FM Explosion Proof Scales: 5 Configurations For Different Industry Uses
Table of Contents
Overview
Intrinsically Safe, Explosion Proof scales have offered industrial grade weighing products for environments that are considered to be hazardous. This can be due to liquids, fumes, dust or other conditions. The concept is to reduce the available energy in the scale so that it cannot cause ignition.
Previous to Arlyn Scales’ introduction of our new line of Intrinsically Safe scales, users had to deal with a number of compromises and limitations. These included:
- Power Supply – Typical choices are a rechargeable battery pack, which is expensive, has limited operational life, and needs to be removed from the hazardous area to recharge. Alternatively, an approved AC power source is very expensive and has difficult wiring requirements.
- Data Output – Many scales have no realistic method of sending data out of the hazardous area to an external PLC or computer system. Others have expensive, limited flexibility choices. Real time monitoring is unavailable.
- Control – There have been no practical means of controlling the scale from outside of the hazardous area. The user needed to be with the scale to tare, zero or otherwise control the scale.
- Precision – With very few exceptions, these scales have standard industrial accuracy and precision. Scales with higher precision are not available for hazardous locations.
- Cost – Most scales for these environments are exceedingly expensive. There are also usually considerable additional expenses for power and other options.
After two and a half years of extensive research and development, Arlyn Scales has introduced a new version of ArlynGuard scales that has overcome these limitations.
- Power Supply – Arlyn’s Intrinsically Safe scales now come standard with long life, easily available AA rechargeable batteries that can last up to 96 hours of continuous use (32 hours for ArlynGuard S Series). A spare set of batteries and a charger are supplied with it. Our low-cost optional Safety Barrier can provide power from a standard wall outlet in the non-hazardous area, eliminating the need to charge batteries. See Configuration 2 for further details.
- Data Output – Our low-cost optional Safety Barrier can also provide a pathway for the IS Display Indicator to output data into the safe area, either in RS-422/485 format, or with other Safe Area modules, such as USB, Ethernet, Wifi or 4-20 ma analog. See Configuration 2 for further details.
- Control – Also using the optional Safety Barrier, a second weight indicator can be connected in the safe area to provide full remote control and weight readout for the scale. In addition to remote control, the second weight indicator can also be equipped with options to utilize the weight data in the hazardous location. See Configuration 3 and Configuration 4 for details.
- Precision – Arlyn’s state-of-the-art Ultra Precision SAW scales are now available with an Intrinsically Safe rating, sold under the ArlynGuard S series of scales. This patented technology provides more than ten times the resolution of standard scales, making them ideal for many applications.
- Cost – All ArlynGuard Scales are very reasonably priced. Often, they are less than 50% of the cost of competitive units. With the optional unique Safety Barrier, overall cost savings can be even greater.
ArlynGuard Models
- ArlynGuard B Series – Intrinsically Safe Bench Scales are reliable, durable, and easy-to-use scales that allow for small weighing applications and a standard resolution of 1:5000 at an affordable cost. Available for capacities up to 150 lbs.
- ArlynGuard P Series – Intrinsically Safe Platform Scales are available in capacities of 500 lbs and 1000 lbs. Platform sizes range from 20″ x 27″ all the way to 36″ x 36″. Custom sizes are also available.
- ArlynGuard F Series – Intrinsically Safe Floor Scales are used for weighing heavy industrial materials. They are available in capacities between 5,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs and they come in various sizes. They are abuse resistant and robust for use in Hazardous locations.
- ArlynGuard C Series – Intrinsically Safe Cylinder Scales are great for measuring liquefied gases and other such contents stored in cylinders. They are designed to be extremely low profile suitable for use in semiconductor manufacturing and along with other highly corrosive and hazardous applications. Capacities range from 60 lbs to 400 lbs. Sizes are available in 9.25″ or 14″ platforms.
