Sartorius FC34EDE-PX Intrinsically Safe Explosion-Proof Floor Scale

Overview

The Sartorius FC34EDE-PX is an intrinsically safe, explosion-proof floor scale engineered for precise, legally compliant weighing in hazardous environments classified under Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 20 (dust). Designed and manufactured in Germany, it operates on the principle of electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) — a high-stability transduction method delivering exceptional repeatability and long-term drift resistance. Its certified protection level (ATEX II 2 G EEx ib IIC T4; FM/CSA Class I, Div 1, Groups A–D, T4) ensures operational safety where flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dusts may be present — including chemical synthesis labs, pharmaceutical manufacturing suites, solvent-handling areas, and bulk powder processing lines. With a 34 kg capacity and 0.5 g readability, the FC34EDE-PX meets OIML R76 requirements for Class III accuracy and is type-approved for trade use in EU, North America, and other major regulatory jurisdictions.

Key Features

• Intrinsically safe design certified for use in Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 20 (dust) environments — no external barriers required for battery-powered operation.
• Integrated isoTEST function enables one-touch automatic internal calibration using built-in reference masses, eliminating manual intervention and reducing calibration downtime.
• Robust 400 × 300 × 122 mm stainless-steel pan with reinforced load cell housing, optimized for stability during dynamic loading and vibration-prone industrial settings.
• Backlit graphical LCD display with intuitive English-language prompts and icon-based navigation — fully functional in low-light hazardous zones without compromising readability or response time.
• Multi-voltage power architecture: supports 24 V DC industrial power supply (compatible with 19″ DIN-rail cabinets), universal AC input (100–120 V / 220–240 V, 48–63 Hz), and rechargeable battery pack (IECEx/ATEX-certified for Zones 1/21/20).
• Standard RS232 interface with ASCII protocol compliance — enables seamless integration into LIMS, MES, and ERP systems while supporting up to eight scales on a single serial daisy-chain configuration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC34EDE-PX accommodates a broad range of sample forms — from sealed reaction vessels and IBC totes to unpackaged bulk solids and wet containers — without compromising accuracy or safety integrity. Its mechanical design minimizes torsional stress on the load cell during off-center loading, and the pan geometry ensures full containment of spillage in liquid-handling applications. Regulatory alignment includes full traceability to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration procedures, adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity principles (when used with SartoPac Basic audit-trail enabled), and conformity with EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) Annex MI-001 for non-automatic weighing instruments. All units ship with factory-issued calibration certificate referencing NIST-traceable standards.

Software & Data Management

The scale natively supports two validated software packages: SartoPac Basic — a lightweight, Windows-based utility for data logging, report generation, and user-defined print templates — and the Average Weight Control Terminal Software, designed specifically for statistical weight monitoring in packaging QA/QC workflows. Both applications enforce role-based access control, electronic signature capture, and time-stamped audit trails compliant with GLP and GMP documentation requirements. Raw weighing data is transmitted in ASCII format with configurable delimiters and header metadata (e.g., timestamp, operator ID, scale ID), enabling direct ingestion into SQL databases or cloud-based analytics platforms. No proprietary drivers are required; native COM port enumeration ensures plug-and-play compatibility across Windows OS versions from 10 through 11 LTSC.

Applications

• Batch ingredient dispensing in API synthesis where solvent vapors necessitate Zone 1-rated instrumentation.
• Final product checkweighing of pharmaceutical blister packs prior to carton sealing — meeting USP repeatability thresholds.
• Density determination of liquid intermediates using the built-in density application (requires optional pycnometer kit).
• Animal weighing in veterinary compounding facilities with volatile anesthetic gas exposure risks.
• Inventory reconciliation of hazardous raw materials stored in ventilated cabinets or gloveboxes.
• Process validation support during equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) under ASTM E2500 and EU Annex 15 guidelines.

FAQ

Is the FC34EDE-PX suitable for use in Zone 20 dust environments?
Yes — the unit carries IECEx and ATEX certification for Zone 20 (II 2 D Ex ib IIIC T85°C), verified for conductive and non-conductive dusts per EN 60079-0 and EN 60079-11.
Does the internal calibration satisfy annual verification requirements?
Internal isoTEST calibration fulfills intermediate checks between formal metrological verifications; however, statutory re-verification by an accredited body remains mandatory at intervals defined by national metrology regulations (e.g., annually in Germany, biennially in Canada).
Can the RS232 interface transmit weight data with timestamps to a central SCADA system?
Yes — when configured with time-synchronization enabled via host-initiated command, the scale outputs ASCII frames containing real-time UTC timestamps, weight value, unit, and status flags (e.g., stable, overload, underload).
What is the maximum cable length supported for RS232 communication in hazardous areas?
For intrinsic safety compliance, the total loop impedance must remain within 100 Ω; this limits passive RS232 cabling to ≤15 m without signal repeaters. For longer runs, fiber-optic isolators or intrinsically safe RS485 converters are recommended.
Is the display brightness adjustable for different ambient lighting conditions in explosion-proof enclosures?
Yes — three-level backlight intensity is configurable via front-panel menu, ensuring optimal contrast in both dimmed cleanrooms and brightly lit production corridors without increasing surface temperature beyond T4 classification limits.