Flexible and Mobile Weighing in Explosive Areas

Potentially explosive environments are subject to special restrictions that usually do not offer much room for manoeuvre. This means users need flexible components that also allow for complex weighing configurations. Sartorius Mechatronics has now added new performance features and interfaces to its Combics Ex indicator for Zone 1 and Zone 21.

The result: higher versatility in potentially explosive environments. For example, high-resolution digital platforms and memory-programmable controllers can be connected securely and flexibly to the indicator. It is also possible to connect a radio barcode scanner to the balance or integrate it into a WLAN network.

The core of the new options for the intrinsically safe Combics Ex indicator is the power supply with highly flexible configuration – the YPSC power communication system: in addition to many cable configuration options, you can select data output for 4..20 mA or Profibus DP. These data outputs are interesting for balance solutions with memory-programmable controllers or field bus networks. One advantage here is the protection rating "e" (increased safety) for the data output, as neither a barrier nor an interface converter are required to separate potentially explosive and safe areas.

The power communication system can be used in Zone 1 and Zone 21, as well as in safe areas, and supplies intrinsically safe power for the Sartorius product ranges Combics Ex, Factory Ex (compact balance and indicator), IS Ex platforms and OEM load cells WZA-X. Depending on the customer-specific configuration, the basic version of the power communication system can be supplemented with an additional power module, e.g., for supplying a high-resolution platform or for supplying two explosives balances / indicators in networks. The customer can choose between separable plug connectors or fixed cable connections, as well as variable cable lengths.

Mobile in Explosive Areas
Barcodes are often used in potentially explosive environments to record material and logistics data. The new barcode reader connection for the Combics Ex indicator consists of a base station that can be operated via radio control (i.e., wirelessly) with up to six barcode scanners. These scanners can read all current barcodes at distances between 20 cm and 2.5 m.

The WLAN Ex Client provides new mobile balance solutions in hazardous areas, with the mobile explosives balance being integrated into a WLAN network via access points. For example, this is useful if you need to work with only one balance at various sites in the production facilities or warehouse due to cost reasons. The new pressure-capsulated client complies with the
CISCO 1242 system and works in accordance with standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g or IEEE 802.3.

High-resolution Explosives Balance for Potentially Explosive Dust Areas
For weighing tasks in Zone 21 that require high resolutions of up to 0.1 g, a combination of the Combics Ex indicator and a platform with a monolithic system and internal checkweighing circuit can be used.

For this purpose, the AID converter in the Combics Ex indicator is replaced by
a new RS485 interface and an IS Ex platform is connected to it. This configuration is powered by the new power communication system, which makes it possible to use all the indicator's interface options.

Illustration: The new power communication system provides SPS connectivity.