- ArlynGuard S Series – Intrinsically Safe Ultra-Precision Scales are a new line of ArlynGuard scales designed for those applications requiring very high precision (1:100,000) capable of operating in hazardous classified locations. Capacities range from 10 x .0001 lb to 1000 x .01 lb (or 4.5kg x .05 g to 450kg x 5g)
Learn more about the different types of configurations, benefits, and best industry use cases below.
Typical Configurations
CONFIGURATION 1: Intrinsically Safe Display (battery operated only) connected to IS Platform
Description
Configuration 1 is the default configuration for all of our ArlyGuard series. It consists of an approved IS digital weight indicator connected to an approved IS platform. The scale can be equipped with RS-422/485 communication option that can be utilized to output data to any IS data acquisition system (DAQ). Alternatively, the communication lines can be passed through a safety barrier to a safe area DAQ instead. The scale can also be equipped with setpoint outputs to control appliances such as valves or relays at programmed target weights.
Hazardous (Classified) Area Components
- Model MKE-5-IS – Single Platform Intrinsically Safe Indicator
- Battery Operated Configuration using Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries
- Optional RS422/RS485 Serial Output
- Optional Setpoint Controller
- Intrinsically Safe Platform (Regular Strain Gage or Ultra Precision SAW)
CONFIGURATION 2: External (Safe Area) powered IS Display connected to IS Platform
Description
Configuration 2 illustrates an ArlynGuard Intrinsically Safe scale powered from a safe area outlet through our safety barrier. The IS scale be equipped with communication options such as RS-422/485. This communication line can be routed through the same safety barrier into the safe area. The RS-422/485 can be used as is, or it can be further converted to RS-232, USB, Ethernet and other mediums. The IS scale can also be equipped with setpoint outputs which can be routed through the safety barrier. The outputs can then be utilized to control valves and relays located in the safe area.
Safe Area Components
- Zener Safety Barrier – Model ARL-BR-IS-PWR
- Power/Communication Breaker Box – Model ARL-PS-BB(-C)(-SP)
- Safe Area communication options: RS-232, USB, Ethernet, etc.
Hazardous (Classified) Area Components
- Model MKE-5-IS – Single Platform Intrinsically Safe Indicator (configured for external power)
- Includes Battery Operated Configuration using Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries
- Optional RS422/RS485 Serial Output
- Optional Setpoint Controller
- Intrinsically Safe Platform (Regular Strain Gage or Ultra Precision SAW)
CONFIGURATION 3.1: Safe Area MKE-5 Display (w/ options) connected to IS Scale through Safety Barrier
Description
Typically, intrinsically safe (IS) scales have many limitations in terms of what they can be equipped with. To maintain the IS rating, they have to maintain certain electrical characteristics that render them “explosion proof” – as seen in some of the configurations above. To provide the flexibility of regular scales while maintaining intrinsic safety, a secondary display can be connected in the Safe Area that can acquire data from the primary IS scale in the Hazardous Classified Area. The secondary display can then be equipped with many options that can utilize the incoming weight data from the IS scale.
In Configuration 3.1, the MKE-5 Digital Display is located in the Safe Area equipped with one or more options such as Analog Output 4-20mA (or 0-5V), Setpoint Controller, USB/RS232/Ethernet, etc. The IS scale in the Hazardous Area continuously sends weight to the Safe Area Display through a safety barrier. The Safe Area display then sends this data to a myriad of outputs as illustrated.
The Safe Area MKE-5 Display can also supply power to the IS scale through the safety barrier for uninterrupted operation. This is a separate optional feature that can be equipped for this configuration.
