Panel PC ATEX Zone 1/21
In environments where a single spark can trigger a catastrophe, the operator interface is a critical component of your plant’s safety system. The Hexagon PCL-X-10.1 Panel PC is an industrial HMI certified for ATEX and IECEx Zone 1/21 (Gas and Dust), designed by Logic Srl for process control in hazardous areas within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.
Featuring integrated Ex-i intrinsically safe barriers (up to SIL3), an IP66 enclosure, and an anodized aluminum frame (or optional AISI 304/316 stainless steel), the Hexagon 10.1 enables field operation in demanding applications—including Oil & Gas—without compromising safety or productivity.
Engineered and certified in Italy by Logic Srl, leveraging over 40 years of expertise in hazardous area automation systems.
What is ATEX Zone 1
What is ATEX Zone 1/21 and Why Do You Need a Dedicated Hazardous Area Panel PC?
The ATEX directive and IECEx standards classify explosion-risk areas based on the probability and duration of explosive atmospheres formed by gases (Zone 1) or combustible dusts (Zone 21) during normal plant operation.
Standard industrial PCs cannot be deployed in these environments. Every electrical component—including the display, capacitive touchscreen, and I/O connectors—must be engineered to prevent ignition sources (sparks, hot surfaces, electrical arcs) rather than simply withstanding external impact.
Key requirements for a Zone 1/21 HMI include:
- Certified Protection Methods: Utilization of Ex e (Increased Safety), Ex i (Intrinsic Safety), and Ex q (Powder Filling) techniques for exposed electrical components.
- Corrosion-Resistant Materials: High resistance to aggressive chemical solvents, harsh sanitizing agents, and fine industrial dust.
- Dual Marking (G/D): Full certification for both Gas (G) and Dust (D) hazardous environments.
The Hexagon PCL-X-10.1 integrates all three critical protection requirements into a single compact device.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hazardous Area Classification | ATEX / IECEx Zone 1/21 (Gas & Dust) |
| Display | 10.1″ LCD, Optical Bonding on Special Tempered Glass, 1280×800 px |
| Touchscreen | Projective Capacitive (PCAP) with Capacitive Power Button & Power LED |
| CPU / RAM / Storage | Intel Atom® x6211E, RAM 4 Gb, Hard Disk 64 Gb |
| Operating System | Windows 10® IoT Enterprise LTSC |
| Standard Interfaces | 2x LAN 10/100 Mbps Ex e, 1x USB Ex e, 1x RS-485 Ex e |
| Optional Interfaces | 2x Additional USB (Ex e), Bluetooth / Wi-Fi Module |
| Integrated Ex-i Barriers | 5x Digital Inputs for standard pushbuttons (Dual-channel SIL3), 2x Digital Outputs for non-Ex LEDs (5V, 15mA) |
| Ingress Protection | IP66 Front & Rear (according to EN 60079-0) |
| Enclosure Materials | Anodized Aluminum & Glass (Optional Stainless Steel Bezel) |
| Dimensions & Weight | 320 × 263.5 × 50 mm (W × H × D), 8.2 kg |
| Power Supply | 24 Vdc ±10%, 1,5 A max |
ATEX & IECEx Certifications: International Compliance
Certification Markings:
- ATEX:
Ex II 2(1) G Ex eb q [ia Ga] IIC T4 Gb
Ex II 2(1) D Ex tb [ia Da] IIIC T130°C Db IP66
TÜV CY 20 ATEX 0206397 - IECEx:
Ex eb q [ia Ga] IIC T4 Gb
Ex tb [ia Da] IIIC T130°C Db IP66
IECEx FIDI 21.0005
Why Dual Certification Matters
- ATEX Certification: Mandatory for deployment within EU member states.
- IECEx Certification: The global gold standard required for international projects and exports outside Europe.
- Integrated Ex-i Barriers (SIL3): Allows direct connection of pushbuttons and pilot lights without needing external isolators inside the control cabinet—saving panel space, wiring time, and engineering costs.
Mounting Options & Accessories
The Hexagon 10.1 Panel PC offers versatile field installation options:
- Panel Mount: Cutout dimensions 308×251.50 mm with rear mounting kit. Compatible with both Ex eb/Ex tb explosion-proof enclosures and non-certified standard cabinets.
- Control Station Integration: Fits inside the dedicated AISI 304 stainless steel enclosure (PCL-X-AMC) with integrated side handles.
- Support Arm / Pedestal Mount: Mountable via rotating joints in stainless steel or nickel-plated steel for ergonomic field operator access.
Optional Accessories: Indicator lights, pushbuttons, rotary switches, emergency stop buttons, industrial Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules, and custom OEM configurations.
Why Choose Logic Srl for Explosion-Proof HMIs?
Based in Italy (Travacò Siccomario, Pavia), Logic Srl has designed and certified process control systems for hazardous areas for over 40 years. Specializing in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors, our hands-on engineering background directly shapes our hardware design:
- Built-in Ex-i barriers to solve real-world field wiring complexity.
- Industrial-grade materials customized to withstand aggressive washdown and process conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an ATEX Panel PC explosion-proof? No. ATEX certification means the device will not cause an ignition (via sparks, high temperatures, or electric arcs) in explosive gas or dust environments. It prevents explosions rather than containing an internal blast.
What is the difference between Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22? Zone 1/21 covers areas where explosive atmospheres (gas or dust) are likely to occur during normal operations. Zone 2/22 applies to areas where explosive atmospheres are unlikely and brief. Devices certified for Zone 1/21 meet higher safety thresholds and can be used in Zone 2/22 areas.
Can the Hexagon PCL-X-10.1 be customized? Yes. Logic Srl offers tailored configurations, custom enclosure materials (including stainless steel), alternative mounting kits, and specialized I/O accessories.
To enable flexible and suitable installation, you can choose from the following accessories:
- Storage frame with handles
- Luminous Gem
- Button
- Emergency Mushroom
- Rotating joint (wall/panel)
- Bluetooth module
- Pedestal / “u” tube / “s” tube
Display: 10.1” LCD with optical bonding on special glass, 1,280×800 px resolution
Touch-screen: Capacitive and capacitive power button with power on LED
Base processor: Intel Atom® x6211E, RAM: 4 Gb, Hard disk: 64 Gb
Full processor: Intel Atom® x6425E, RAM: 8 Gb, SSD: 256 Gb
Operating System: Windows 10® IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019
Communication Interfaces: Standard: 1x LAN Gb Ex e, 1x USB Ex e, 1x RS-485 Ex
Option upon request: 2 x LAN 10/100Mbps Ex e, 2 x USB Ex e, Bluetooth/WiFi module
Integrated Ex i active barriers: 5 x D.I. for standard buttons (up to SIL3 dual channel) 2 x D.O. channels for non-Ex LEDs (5V, 15mA – Simple Apparatus)
Area of use: Ex Zone 1/21
ATEX Marking:
II 2(1) G Ex eb q [ia Ga] IIC T5…T4 Gb
II 2(1) D Ex tb [ia Da] IIIC T95°C…T130°C Db IP66
IECEx marking:
Ex eb q [ia Ga] IIC T5…T4 Gb
Ex tb [ia Da] IIIC T95°C…T130°C Db IP66
Mechanical Protection:
IP66 according to EN 60079-0, both front and rear.
Suitable for installation inside non-Ex enclosures or inside certified enclosures.
Ex eb / Ex tb
Materials: Anodized aluminum and glass (stainless steel frame on request)
Power supply: 24Vdc ±10%