Tackling Life-Threatening Hazards in Explosive Environments with Minebea Intec Solutions
In industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food production, the air often hides a dangerous secret—flammable gases and combustible dust particles. These invisible threats, when combined with a single ignition spark, have the potential to trigger catastrophic explosions, endangering both human lives and production facilities. Minebea Intec, a global leader in weighing and inspection technologies, offers state-of-the-art solutions to ensure safe and efficient operations in such hazardous environments.
The Danger of Explosive Atmospheres
Industrial production processes often involve the presence of flammable gases such as methane, propane, or hydrogen, which can ignite with just a tiny spark, causing catastrophic explosions. Similarly, dust particles from substances like flour, sugar, or wood dust can accumulate in the air and ignite explosively when exposed to an ignition source.
To mitigate these risks, potentially explosive environments are classified into zones based on the likelihood and concentration of hazardous substances.
Zone 0/20: Continuous presence of explosive gases or dust particles.
Zone 1/21: Intermittent presence of hazardous substances near Zone 0.
Zone 2/22: Rare and short-term presence of explosive substances further from the source.
These classifications are guided by international safety standards, including the ATEX directive in Europe and IECEx certifications globally. Zones 0, 1 and 2 refer to gases and, in contrast, zones 20, 21 and 22 apply to dust.
"Given these critical hazards, all equipment used in explosive environments must meet the highest safety standards," says Lena-Marie Fornika, Global Product Manager at Minebea Intec. "Our Ex-certified weighing technologies ensure both safety and operational efficiency in these challenging conditions."
Ex-Certified Industrial Scales: Safe and Reliable Solutions
Minebea Intec’s portfolio of Ex-certified weighing solutions is designed to meet the needs of hazardous environments. Among their top offerings are:
Combics® and Midrics® Scales
Certified to ATEX, IECEx, and FM standards.
Offer exceptional accuracy, user-friendly interfaces, and durability in hazardous areas.
Combics® scales are robust and versatile, while Midrics® provide a compact, reliable solution.
IF Floor Scales
Ideal for heavy-load applications in Zones 2/22.
Combine precision with the ability to handle demanding industrial environments.
Real-World Application: Aerospace Manufacturer Avio
Avio, an Italian aerospace fuel manufacturer, needed to upgrade its equipment to comply with updated ATEX directives. Minebea Intec provided a comprehensive solution, including:
Two Combics® weighing platforms with advanced resolution and weight ranges.
A Maxxis 5 programmable weighing controller for precise operations.
PR 5110 remote displays for efficient monitoring.
Customized software for recipe management and a control cabinet with intrinsically safe interfaces.
The solution not only ensured compliance with ATEX safety standards but also enhanced the efficiency of Avio’s dosing system.
The Midrics® 1 Ex Weighing Indicator: A State-of-the-Art Addition
Minebea Intec continually innovates its Ex-certified portfolio, introducing the Midrics® 1 Ex weighing indicator to offer a modern solution for hazardous areas.
Ideal for applications like counting, inspection, and pre-packaging control.
Designed with high-quality materials for durability and reliability.
Combines affordability with intuitive operation, making it a top choice for quality managers and engineers.
Proven Success: SABIC’s Partnership with Minebea Intec
SABIC, a global petrochemical leader, faced challenges in finding reliable weighing systems for dosing hoppers and replacing defective components in hazardous environments. Minebea Intec delivered a customized solution, including:
Three PR 6241 compression load cells with long-distance signal transmission for outdoor use.
Precision PR 6201 compression load cells and PR 6143 compact kits for granulate hoppers.
These solutions not only met SABIC’s safety requirements but also optimized production processes, establishing Minebea Intec as a trusted supplier.
Why Minebea Intec Stands Out
All Minebea Intec products for explosive atmospheres comply with international safety standards such as ATEX, IECEx, and FM certifications. These solutions not only prioritize safety but also deliver unmatched precision and efficiency in challenging environments.
"Our products go beyond just compliance," says Lena-Marie Fornika. "They are reliable partners for ensuring safety and success in hazardous areas."
Partner with AscendTech for Minebea Intec Solutions
At AscendTech, we bring Minebea Intec’s cutting-edge technologies to industries where safety and precision are non-negotiable. Whether you’re addressing compliance needs or looking to improve operational efficiency, our team provides the expertise and support to deliver tailored solutions for hazardous environments.
Contact us today to learn more about how Minebea Intec solutions can protect your operations and ensure optimal performance in hazardous areas.
Source: Minebea Intec