Several devices from the pressure measurement technology manufacturer BD|SENSORS have recently been approved for underground operation. They may be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, particularly in environments where there is a risk of firedamp. This means that the equipment may be used in mining (underground coal mining) even if the lowest explosion limit of methane gas and coal dust (pit gas) has been exceeded.
One of the approved products is the DPT 200 differential pressure transmitter, which is used, among other things, for monitoring pump or filter systems in mining. For this type of application, the device is available in a stainless steel version. It measures differential pressures from 1 mbar to 20 bar with an accuracy of up to 0.075 % FSO. Other products for the process industry used to measure the negative, excess and absolute pressure of gas, vapor and liquid are available on request.
In total, the following device types with ignition protection are available:
I M1 Ex ia I MA
II 1/2G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga/Gb
II 2D Ex ia IIIC T85°C Db
The internationally approved IECEx certification also complements the ATEX version (EU) and regulates the worldwide use of devices in potentially explosive environments. The approval for use in hazardous areas in the mining industry in the category M1 was granted by the certified IBExU Institut für Sicherheitstechnik GmbH in Freiberg.
