ABB has launched a dust monitoring device designed to extend continuous particulate measurement into hazardous and harsh industrial environments.
The new PFM 20 Ex is certified for use in ATEX Zone 22 environments, where combustible dust may occasionally create an explosive atmosphere, and has a lowest certified measurement range of 0–7.5 mg/m³.
The instrument extends ABB’s existing PFM 20 particulate monitoring technology to applications requiring equipment suitable for potentially explosive dust atmospheres.
The PFM 20 family is designed for continuous measurement of dust concentrations in ducts and stacks, with applications including emissions monitoring at combustion and waste incineration plants, as well as filter monitoring and leak detection.
The launch follows ABB’s acquisition of German measurement and analytical equipment manufacturer Födisch Group in 2024. The acquisition expanded ABB’s capabilities in particulate and gas-flow measurement and portable hydrocarbon detection.
“The PFM 20 Ex is an important product launch in its own right, giving customers high-sensitivity dust monitoring for hazardous environments,” said Jean-Rene Roy, Global Business Line Manager at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division.
“This also represents a significant addition to our highly capable industrial emission measurement portfolio enabling us to support a broader range of customer needs, from continuous gas analysis to dust, gas flow and portable measurement.”
The PFM 20 Ex forms part of an expanded industrial emissions measurement portfolio that ABB says now encompasses continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS), particulate analysers, gas-flow measurement and portable flame ionisation detectors for hydrocarbon measurement.
Other particulate instruments include the PFM 20, PFM 13 and OPM 19 ED, while the company’s continuous emissions monitoring equipment includes the ACF5000 and MCA 10 systems.
ABB said the expanded offering is supported by remote and on-site services and its My Measurement Assistant+ digital platform, which provides information including device health status, reports and documentation.
