Sartorius FC12EDE-PXCE Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Floor Scale, 12 kg Capacity, Verified for Legal Metrology

Overview

The Sartorius FC12EDE-PXCE is an intrinsically safe, explosion-proof floor scale engineered for high-integrity mass measurement in classified hazardous environments—specifically Zones 0, 1, 21, and 22 per IEC 60079 and ATEX directives. Designed and manufactured in Germany, this 12 kg capacity scale complies fully with OIML R76-1 regulatory requirements for legal metrology and bears MID certification for trade use across the European Union. Its core architecture integrates a precision electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) load cell system with built-in isoTEST functionality—enabling one-touch, fully automated internal calibration using factory-traceable reference masses. Unlike conventional mechanical or strain-gauge-based platforms, the FC12EDE-PXCE delivers long-term stability under fluctuating ambient conditions while maintaining repeatability ≤ ±0.002 % of full scale (FS) under GLP-compliant operating protocols.

Key Features

• Intrinsically safe design certified to ATEX II 2 G EEx ib IIC T4, FM/CSA Class I, Division 1, Groups A–D, T4, and IECEx ib IIC T4—ensuring operational safety in volatile atmospheres containing hydrogen, ethylene, acetylene, or dust clouds.
• Dual-range configuration (6 kg / 12 kg) with selectable readability of 0.1 g or 0.2 g, optimized for both high-resolution process control and robust production-floor weighing.
• Integrated 24 V DC power supply module compatible with 19″ DIN-rail mounting—certified for installation in both safe and hazardous areas without additional barriers.
• Backlit graphical LCD display with intuitive English-language prompts, real-time status icons, and dynamic unit conversion (g, kg, lb, oz, ct, etc.)—designed for glove-compatible operation in PPE-restricted environments.
• isoTEST self-calibration system activated via dedicated front-panel key; executes full linearity, eccentricity, and repeatability verification using internal calibrated weights traceable to national standards (e.g., PTB, NIST).
• RS-232C interface supports bidirectional ASCII communication with LIMS, MES, or SCADA systems; firmware enables configurable baud rates (1200–115200 bps) and protocol handshaking (XON/XOFF or hardware RTS/CTS).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC12EDE-PXCE accommodates bulk solids, intermediate containers, reaction vessels, and packaged goods up to 12 kg on its 400 × 300 mm stainless-steel platform. Its low-profile 122 mm height minimizes center-of-gravity displacement during dynamic loading—critical for stability during animal weighing or viscous material transfer. All models meet EN 45501 for non-automatic weighing instruments and support ISO/IEC 17025-compliant uncertainty budgets when paired with Sartorius-certified calibration kits. Regulatory alignment includes FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures (when deployed with SartoPac Basic or Average Weight Control Terminal Software), USP and for pharmaceutical applications, and ASTM E898 for laboratory balance validation.

Software & Data Management

Data integrity is maintained through native RS-232 output formatted for direct ingestion into validated enterprise systems. Optional SartoPac Basic provides local data archiving, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and PDF report generation with digital signature fields. The Average Weight Control Terminal Software extends functionality to batch weight compliance monitoring—including real-time deviation alerts against preset upper/lower limits, automatic lot-level averaging, and export to CSV or XML for ERP integration. Audit trails record all user actions (calibration, tare, print, configuration changes), timestamps, and operator IDs—fully compliant with GLP and GMP documentation requirements.

Applications

This scale serves critical roles across chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint & coating formulation, and explosive handling facilities. Typical use cases include: checkweighing of API-filled vials prior to lyophilization; dynamic animal weighing in toxicology labs; density determination of solvent blends using Archimedean displacement methods; percentage formulation of catalysts in petrochemical reactors; and totalization of raw material batches entering Zone 1 storage silos. Its intrinsic safety architecture eliminates spark risk during powder charging operations, while the battery-powered mode ensures uninterrupted operation during grid outages in remote processing units.

FAQ

Is the FC12EDE-PXCE suitable for Zone 0 applications?
Yes—its IECEx ib IIC T4 certification permits continuous operation in Zone 0 gas atmospheres when powered by the approved 24 V DC supply or certified rechargeable battery pack.
Does the scale support external calibration with external weights?
Yes—external calibration is supported via the CAL key; however, only isoTEST internal calibration fulfills mandatory periodic verification intervals under MID Annex III.
Can multiple FC12EDE-PXCE units be networked to a central PC?
Yes—up to eight units may be daisy-chained via RS-232 using addressable polling; SartoPac Basic supports simultaneous acquisition and synchronized timestamping.
What is the temperature coefficient of indication error?
±0.0003 % FS/°C between 15–25 °C; compensated per EN 45501 Annex D.
Is the display readable under full-face respirator use?
Yes—the high-contrast graphical LCD features 8 mm character height and adjustable backlight intensity for visibility in low-light, high-humidity, or fogged-goggle conditions.