ABB has launched the PFM 20 Ex, a dust monitoring device designed for hazardous and harsh industrial environments. The new system extends ABB’s industrial emission measurement portfolio and is designed to help operators monitor particulate emissions in areas where low-range detection and certified equipment are required.
The PFM 20 Ex provides a certified dust detection range down to 7.5 mg/m³ and meets ATEX Zone 22 certification requirements. The device is intended for industrial facilities that require continuous and reliable monitoring of dust concentrations in potentially explosive environments.
The launch expands ABB’s offering across industrial emission measurement, bringing continuous emission monitoring systems, dust and gas flow measurement and portable hydrocarbon detection under one portfolio. Customers can access these technologies through ABB, supported by its service network and digital tools.
“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, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “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.”
ABB’s industrial emission measurement portfolio includes continuous emission monitoring systems such as the ACF5000 and MCA 10 CEMS. Its particulate measurement range includes the PFM 20, PFM 13 and OPM 19 ED dust analysers, while the FMD 09 provides gas flow measurement.
The portfolio also includes portable Flame Ionization Detectors (FIDs) for real-time, on-site hydrocarbon detection. These solutions can be supported by remote and on-site services as well as flexible care agreements. ABB’s My Measurement Assistant+ (MMA+) provides additional digital support for measurement devices. The platform offers device health information, reports and documentation, along with AI-powered device-specific information and troubleshooting support.
The PFM 20 Ex builds on ABB’s acquisition of Födisch Group in 2024. The acquisition added measurement and analytical technologies from the German company and expanded ABB’s capabilities in particulate and gas flow measurement as well as portable hydrocarbon detection.
With the new device, ABB is extending its emission monitoring capabilities to hazardous industrial environments while offering customers access to a wider range of measurement technologies from a single supplier. ABB said the broader portfolio is intended to simplify technology selection, supplier coordination, deployment and ongoing support for operators managing emission measurement requirements across industrial facilities.
ABB’s Automation business provides automation, electrification and digitalisation technologies for process, hybrid and maritime industries. The business has around 26,000 employees and supports applications across energy, water, materials, manufacturing and transportation.
