connected to a Sartorius MES gateway, real-time sensor health monitoring, drift trend analysis, and calibration due-date alerts are available through secure web-based dashboards.
