Sartorius FC12CCE-IXCE Intrinsically Safe Precision Scale, 12 kg Capacity, Legal-for-Trade Certified

Overview

The Sartorius FC12CCE-IXCE is a certified intrinsically safe precision scale engineered for high-integrity mass measurement in hazardous environments classified under Zone 1 (ATEX), Division 1 (FM/CSA), and Group IIC gas atmospheres. Designed and manufactured in Germany to meet stringent OIML R76-1 Class III metrological requirements, this 12 kg capacity scale delivers legal-for-trade accuracy with 0.5 g readability and full traceability to national standards. Its intrinsic safety architecture—compliant with EEx ib IIC T4 temperature classification—ensures safe operation where flammable vapors, gases, or dusts may be present, without compromising measurement stability or repeatability. The device employs electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) transduction technology, providing superior linearity, minimal drift, and immunity to environmental fluctuations such as air currents or minor vibrations. Unlike conventional load-cell-based platforms, the FC12CCE-IXCE integrates real-time thermal compensation and digital filtering algorithms to maintain ±0.002% of full scale repeatability across its operating range (0–40 °C). All units undergo factory verification per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures and are supplied with a manufacturer’s calibration certificate referencing DKD/DAkkS traceable standards.

Key Features

• Intrinsically safe design certified to ATEX II 2 G EEx ib IIC T4, FM Class I, Div 1, Groups A–D, T4, and CSA Class I, Div 1, Groups A–D, T4 — enabling deployment in chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, solvent handling, and petrochemical facilities.
• Integrated isoTEST function: One-touch automated calibration using internal motorized reference weights, eliminating manual intervention and reducing downtime during routine metrological verification.
• Multi-voltage power architecture supporting 24 V DC industrial power supply (suitable for installation in both hazardous and non-hazardous zones), universal AC input (100–120 V / 220–240 V, 48–63 Hz), and optional rechargeable battery pack rated for continuous operation in Zone 1/Div 1 environments.
• Backlit graphical LCD display with intuitive English-language prompts, dot-matrix character rendering, and context-sensitive icons — optimized for glove-compatible operation and rapid operator training.
• Standard RS232C serial interface compliant with EIA/TIA-232-F specifications; supports bidirectional data exchange at configurable baud rates (up to 115.2 kbps) for integration into LIMS, MES, or SCADA systems.
• Robust stainless-steel housing (IP65-rated front panel) and reinforced weighing pan (218 × 200 × 86 mm) engineered for resistance to corrosion, mechanical impact, and repeated cleaning with IPA or ethanol-based disinfectants.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC12CCE-IXCE accommodates a broad range of sample types—including powders, granules, liquids in containment vessels, and packaged intermediates—without requiring external explosion-proof enclosures. Its certified Class III accuracy ensures compliance with statutory requirements for trade, quality control, and regulatory submissions under EU MID Annex MI-001, US NIST Handbook 44, and Canadian Weights and Measures Regulations. For pharmaceutical applications, the scale meets relevant clauses of EU GMP Annex 11 (data integrity), FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/signatures when paired with validated SartoPac Basic software), and ISO 13485 process validation expectations. All firmware versions undergo periodic cybersecurity assessment per IEC 62443-4-1 and support audit trail logging for GLP/GMP environments.

Software & Data Management

The scale natively supports two validated software packages: SartoPac Basic (for documentation of calibration events, user access logs, and printable calibration reports with digital signatures) and Average Weight Control Terminal Software (for statistical process control of batch filling operations per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.2.38). Data export is configurable via RS232 to CSV, TXT, or XML formats, with timestamping, operator ID tagging, and automatic checksum generation. When connected to a networked terminal, up to eight FC-series scales can be synchronized for centralized weight data aggregation and trend analysis. Firmware updates are delivered via secure USB flash drive with SHA-256 signature verification to prevent unauthorized modification.

Applications

This scale is routinely deployed in regulated industrial settings including: active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing in classified cleanrooms; catalyst dosing in exothermic reactor feed lines; formulation of explosive-sensitive pyrotechnic compounds; quality assurance of battery electrolyte batches; and final packaging verification for hazardous material shipments (UN-certified containers). Its ability to execute simultaneous functions—such as percent weighing, checkweighing with upper/lower tolerance bands, animal weighing with dynamic stabilization, and density determination using auxiliary modules—makes it suitable for multi-step QC workflows requiring metrological continuity across operational phases.

FAQ

Is the FC12CCE-IXCE approved for use in Zone 1 classified areas?
Yes — it holds ATEX II 2 G EEx ib IIC T4 certification, permitting installation in Zone 1 gas atmospheres without additional barrier systems.
Does the scale include built-in calibration capability?
Yes — the isoTEST function uses an internal motor-driven calibration mass to perform fully automated, zero-drift-corrected calibration at user-defined intervals.
Can this scale interface with ERP or LIMS platforms?
Yes — via standard RS232C, it supports ASCII protocol communication compatible with SAP QM, LabWare LIMS, and Thermo Fisher SampleManager.
What is the maximum permissible error (MPE) for Class III verification?
Per OIML R76-1, MPE is ±1.5 e (where e = 0.5 g), i.e., ±0.75 g across the full 12 kg range.
Is battery operation supported in Division 1 environments?
Yes — the optional rechargeable Li-ion battery pack is certified for continuous use in FM Class I, Div 1 locations.