In industries where explosive atmospheres are a daily reality—think oil & gas, chemical processing, and mining—ATEX-certified sensors are more than just tools; they’re lifelines. These sensors are engineered to operate safely in environments filled with flammable gases, vapors, or dust, where even a tiny spark could trigger disaster.
ATEX (short for ATmosphères EXplosibles) certification ensures that equipment meets stringent European safety standards. Sensors with this designation fall into two main categories: intrinsically safe (limiting electrical energy to prevent ignition) and explosion-proof (designed to contain any internal ignition). From pressure transmitters to radar level sensors, these devices provide critical measurements without compromising safety.
For example, ATEX-approved linear sensors are vital in monitoring fuel tanks expansion in Zone 0 environments, where explosive atmospheres are present continuously. Similarly, rotary encoders are used in grain handling or pharmaceutical powder processing, where combustible dust poses a threat.
Choosing the right sensor means matching its certification—Zone, Gas/Dust Group, and Temperature Class—with the specific hazards of your site. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives, assets, and operational continuity.
The intrinsically safe X132 is ATEX and IECEx approved for use in potentially explosive gas/vapour atmospheres. It is designed for gauge head positioning in industrial and scientific applications and is ideal for OEMs seeking good sensor performance for arduous applications in hazardous areas. The X132, like all Positek sensors, provides a linear output proportional to displacement. Each sensor is supplied with the output calibrated to the travel required by the customer, from 0-5mm to 0-50mm and with full EMC protection built in.
Overall performance, repeatability and stability are outstanding over a wide temperature range. The sensor is very robust, the body and plunger being made of stainless steel for long service life and environmental resistance.
The plunger is spring loaded with a domed end. The X112 is easy to install with a long ½ inch UNF mounting thread and is supplied with two lock nuts for positioning. Environmental sealing is to IP67.
Positek intrinsically safe sensors are designed to be used with a galvanically isolated amplifier . Approved galvanic isolation amplifiers (X005) are available from Positek; there is a choice of 0.5-9.5V or 4-20mA transmission outputs.
The sensor can be installed with a cable length up to 1km between the sensor and the amplifier.
POSITAL has extended its TILTIX family of inclinometers (tilt sensors) to include explosion-proof models designed to operate safely in environments that contain potentially dangerous levels of explosive dust or gases.
The intrinsically safe E500 is ATEX and IECEx approved for use in potentially explosive gas/vapour and dust atmospheres. It is designed for industrial and scientific feedback applications and is ideal for OEMs seeking good sensor performance for arduous applications in hazardous areas.
The E500, like all Positek sensors, is supplied with the output calibrated to the angle required by the customer, between 16 and 160 degrees and with full EMC protection built in. The sensor provides a linear output proportional with angle of rotation. There is a machined registration mark to identify the calibrated mid point. Overall performance, repeatability and stability are outstanding over a wide temperature range. The E500 has long service life and environmental resistance with a rugged stainless steel body, flange and shaft. The flange or servo mounting options make the sensor easy to install, it also offers a range of mechanical options. Environmental sealing is to IP67.
Positek intrinsically safe sensors are designed to be used with a galvanically isolated amplifier. Approved galvanic isolation amplifiers (X005) are available from Positek; there is a choice of 0.5-9.5V or 4-20mA transmission outputs.
The sensor can be installed with a cable length up to 1km between the sensor and the amplifier.
The intrinsically safe X500 rotary sensor is ATEX and IECEx approved for use in potentially explosive gas/vapour atmospheres. It is designed for industrial and scientific feedback applications and is ideal for OEMs seeking good sensor performance for arduous applications in hazardous areas. The X500, like all Positek sensors, is supplied with the output calibrated to the angle required by the customer, between 16 and 160 degrees and with full EMC protection built in. The sensor provides a linear output proportional with angle of rotation. There is a machined registration mark to identify the calibrated mid point.
Overall performance, repeatability and stability are outstanding over a wide temperature range. The X500 has long service life and environmental resistance with a rugged stainless steel body and shaft, the flange and servo mounts are anodised aluminium. The flange or servo mounting options make the sensor easy to install. Environmental sealing is to IP65 or IP67 depending on selected cable or connector options.
Positek intrinsically safe sensors are designed to be used with a galvanically isolated amplifier . Approved galvanic isolation amplifiers (X005) are available from Positek; there is a choice of 0.5-9.5V or 4-20mA transmission outputs.
The sensor can be installed with a cable length up to 1km between the sensor and the amplifier.
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