Sartorius FC16EDE-HXCE FC Series Explosion-Proof Precision Scale, 16 kg Capacity, Verified & Calibrated
| Brand | Sartorius |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | FC16EDE-HXCE |
| Capacity | 16 kg |
| Verification Status | Legally Verified (OIML R76 / NIST Class III compliant) |
| Protection Rating | Ex d IIB T4 Gb / Ex tb IIIC T135°C Db (ATEX & IECEx certified) |
| Readability | 1 g |
| Construction | Stainless Steel Load Cell & Housing |
| Environmental Class | IP66 |
| Regulatory Compliance | EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID 2014/32/EU), EN 13463-1, EN 60079-0, EN 60079-1, EN 60079-31 |
Overview
The Sartorius FC16EDE-HXCE is a legally verified, intrinsically safe precision scale engineered for high-reliability weighing in hazardous environments classified as Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) per ATEX and IECEx directives. Built upon Sartorius’ decades of metrological expertise, this FC Series model implements electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology—ensuring stable, drift-free measurement performance under fluctuating ambient conditions. Its 16 kg maximum capacity and 1 g readability meet the stringent repeatability and linearity requirements of OIML R76-1 (2021) for Class III non-automatic weighing instruments. Designed specifically for process-critical applications where ignition risk must be eliminated—including chemical dispensing, solvent-based formulation, pharmaceutical active ingredient handling, and explosive powder blending—the FC16EDE-HXCE integrates dual-certified explosion protection: flameproof enclosure (Ex d) for gas atmospheres and increased safety with dust-tight encapsulation (Ex tb) for combustible dusts. All internal electronics are isolated within an ATEX/IECEx-certified housing rated IP66, enabling operation in washdown or high-humidity industrial settings without compromise to metrological integrity.
Key Features
- Legally verified per OIML R76-1 and NIST Handbook 44 Class III standards—certified for trade use and regulatory audit readiness
- Dual-certified explosion protection: Ex d IIB T4 Gb (gas) and Ex tb IIIC T135°C Db (dust), compliant with EN 60079-0, -1, and -31
- Stainless steel load cell and reinforced stainless steel housing—resistant to corrosion, mechanical impact, and repeated cleaning agents
- EMFC (electromagnetic force compensation) transduction system—delivering <±0.002% linearity and long-term stability without mechanical wear
- Integrated overload protection up to 150% of nominal capacity, with automatic zero-tracking and auto-calibration prompts
- Front-panel tactile keys with backlit LCD display—operable with gloves and readable under low-light hazardous area lighting
- Optional RS-232 and optional analog 4–20 mA output—enabling seamless integration into DCS, SCADA, or batch control systems
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FC16EDE-HXCE accommodates standard laboratory and industrial containers—including stainless steel trays, polypropylene bins, and grounded metal hoppers—up to 250 mm × 300 mm footprint. Its platform geometry and low center-of-gravity design minimize off-center loading errors (<0.005% of capacity at 30% eccentricity). The scale conforms to EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID 2014/32/EU) Annex MI-006 for scales used in legal-for-trade applications, and supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows via traceable calibration records. All verification certificates reference national metrology institute (NMI) traceability to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany), ensuring global acceptance in FDA-regulated facilities and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
Software & Data Management
While the FC16EDE-HXCE operates autonomously via its embedded firmware, it supports external data capture through bidirectional RS-232 communication using standard ASCII protocols (e.g., Sartorius SICS command set). When integrated with Sartorius LabX™ or third-party LIMS/MES platforms, the scale provides full audit trail functionality—including user ID, timestamp, net/gross/tare values, and event logs (e.g., calibration, overloading, door open/closed)—in alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures. Optional Ethernet interface (via external gateway) enables remote configuration and firmware updates without physical access to Zone 1 areas.
Applications
- Weighing flammable solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol, toluene) during API synthesis in cGMP-compliant cleanrooms
- Batch dispensing of energetic materials (e.g., nitrocellulose, ammonium perchlorate) in defense and pyrotechnics manufacturing
- In-process quality control of lithium-ion battery electrode slurries containing volatile organic carriers
- Accurate dosing of catalyst powders in petrochemical reactor feed systems
- Final packaging verification of hazardous chemicals prior to UN-certified shipping container labeling
FAQ
Is the FC16EDE-HXCE suitable for use in Zone 0 environments?
No. This model is certified for Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) only. Zone 0 requires intrinsically safe (Ex ia) architecture, which is not implemented in the FC Series.
Does the scale include factory calibration documentation?
Yes. Each unit ships with a UKAS-accredited calibration certificate (traceable to PTB), including uncertainty budget, linearity test report, and verification against OIML R76 tolerance limits.
Can the display be viewed remotely in a control room?
Not natively. Remote visualization requires integration via RS-232 or 4–20 mA signal into a HMI or SCADA system; no built-in wireless or Ethernet interface is provided.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for hazardous-area operation?
Visual inspection and functional check every 6 months; full verification and recalibration every 12 months—or after any mechanical shock, environmental exposure beyond IP66 limits, or suspected metrological drift.
Is the FC16EDE-HXCE compatible with Sartorius’ Pratika software?
No. Pratika is designed for non-hazardous lab balances. For FC Series integration, Sartorius recommends LabX™ with Hazardous Area Add-on License or custom OPC UA-based middleware.
