ATEX Scales | Intrinsic Safety Classification

Published 01 Feb 2024

ATEX Scales Weighing & Balancing For Hazardous Areas Zone 1, Zone 2

ATEX Scales

Intrinsic Safety Classification

Accidents in hazardous areas can have dramatic consequences for businesses in terms of both human life and profit. Accurate weighing in hazardous areas including ATEX balances and ATEX scales, can play a crucial role in mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety and success of businesses.

By following the recommendations and standards set by ATEX & IECEx, organisations can ensure that their weighing equipment is intrinsically safe and compliant with regulations. This not only enhances process safety by reducing the risk of explosions in potentially explosive environments but also improves efficiency and productivity.

The equipment must be designed and manufactured specifically for the hazardous classification in which it will be used. The appropriate method of ignition protection refers to choosing weighing equipment that is designed to prevent the ignition of flammable substances.

The right classification refers to selecting weighing equipment that is certified for use in hazardous areas. Hazardous areas are classified based on the presence of flammable gases, vapours, liquids, or combustible dusts. The classification usually follows recognised international standards such as ATEX (European Union), IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission), or FM (Factory Mutual).

Intrinsic safety offers process safety and efficiency. Intrinsically safe weighing equipment and ex certification provide advantages and are globally accepted by organizations such as IECEx.

Intrinsically safe compact balances are used in the pharmaceutical industry to accurately weigh small quantities of chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients in a safe and controlled manner. These compact balances are specifically designed to meet stringent safety requirements in hazardous environments, such as pharmaceutical production areas where flammable solvents, powders, and volatile substances are present.

Intrinsic Safety Classification

The intrinsic safety classification for weighing equipment involves several key aspects:

1. Selection and installation: Equipment must be chosen based on the hazardous-area classification and certified accordingly. Professional installation by trained specialists is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of the ATEX scales.

2. Inspection and maintenance: Weighing equipment can suffer damage or degradation over time, so regular inspections and maintenance are necessary. The IEC 60079-17 standard requires detailed inspections at installation and following repairs, along with periodic visual inspections to ensure safety.

3. Repair: If inspection reveals the need for equipment repair, it should be carried out by experienced technicians using suitable spare parts. Repair procedures must adhere to hazardous-area and equipment-repair specifications. By proactively maintaining intrinsically safe weighing equipment, organizations can create a safer workplace and ensure continuous performance.

IEC 60079-17:2023 applies to users and covers only those factors directly related to the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations specifically designed for hazardous areas, where the hazard is caused by explosive atmospheres.

It does not include:
– other fundamental installation and inspection requirements for electrical installations;
– the verification of electrical equipment;
– protection or ventilation of rooms;
– gas detection systems;
– the repair, overhaul and reclamation of explosion protected equipment (see IEC 60079-19).

This can be achieved by following the guidelines and recommendations provided in the IECEx standards. Globally, organisations recognise the significance of intrinsic safety and the benefits it provides.

The acceptance and adoption of intrinsically safe weighing equipment and ex certification by organisations such as IECEx demonstrates the understanding and commitment to process safety and efficiency in potentially explosive environments.

In conclusion, accurate weighing in hazardous areas is crucial for mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and maintaining the overall safety and success of businesses. By investing in suitable weighing equipment and implementing robust weighing practices, companies can proactively address the unique challenges posed by hazardous environments, protecting both their personnel and their bottom line.

➡ Thorne & Derrick together with A&D Weighing can supply the correct intrinsically safe scale or balance for your application.