New capabilities for hazardous environments
ABB has officially launched the PFM 20 Ex, a specialized dust monitoring device engineered to operate within hazardous and harsh industrial environments. According to the company, the device provides a certified dust detection range as low as 7.5mg/m³, ensuring precision in settings where robust, low-range measurement is a critical safety and operational requirement. The unit meets ATEX Zone 22 certification standards, confirming its safety profile for use in environments where combustible dust may be present.
The underlying reporting is available from envirotech-online.com.
This release functions as a strategic completion of ABB’s industrial emission measurement portfolio. By integrating this new hardware, the company has consolidated its offerings, which now include continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS), advanced gas flow measurement, and portable hydrocarbon detection tools. The expansion follows ABB’s 2024 acquisition of the Födisch Group, which integrated the German manufacturer’s analytical solutions into ABB’s existing global framework.
Strategic consolidation of emission management
The addition of the PFM 20 Ex allows industrial operators to source a wider array of monitoring technologies from a single provider. Jean-Rene Roy, Global Business Line Manager at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division, noted that the device is designed to address high-sensitivity monitoring needs while streamlining the procurement and deployment process for facilities. By centralizing these technologies, operators can reduce the complexity of managing multiple vendors for their compliance and safety needs.
Beyond the hardware, ABB is leveraging its “My Measurement Assistant+” (MMA+) platform to support the lifecycle of these devices. The platform provides operators with device health status, documentation, and AI-powered diagnostic knowledge. This digital layer is intended to help maintenance teams address potential failures or data drift more efficiently by providing field-specific solutions based on the device’s current operational state.
Portfolio integration and service
The current portfolio now features a comprehensive range of analytical instruments, including:
- CEMS: Systems such as the ACF5000 and MCA 10, used for continuous gas analysis.
- Particulate Analyzers: The PFM series, which now includes the new PFM 20 Ex alongside the PFM 13 and OPM 19 ED models.
- Flow Measurement: Specialized tools like the FMD 09 gas flow analyzer.
- Portable Detection: Flame Ionisation Detectors (FIDs) for real-time hydrocarbon monitoring on-site.
This integrated approach is supported by a global service network and flexible care agreements, which the company states are essential for maintaining the accuracy of environmental monitoring systems in demanding industrial conditions.