Sartorius FC16EDE-HX Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Floor Scale

Overview

The Sartorius FC16EDE-HX is an intrinsically safe, explosion-proof floor scale engineered for high-precision weighing in hazardous environments classified under Zone 1 (ATEX), Class I Division 1 (FM/CSA), and Group IIC gas atmospheres. Designed and manufactured in Germany, this 16 kg capacity scale complies fully with OIML R76 and EN 45501 requirements for legal-for-trade applications, ensuring metrological integrity across pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical, and fine-chemical production facilities. Its core architecture implements intrinsic safety (Ex ib IIC T4) — not merely enclosure-based protection — meaning all electrical circuits are engineered to limit energy below the minimum ignition threshold of explosive gas mixtures. This enables safe operation directly within classified zones without requiring external barriers or purging systems. The scale integrates a high-stability load cell system with temperature-compensated signal processing, delivering consistent 0.1 g readability across its full 16 kg range under dynamic environmental conditions (0–40 °C). Unlike conventional industrial scales, the FC16EDE-HX features a modular power architecture supporting simultaneous operation via AC mains (100–240 V, 48–63 Hz), 24 V DC industrial power supply (for DIN-rail mounting in 19″ cabinets), or certified rechargeable battery packs — all certified for use in Zone 1/Div 1 locations.

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 direct installation in hazardous areas without additional safety infrastructure.
• Backlit graphical LCD display with intuitive English-language prompts, supporting rapid operator training and minimizing misoperation risk in high-stress or low-visibility environments.
• Integrated isoTEST function: One-touch automated calibration using internal motorized reference weights, eliminating manual calibration procedures and reducing downtime during GLP/GMP audits.
• Comprehensive application suite including piece counting, percentage weighing, checkweighing, animal weighing, density determination, over/underload detection, timer-based tare hold, and cumulative totalization — all combinable per user-defined workflows.
• RS232C serial interface as standard; supports up to eight FC-series scales on a single network via optional SartoPac Basic software for centralized data logging and statistical process control (SPC).
• Robust mechanical construction with 400 × 300 × 122 mm stainless-steel weighing pan and IP65-rated housing, suitable for washdown and corrosive process environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC16EDE-HX accommodates bulk solids, drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and reaction vessels within its 16 kg capacity — ideal for batch dispensing, raw material receipt verification, and in-process quality control in regulated manufacturing. All models undergo factory calibration traceable to national standards (e.g., PTB, NIST) and conform to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for calibration laboratories. The scale meets statutory metrological requirements for trade and regulatory submissions under EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) Annex MI-001 and US NIST Handbook 44. Its intrinsic safety certification covers operation in atmospheres containing hydrogen, acetylene, ethylene, and methane — validated per IEC 60079-11. Documentation includes full EC Type Examination Certificate, Declaration of Conformity, and calibration certificate with uncertainty budget.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and audit compliance are supported through two primary software pathways: SartoPac Basic provides local PC-based configuration, real-time data capture, and export to CSV/Excel for QA documentation; the Average Weight Control Terminal Software enables statistical weight analysis aligned with USP , Ph. Eur. 2.2.17, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements — including electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls. All weighing events — including calibration logs, tare operations, and application-mode selections — are timestamped and stored locally with non-volatile memory retention. Optional Ethernet or USB-to-RS232 adapters enable integration into MES/SCADA platforms compliant with ISA-95 and OPC UA standards.

Applications

This scale serves critical roles in GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., API dispensing, excipient batching), hazardous-area chemical synthesis (catalyst dosing, solvent transfer), oilfield service logistics (additive blending in Zone 1 skids), and explosive-formulations handling (propellant component weighing). Its precision and certification make it suitable for release testing per ICH Q5E, stability study sample preparation, and QC lab verification of incoming raw materials where traceability and environmental safety intersect.

FAQ

Is the FC16EDE-HX certified for use in Zone 1 and Class I Division 1 simultaneously?

Yes — it holds concurrent ATEX, FM, and CSA certifications covering both European and North American hazardous area classifications.
Can the built-in isoTEST calibration be performed while the scale is powered by battery?

Yes — isoTEST functionality remains fully operational across all certified power sources, including rechargeable battery packs rated for Zone 1 use.
Does the scale support GLP/GMP audit requirements such as electronic signatures and audit trails?

When used with Average Weight Control Terminal Software, it delivers 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trail generation, role-based access control, and electronic signature capability.
What is the maximum allowable ambient temperature for continuous operation?

The operating temperature range is strictly 0 °C to +40 °C, verified per IEC 60079-0 for intrinsic safety performance.
Is the RS232 interface optically isolated to prevent ground-loop interference in industrial settings?

Yes — the interface incorporates galvanic isolation to ensure signal integrity in electrically noisy plant environments.