Sartorius FCA12EDE-PX FC Series Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Scale, 12 kg Capacity

Overview

The Sartorius FCA12EDE-PX is a certified intrinsically safe explosion-proof scale engineered for precise mass measurement in hazardous environments classified under Zone 1, Zone 21, and Division 1. Designed in accordance with the fundamental principles of load cell-based force transduction—where mechanical deformation is converted into proportional electrical signals—the FCA12EDE-PX delivers traceable, repeatable weighing performance up to 12 kg with dual readability options (0.1 g and 0.2 g). Its construction adheres to stringent international safety directives, including ATEX 2014/34/EU, IECEx, and North American FM/CSA standards for electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres. The device integrates a high-stability stainless-steel load cell assembly, hermetically sealed electronics, and an explosion-proof housing rated for Group IIC gas environments and T4 temperature class. Unlike general-purpose industrial scales, the FCA12EDE-PX is purpose-built for applications where ignition risks from sparks, thermal effects, or electrostatic discharge must be eliminated—such as chemical synthesis labs, pharmaceutical manufacturing suites, solvent-handling areas, and bulk powder processing lines.

Key Features

• Intrinsically safe design certified to ATEX II 2 G EEx ib IIC T4, FM Class I Div 1 Groups A/B/C/D T4, and CSA Class I Div 1 Groups A/B/C/D T4—enabling operation in flammable gas, vapor, and combustible dust environments.
• Motorized internal calibration system with isoTEST functionality: a single press initiates full automatic calibration using built-in reference masses, eliminating manual intervention and reducing calibration downtime.
• Graphical backlit LCD display with intuitive English-language prompts and icon-driven navigation—optimized for gloved operation and low-light conditions in controlled or classified zones.
• Dual power architecture: supports AC mains (100–120 V or 220–240 V), 24 V DC industrial power modules (installable in safe or hazardous zones), and rechargeable battery packs approved for Zone 1/21/20 use.
• Robust mechanical construction: stainless-steel indicator housing, IP65-rated enclosure, and IP67-rated load cell ensure resistance to corrosion, ingress of dust/water, and mechanical shock during routine handling.
• Comprehensive application suite—including checkweighing, counting, percentage weighing, animal weighing, density determination, totalization, and timer functions—all configurable without external software.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FCA12EDE-PX accommodates a broad range of sample forms—from discrete solid units (e.g., vials, tablets, components) to bulk powders and granular materials—within its 400 × 300 mm stainless-steel weighing pan. Its 122 mm vertical clearance permits tall containers and nested packaging configurations. All models comply with legal metrology requirements per OIML R76-1 (2021) and NIST Handbook 44 (2023), supporting trade-approved use in regulated production environments. The scale meets ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for calibration traceability when used with Sartorius-certified reference weights and documented procedures. It is fully compatible with GLP and GMP workflows, supporting audit-ready documentation via optional SartoPac Basic software and enabling electronic records compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated system configurations.

Software & Data Management

Standard RS232 serial interface enables direct connection to PCs, PLCs, or central data acquisition systems without protocol conversion. Up to eight FCA-series scales can be daisy-chained on a single serial bus using addressable communication. SartoPac Basic provides real-time data logging, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and report generation for weight-based quality checks. For high-volume production lines, the Average Weight Control Terminal Software supports dynamic batch averaging, tolerance band monitoring, and integration with MES/SCADA platforms via ASCII or Modbus RTU protocols. All data transfers support timestamping, operator ID tagging, and checksum verification to ensure integrity. Audit trails—including calibration events, parameter changes, and weight recordings—are retained locally and exportable in CSV or PDF format.

Applications

This scale is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical API synthesis (solvent-based reactions), fine chemical manufacturing (catalyst dosing), battery material blending (LiCoO₂, graphite), paint and coating formulation (flammable resin mixing), and food-grade spice grinding (combustible dust zones). Its precision and certification make it suitable for raw material receipt inspection, in-process blend uniformity verification, final product packaging validation, and QC release testing under cGMP Annex 11 and EU GMP Chapter 4. The isoTEST function ensures compliance with periodic verification intervals mandated by ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5 and ASTM E899-22 for weighing equipment in accredited laboratories.

FAQ

Is the FCA12EDE-PX suitable for Zone 20 dust environments?
Yes—it carries ATEX and IECEx certification for Zone 20 (combustible dust) and is equipped with battery options rated for continuous operation in such areas.
Can the internal calibration be performed while the scale is powered by battery?
Yes—isoTEST calibration is fully functional across all power sources, including rechargeable battery packs.
Does the scale support Ethernet or USB connectivity?
No—only RS232 is provided as standard; Ethernet or USB requires external protocol converters validated for hazardous area use.
What is the maximum permissible error (MPE) at full capacity?
Per OIML R76-1 Class III, MPE is ±1.5e (where e = 0.1 g), i.e., ±0.15 g at 12 kg.
Is firmware upgrade capability available in hazardous locations?
Firmware updates must be performed outside classified zones using Sartorius-provided tools and documented change control procedures per ISO/IEC 17025.