Intrinsically safe (IS) or “Explosion-Proof” weighing systems are available for manufacturers with higher risks identified by the hazardous/flammable material present in the work area and the IEC class associated with that material.
Weighing systems have components and are powered with electricity, it is important to identify the environment they are in to reduce the risk of contact. If appropriate systems and parts are not available to safely be installed in a hazardous environment, they may have to be installed in an near by safe space.
- Class I: Hazardous Gas
- A: specifically, atmospheres containing acetylene
- B: hydrogen, butadiene, acrolein, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or other gases or vapors of equivalent hazard
- C: carbon monoxide, cyclopropane, ethyl ether, ethylene, hydrogen sulfide, or the equivalent
- D: acetone, alcohol, ammonia, benzene, benzol, butane, gasoline, hexane, lacquer solvent, naphtha, natural gas, propane, methane, vinyl chloride, or the equivalent
- Class II: Dust
- E: metals dust like aluminum and alloys
- F: carbon, charcoal, and coal dust clouds
- G: flour, grains, plastics
- Class III: Fibres
- Within the identifications of hazardous materials, divisions exist to determine the risk of contact during regular hours.
- Division I: Hazards are present in the workplace environment during working hours regularly, or periodically.
- Division II: Hazards are not present except in unusual situations, usually related to containment failures.
There are weighing systems available with IP67 Rating:
| 6 | Dust-tight | No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). A vacuum must be applied. Test duration of up to 8 hours based on airflow. |
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| 7 | Immersion, up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) depth | Immersion, up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) depth Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) of submersion). |
Based on company and legal requirements, other safety measures may be needed to ensure the weighing system is the right fit.
For more information visit the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System)
Contact us for more details on what systems are available to you where hazardous environments are concerned