ATEX Scales Guide: Uses & Benefits

In hazardous environments, it is imperative that safe and specialist precision equipment is used.

When it comes to weighing materials in these contexts, using the right equipment is key to ensuring the job is completely not only safely, but also to the right degree of accuracy.

ATEX-certified scales are specifically designed to be used in potentially explosive settings. In this guide, our weighing experts have explained what ATEX scales are, what makes them different from standard scales, and how they are used.

What are ATEX scales, and what are they used for?

ATEX scales are a type of precision weighing equipment.

These machines are specifically designed – and are certified – to operate safely in extremely hazardous areas, including where there is a risk of an explosion occurring.

For example, ATEX scales are used in contexts where any of the following are present:

• Flammable gases, vapours or dust
• Substances that could ignite, present in the air
• Sparking or heating would pose a serious risk

In these environments, ATEX scales can be used to weigh volatile chemicals, measuring fuel, oils, or alcohols, and handle powders or dusts that could become combustible.

What is the difference between normal scales and ATEX scales?

The name “ATEX” refers to European directives that regulate equipment that is used in these dangerous contexts.

These directives attest that the equipment cannot cause an ignition, as the scales have been designed to eliminate any ignition risks that would normally be posed by these materials, through static, heat or electrical sparks. To achieve this certification ATEX scales have to go through rigorous testing.

Standard industrial scales are a great choice for general, everyday use. However, they are not designed to safely operate in these types of environments.

• The key differences between these types of scales are:
• Safety certification – Standard scales have no specific safety certification, while ATEX scales are certified for use in explosive environments.
• Electrical protection – Standard scales feature standard, non-specialist components, while ATEX scales have specific protection to prevent overheating, sparks and static build-up.
• Material design – Standard scales have a general industrial design, while ATEX scales have numerous specialist features (including anti-static materials, and sealed components).
• Where it can be used – Standard scales are made for use in non-hazardous areas, while ATEX scales can be safely used in potentially explosive areas (using a non-ATEX scale in these environments is illegal, under UK workplace safety regulations).

What sectors use ATEX scales?

ATEX scales are used across a wide range of industries, including:

• Manufacturing
• Oil and gas (e.g. rigs, refineries and storage facilities)
• Chemical processing
• Batteries and energy
• Waste management and recycling
• Aerospace and defence
• Pharmaceuticals
• Hospitality, food and drink
• Agriculture
• Textiles
• Mining
• Power
• Paint and ink
• Cosmetics

At Weightron, we supply ATEX weighing scales to clients from all these sectors. This includes ATEX-certified platform scales, pallet scales, and other bespoke solutions.

Working with businesses across the country, we offer comprehensive industrial weighing services, including the supply, calibration, maintenance and repairs of this critical equipment.

So, if you work in one of these sectors and want a best in class industrial weighing solution to support your operations, speak to the Weightron team today.