Sartorius FC64EDE-SXCE FC Series Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Floor Scale

Overview

The Sartorius FC64EDE-SXCE is a certified intrinsically safe floor scale engineered for high-integrity mass measurement in hazardous environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts may be present. Designed and manufactured in Germany to stringent EU and international explosion protection standards, this model belongs to the FC Series — a line of legally verified weighing instruments compliant with OIML R76 (Class III) and NTEP Class III requirements. Its core operating principle relies on precision electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) load cell technology, delivering stable, drift-resistant performance across dynamic industrial conditions. The FC64EDE-SXCE is explicitly validated for use in Zone 1 (ATEX), Division 1 (FM/CSA), and other classified areas requiring intrinsic safety (IS) architecture — meaning all electrical circuits are engineered to limit energy below ignition thresholds under normal and fault conditions. It supports both permanent installation and mobile deployment, with dual-power flexibility including 24 V DC industrial power supply units compatible with 19″ control cabinets, universal AC input (100–120 V / 220–240 V), and optional rechargeable battery packs rated for continuous operation in Group IIA/IIB/IIC atmospheres.

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 — fully compliant with EN 60079-11, UL 913, and CSA C22.2 No. 157.
• Legal-for-trade verification per OIML R76 and NTEP Class III, enabling use in regulated commercial transactions, pharmaceutical batch release, and quality-critical process weighing.
• Robust stainless-steel pan (400 × 300 × 122 mm) with integrated overload protection and chemical-resistant surface finish suitable for wet or corrosive production environments.
• Backlit graphical LCD display featuring dot-matrix alphanumeric characters and intuitive icon-driven navigation — optimized for glove-compatible operation and rapid interpretation in low-light hazardous zones.
• Integrated isoTEST self-calibration system: one-button activation initiates automatic internal calibration using factory-traceable built-in reference masses, eliminating manual weight handling and reducing downtime.
• Standard RS232 serial interface supporting bidirectional communication; configurable baud rates up to 115.2 kbps for seamless integration with MES, SCADA, or LIMS platforms.
• Multi-application firmware suite including piece counting, percentage weighing, checkweighing, animal weighing, density determination, totalization, and timed tare — all combinable without firmware modification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC64EDE-SXCE accommodates bulk solids, packaged goods, drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and palletized loads within its 64 kg capacity range. Its 1 g readability and ±0.005% repeatability (per OIML R76) ensure metrological suitability for QC sampling, raw material receipt inspection, and formulation pre-weighing in GMP-regulated facilities. All models undergo full type evaluation and pattern approval by national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB, NIST, NMi). The device meets essential requirements of the EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID 2014/32/EU) and supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows through timestamped audit logs, user-access controls, and electronic signature readiness when paired with SartoPac Basic software. Calibration records are traceable to SI units via ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Software & Data Management

SartoPac Basic provides PC-based configuration, data logging, report generation (PDF/CSV), and firmware updates — with built-in validation support for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (electronic signatures, audit trails, role-based access). Optional Average Weight Control Terminal Software enables real-time statistical process control (SPC) for packaging lines, calculating mean weight, standard deviation, and fill-level compliance against regulatory thresholds (e.g., EU Directive 76/211/EEC). Up to eight FC-series scales can be networked via RS232 multiplexing or external serial servers. All data exports include metadata: timestamp, operator ID, scale ID, environmental conditions (if monitored), and calibration status flags.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Raw material intake, dispensing verification, and batch record documentation in cleanrooms and solvent-handling areas.
• Chemical processing: Weighing reactive intermediates, catalysts, and solvents in Zone 1 classified reactor feed stations.
• Food & beverage: Checkweighing of filled containers, portion control for seasoning blends, and HACCP-critical ingredient addition.
• Petrochemical logistics: Drum filling verification at loading bays where hydrocarbon vapors are present.
• Paint & coatings: Precise pigment and resin dosing in explosion-proof mixing rooms.
• Academic & contract research labs requiring auditable, intrinsically safe mass measurement for hazardous compound synthesis.

FAQ

Is the FC64EDE-SXCE certified for use in Zone 1 gas environments?
Yes — it carries ATEX II 2 G EEx ib IIC T4 certification, confirming intrinsic safety for Group IIC gases (e.g., hydrogen, acetylene) at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C.
Does the scale support automatic calibration without external weights?
Yes — the isoTEST function uses internal motor-driven calibration masses to perform full-range verification and adjustment with a single button press.
Can this scale connect to an ERP or MES system?
Yes — via standard RS232, it interfaces with common industrial protocols (e.g., Modbus ASCII, custom ASCII framing); middleware drivers are available for SAP, Siemens SIMATIC, and Rockwell FactoryTalk.
What documentation is provided for regulatory audits?
Each unit ships with EU Declaration of Conformity, calibration certificate (traceable to national standards), ATEX/IECEx test reports, and user manuals compliant with IEC 61000-6-2/4 EMC directives.
Is battery operation approved for continuous use in hazardous areas?
Yes — the optional rechargeable battery pack is certified for uninterrupted operation in Zone 1 (ATEX) and Division 1 (FM/CSA) locations, with runtime exceeding 24 hours under typical duty cycles.