Safe Area Components
- MKE-5 Digital Indicator (shown w/ options)
- Zener Safety Barrier – Model ARL-BR-IS-LC-PWR
Hazardous (Classified) Area Components
- Model MKE-5-IS – Single Platform Intrinsically Safe Indicator (optionally configured for external power)
- Included Battery Operated Configuration using Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries
- Intrinsically Safe Platform (Regular Strain Gage or Ultra Precision SAW)
CONFIGURATION 3.2: Safe Area Arlyn UpScale (w/ options) connected to IS Scale through Safety Barrier
Description
Similar to Configuration 3.1, this configuration has the Arlyn UpScale Touchscreen Display in the safe area. The connection methodology is the same as seen in Configuration 3.1. The Arlyn UpScale Display offers additional features such as an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, extended options such as Wi-Fi connectivity, custom fields, targeted and scheduled email alerts, and many more features not present in the regular MKE-5 display. For further information on the Arlyn Touchscreen display, please see the MKE-5 vs Arlyn UpScale page as well as the main Arlyn UpScale product page.
The Safe Area Arlyn UpScale display can also supply power to the IS scale in the Hazardous Area through the safety barrier, allowing for uninterrupted operation. This is an optional feature that can be equipped for this configuration.
Safe Area Components
- Arlyn UpScale Touchscreen Display (shown w/ options)
- Zener Safety Barrier – Model ARL-BR-IS-LC-PWR
Hazardous (Classified) Area Components
- Model MKE-5-IS – Single Platform Intrinsically Safe Indicator (optionally configured for external power)
- Included Battery Operated Configuration using Rechargeable AA NiMH Batteries
- Intrinsically Safe Platform (Regular Strain Gage or Ultra Precision SAW)
CONFIGURATION 4.1: Safe Area MKE-5 Display (w/ options) connected to IS Platform in Hazardous Area
Description
For those applications that do not require an intrinsically safe display to be in the Hazardous Area, this configuration allows our customers to only have a display in the Safe Area. Configuration 4.1 illustrates an MKE-5 Digital Display Indicator located in the Safe Area connected to an Intrinsically Safe Platform in the Hazardous (Classified) Area through a Safety Barrier. The MKE-5 Display is a versatile indicator and can be equipped with many options to allow for communication to Data Acquisition Systems through Analog Output 4-20mA, Ethernet, RS-232, USB. The safe area MKE-5 Display can be further equipped with a Setpoint Controller that can then be utilized to control valves and relays without the need for a full function PLC.
Safe Area Components
- MKE-5 Digital Display (shown w/ options)
- Zener Safety Barrier – Model ARL-BR-IS-LC
Hazardous (Classified) Area Components
- Intrinsically Safe Platform (Regular Strain Gage or Ultra Precision SAW)
CONFIGURATION 4.2: Safe Area Arlyn UpScale Touchscreen Display (w/ options) connected to IS Platform in Hazardous Area
Description
Similar to Configuration 4.1, this configuration has the Arlyn UpScale Touchscreen Display in the safe area. The connection methodology is the same as seen in Configuration 4.1. The Arlyn UpScale Display offers additional features such as an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, extended options such as Wi-Fi connectivity, custom fields, targeted and scheduled email alerts, and many more features not present in the regular MKE-5 display. For further information on the Arlyn Touchscreen display, please see the MKE-5 vs Arlyn UpScale page as well as the main Arlyn UpScale product page.
Safe Area Components
- Arlyn UpScale Touchscreen Display (shown w/ options)
- Zener Safety Barrier Model ARL-BR-IS-LC
Hazardous (Classified) Area Components
- Intrinsically Safe Platform (Regular Strain Gage or Ultra Precision SAW)
CONFIGURATION 5: Safe Area 4-20mA (or 0-5V) Amplifier connected to IS Platform in Hazardous Area
Description
For those applications that do not require an Indicator display at all, or only require an analog output from the scale, the ArlynGuard scales can also support those applications using the setup illustrated below. Configuration 5 allows for a connection of an analog output amplifier in the safe area, connecting to an Intrinsically Safe ArlynGuard Platform in the Hazardous area through a safety barrier. The analog output amplifier can be configured to be 4-20mA output (2-wire or 3-wire) or 0-5V output.
