ATEX compliant weighbridge for hazardous areas

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Nov 30, 2006

Avery Weigh-Tronix has launched an ATEX compliant weighbridge for use in hazardous areas: a retrofit service is also available for existing Avery Weigh-Tronix weighbridges to meet new regulations

Avery Weigh-Tronix has launched an ATEX compliant weighbridge for use in hazardous areas.

The weighbridges can be used in zone 1 and 2 areas.

Comments product manager, Larry Behrens: "Although the areas above a weighbridge deck are generally well ventilated, this is not always the case in areas below the deck, particularly for pit-mounted weighbridges.

Dust can congregate and gases and fumes, often heavier than air, will sink into these areas causing a potentially explosive atmosphere".

The company provides a full design, installation and maintenance service for weighbridges operating in hazardous areas.

A retrofit service is also available for existing Avery Weigh-Tronix weighbridges that need to meet the new regulations.

Behrens continues: "ATEX regulations now cover ignition sources from non-electrical sources, such as sparks from contact between metals.

Weighbridges are constructed from mild steel, so this can be a potential hazard.

Above the deck level good working practice, such as ensuring good ventilation, controlling the speed of a vehicle mounting the deck and not using metal tools can help meet the regulations.

Areas below the deck have been redesigned".

The new weighbridge uses a fully ATEX compliant analogue load cell.

In addition, the deck now uses stainless steel metal stops for the deck to prevent any chance of a spark being produced.

All the electronics, such as indicators, used with the bridge are also fully compliant.

Avery Weigh-Tronix is also the only UK supplier of pre-stressed, precast concrete weighbridges - an alternative solution for applications operating in potentially explosive atmospheres.