Intrinsically safe pressure and level switching and sensing components

Variohm EuroSensor has extended its range of intrinsically-safe sensing and switching components with Ex-approved pressure switches, level sensors and pressure transmitters from German sensor manufacturer ADZ NAGANO. The sensors are claimed to suit applications across chemical, oil & gas, HVAC, food & beverage and general engineering where ATEX certified approval is a requirement.

The DPX9I and DPSXU electronic pressure switches, respectively equipped for current or voltage output from a 14 to 32Vdc input, comprise an intrinsically safe and detachable measuring cell with a cable connection to the separate panel mounted evaluation electronics, which is mounted outside hazardous area.

The measuring cell is available in nominal pressure ranges from 0…5mbar up to 0…2000bar with high overload and burst pressure ratings. Silicon membrane technology is used for pressures below 500mbar whilst stainless steel membrane and wetted materials are used in the upper ranges to suit gases and solid media at temperatures from -40 to 100°C. With Ex-approval II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 (ATEX), the cell design includes a choice of pressure connections and features protective circuits for reverse polarity, excess voltage resistance and limitation of performance loss in case of failure.

ADZ’s intrinsically safe PSX2 level sensor is available in a choice of silicon or stainless steel diaphragm technology for measuring ranges from 1 to 250mWC. With Explosion-proof certification for Zone 0 and Zone 1 the IP68 rated sensor suits filling level measurement in tanks, vessels, and liquid systems for ATEX approved devices.

The SMX2 intrinsically safe pressure transmitter can used in both zone 0 and zone 1 and meets the requirements of Directive 94/9/EC. With semiconductor thin-film technology, silicon or stainless diaphragms and pressure ranges from 10mbar to 2000bar, its pressure connectors and cabled or connectorised electrical interfaces are said to ensure flexibility in use across a variety of industrial applications.

All these sensors also features high precision, robust and compact designs that include protective circuits that are claimed to guarantee against inverse-polarity and overvoltage resistance.