Safe Area Components
- Zener Safety Barrier Model ARL-BR-IS-LC
- Analog Output 4-20mA Amplifier Box
- 24VDC Input
- 4-20mA, 0-5V Output
Hazardous Area Components
- Intrinsically Safe Platform (Regular Strain Gage Only)
Configurations For Different Environments
The ArlynGuard Series of scales cater to a variety of industries. The different configurations for the new FM Explosion Proof Intrinsically Safe Scales can also be used for best results according to different weighing needs and environments.
Manufacturing and Automation Control Industry
- Electronics and Electrical Equipment Manufacturers
- Semiconductor Fabrication Industry
Chemicals and Petrochemicals Industry
- Weighing Chemicals and Petrochemicals
- Chemical Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling
- Precision Scales for Mixing Paints, Pigments, and Dyes
- Industrial Scales for Weighing Petroleum and Industrial Liquified Gasses
- Ultra Precision Scales for Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries
- Handling Solvents, Sealants, Adhesives, and Resins
Food and Beverage Industry
- Explosion Proof Scales for Distilleries
Waste Handling and Disposal Industry
- Waste Handling and Disposal
- Hazardous Waste Processing and Chemical Waste Handling
FM Explosion Proof Scale Benefits
Plugin vs Older Battery-powered Units
The terminal is independent and features a low battery indicator, full range tare, zero tracking and hold functions. Powered using rechargeable battery or with included power adapter. The charging circuit will fully charge the battery in approximately four to eight hours
whether the scale is on or off.
To charge the battery, simply plug the line cord into a standard 115V (230V optional) wall outlet. The scale can be used while recharging the battery, in fact, the scale can be used with the AC charger cord plugged in on a continuous basis. It should be noted that Ethernet, 4-20mA, Wireless Communication, Remote Display or Relay options will increase charge time.
Data Capabilities
Can grab data more easily with options like Time & Date Output (MKE-5), USB Data Logging (No PC Required), and Remote Indicator Software (PC).
Remote Indicator (beta) is a Windows-based application that allows customers to monitor their scale at a local or remote location. This allows our customers to check in on the scale without being physically present near the scale.
Remote Indicator not only supports wired connections to our scales (i.e. RS-232, USB, RS-485, etc.), but the software also supports scales connected to your networks such as Ethernet TCP/IP and WiFi.
Features and Benefits
- Your Scale – RemotelyThe Remote Indicator Main Screen allows you to view the scale weight data without being in front of it. The Main Screen also allows you to remotely send commands to the scale such as “ZERO”, “TARE”, “NET” and “UNIT”. You don’t have to be near the scale’s front panel to operate the scale.
- Data Collection
- You can configure Remote Indicator to collect weight data from the scale in real-time. This data can then be exported to Excel Spreadsheets or Comma Separated Value (.CSV) files.
- Key Wedge – Send Weights to other Applications
- Use the Remote Indicator Software to send Weight data directly into your 3rd-party application fields such as LabView, UPS WorldShip, FedEx Ship Manager, etc.
- Supports Many Connection Types
- Remote Indicator supports serial connectivity (such as USB, RS-232, etc.) as well as TCP/IP and Wireless connectivity (Ethernet, WiFi, etc.).
The ArlynGuard intrinsically safe, explosion-proof scales for hazardous environments are equipped with one or more of the following systems which are Factory Mutual (FM) approved.
- Model MKE-5-IS (a) Digital Weight Indicator System
- Intrinsically Safe SAW-IS Load Cells (Ultra Precision) [For ArlynGuard S only]
- Load Cell Models 620-300-IS, 620-100-IS, 620-50-IS, 620-25-IS, 620-10-IS, 520-10000L-IS, 520-5000L-IS, 520-5000IS, 520-2500-IS, 520-1250-IS, 320-500-IS, and 320-250-IS
These are Factory Mutual (FM) Approved components as per Approval Standard 3600, 3610, 3611 and 3810.
See All Of Our Intrinsically Safe Scale Lines
If your industry requires explosion-proof scales to operate in explosive, flammable or other hazardous conditions, then check out our line of ArlynGuard Scales.
