Profit from Intrinsically Safe Equipment

It is now accepted to implement the requirements of Intrinsic Safety aspects when applying a safety system to reduce the risks on plant. When there is an explosion hazard at a plant within the European Union, compliance with the ATEX Directive is required to implement the appropriate protection concept. Additionally, U.S. and European local authorities are proactive when it comes to enforcing regulations.

Between March 11, 2008 and June 17, 2009, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified 3,662 violations during inspections at a variety of workplaces chosen at random. The most frequently cited violations included housekeeping, hazard communication, personal protective equipment and electrical and general duty clauses. OSHA identified 30,000 factories as at risk for dust explosions.

Accidents have considerable economic consequences. That’s why most companies take measures to ensure their facilities meet both local regulations and company safety policies. Companies search for new technologies to increase safety while improving production efficiency. Implementing intrinsic safety practices is one way to increase safety in hazardous environments.

The bomb-box: A thing of the past
Explosion, flame-proof and intrinsic safe equipment protect personnel and increase safety. Historically, ex flame-proof die cast enclosures have been used to protect equipment in potentially explosive areas.

These days, the concept of intrinsic safety is advantageous in providing high standards of protection and benefits of easy installation and maintenance.

Intrinsic safety is dependent on ensuring that the amount of energy that can be released within a hazardous area below the level at which ignition of the material could occur. The sources of ignition can be electro-sparking or hot surfaces. Moreover, Intrinsically safe equipment often provides a more cost-effective alternative to explosive flame-proof enclosures. Today, modern intrinsically safe equipment can provide the same functionality as equipment made for safe areas.

METTLER TOLEDO’s IND560x process weighing terminal is your gateway to uncompromised weighing in potentially hazardous classified areas. Our process weighing terminal is certified for Zone1/21 (ATEX) or Div1 (FM) areas. It offers availability of solid state active/active I/O, which allows for straightforward control of valves directly in the Zone 1/21 Division 1 without any additional PLC and complicated wiring.