Warning—Even Simple Weight Measurements Can Claim Lives When Flammable Substances Are Present

TOKYO, Japan - March 28, 2018 - PRLog -- Danger comes when you least expect it. Just one spark in potentially explosive atmospheres (like those that arise where petrol and other flammable chemicals are processed) can turn a plant floor into a raging inferno in an instant. However, many people either underestimate the risk or are unwilling to pay for expensive equipment with proper preventive features.

A&D Company, Limited, a multinational manufacturer of measuring instruments for laboratory and industrial use, is determined to correct this situation in the realm of weighing by offering internationally certified (by IECEx, ATEX, and FM/FMc), yet highly affordable explosion-protected products. Two years ago, they released the EK-EP series of intrinsically safe compact balances, which have since been gaining popularity. Now, they have released the HV-CEP/HW-CEP series of intrinsically safe platform scales for users who need to weigh much heavier materials and/or larger quantities.

As with the EK-EP series, the HV-CEP/HW-CEP series limits its energy to a level insufficient to cause sparks or heat that can ignite flammable gases or vapors (i.e. intrinsically safe). These scales can be brought worry-free to locations where ignitable concentration of flammable gases, vapors or liquids are present continuously or for long periods of time under normal operating conditions (i.e. Zone 0, or Division 1 in the US).

Accessible selection of models

Users can select a scale that best suits their requirements from seven models in two series. The HV-CEP series includes three multi-interval models (capacity × readability: 3/6/15 kg × 0.001/0.002/0.005 kg, 15/30/60 kg × 0.005/0.01/0.02 kg, and 60/150/220 kg × 0.02/0.05/0.1 kg). The lighter the target object, the finer the readability. On the other hand, the HW-CEP series includes four high-resolution models (capacity × readability: 10 kg × 0.001 kg, 60 kg × 0.005 kg, 100 kg × 0.01 kg, and 220 kg × 0.02 kg).

All models have a base unit with IP65 dust and water protection, allowing washing with water as well as weighing of wet objects without problems. The surface of the stainless steel (SUS430) weighing pan is resistant to chemicals, scratches and rust, and easy to keep clean and hygienic.

The HV-CEP/HW-CEP series also protects operators from fatigue and errors. The LCD display (25 mm character height) with clear white backlight provides excellent visibility even in areas with insufficient lighting. The display angle adjusts to five levels to suit the convenience of individual operators. The display hold function makes it easy to read and record measured values where external disturbances can cause fluctuations.

The alphanumeric keypad on the display unit enables simple and straightforward entering/re-entering of preset tare values, comparator limits (described below), calibration values and various internal settings. Further, using the key lock function, a factory manager can inhibit the use of certain keys to prevent operators from making unwanted changes to the scale settings.

Increasing productivity

High-speed measurement—response within 1 second and 1.5 seconds (typical for the HV-CEP series and HW-CEP series respectively)—greatly enhances throughput. On top of that, with multi-colored 5-step LED comparator (traffic) lights, check weighing (judging whether the measured weight is within the designated limits for packing, filling, etc.) becomes far more accurate and efficient than with a numeric display alone.

The scale can tare (offset the weight of the object on the scale and return the display to zero) automatically when the weight reaches the set target range. This function relieves the operator from the hassle of pressing the TARE key each time for consecutive check weighings, such as when filling multiple receptacles on the weighing pan with the same target quantity. Additionally, negative values can be set as upper and lower limits of the comparator. When combined with the above auto-tare function, the result is "take-away" check weighing that measures by repeatedly taking the target quantity out of a container without having to press any keys.

The HV-CEP/HW-CEP series operates for approx. 1,500 hours on four D batteries with the LED and backlight OFF (or approx. 1,000 hours with the LED and backlight ON). This eliminates the need for securing power from a safe area via a safety barrier. To avoid wasting power, the scale powers off automatically when it is inactive for a set period of time. The scale also indicates the remaining battery level so that users can prevent the batteries from running out unexpectedly while in use.

Additional details and information on other useful features can be found on the A&D website at http://www.aandd.jp/.

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A&D Company, Limited, headquartered in Tokyo, take advantage of their world-class analog and digital signal processing technologies to produce a diverse array of laboratory and industrial measuring equipment. In particular, they are known as Japan's top manufacturer of electronic weighing instruments ranging from ultrasensitive micro analytical balances to scales of several tons of capacity. Their innovations are always aimed at providing users with high practical utility and high value for the price. To find further information on A&D, visit http://www.aandd.jp/.