ABB launches explosion-proof dust monitor for hazardous sites

Overview

Updated Sep 20

ABB is now selling a dust monitor built for explosive atmospheres. The PFM 20 Ex detects particle concentrations as low as 7.5 mg/m³ and meets ATEX Zone 22 rules, so it can run continuously where combustible dust may appear briefly.

The device closes the last gap in ABB's emission measurement portfolio. After buying Germany's Födisch Group in 2024, ABB now sells gas analyzers, dust and gas-flow monitors, and portable hydrocarbon detectors through one line — a single supplier for plant operators.

Why it matters

Combustible-dust sites now get certified continuous monitoring down to 7.5 mg/m³, giving incinerator and cement operators one supplier for full emission measurement.

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Key Indicators

7.5 mg/m³

Lowest certified dust detection range

PFM 20 Ex's minimum certified measuring range for continuous dust concentration monitoring.

Zone 22

ATEX hazardous-area classification

Approved for areas where combustible dust may form briefly during abnormal conditions.

Emission measurement categories in one portfolio

Continuous gas analysis, dust and gas-flow measurement, and portable hydrocarbon detection.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Jean-Rene Roy

Global Business Line Manager, ABB Measurement & Analytics

Leads ABB's emission measurement portfolio

Organizations Involved

ABB Ltd

Multinational technology company

Launched PFM 20 Ex; completed Födisch acquisition in 2024

Swiss-Swedish electrification and automation firm whose Measurement & Analytics division sells emission and process measurement equipment.

Födisch Group

Measurement and analytical equipment manufacturer

Acquired by ABB in 2024

German maker of dust measurement, gas-flow analysis, and portable hydrocarbon detection equipment.

Timeline

2024 September 2026

2 events Latest: September 19th, 2026 · 2 months ago

September 2026
ABB launches PFM 20 Ex explosion-proof dust monitor
Latest Product Launch

ATEX Zone 22-certified monitor detects dust down to 7.5 mg/m³ for continuous use in flues, ducts, and filtration systems at combustion and incineration plants.
September 19th, 2026
2024
ABB acquires Födisch Group
Acquisition

ABB absorbs Födisch's dust monitors, gas-flow analyzers, and portable hydrocarbon detectors into its Measurement & Analytics line.
2024

Scenarios

PFM 20 Ex Lands Named Reference Orders in Europe

Likely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Industry trade press (ENGtechnica, DigitalRefining) framing the launch as a portfolio-completion milestone

Waste-to-energy and cement operators, the primary buyers, take PFM 20 Ex units for filter monitoring and leak detection where ATEX ratings matter. ABB publishes named installations, confirming real demand beyond announcements.

EU Tightens Dust Rules, Expanding Explosion-Proof Monitoring Demand

Possible Resolves by End of 2028

Discussed by: Regulatory analysts tracking revisions to the Industrial Emissions Directive

A revised EU directive or new best-available-techniques reference document lowers dust emission limits at combustion plants, pushing more facilities below the thresholds they must certify down to. Demand for low-range ATEX-rated monitors rises across the bloc.

Rivals Counter, ABB Gains Little Hazardous-Dust Share

Possible Resolves by Q1 2028

Discussed by: Competitive analysts at emissions instrument vendors

Dust monitor specialists already strong in hazardous areas release comparable ATEX Zone 22 products, and ABB publishes no PFM 20 Ex order figures within 18 months. The portfolio completes on paper but captures limited real market share in the segment.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1994 and 2014

EU ATEX directive (1994, revised 2014)

The EU adopted 94/9/EC, later replaced by 2014/34/EU, harmonizing safety rules for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. The framework created zone classifications: Zones 0/1/2 for gases, Zones 20/21/22 for dust.

Then

Equipment makers sought certification to sell across the single market.

Now

Zone 22 became the standard clearance for dust-prone industrial areas, creating a distinct market for certified monitors.

Why this matters now

The PFM 20 Ex exists because this regulatory framework makes ATEX Zone 22 certification a requirement for continuous monitoring in areas where combustible dust may appear.

1976

Emerson acquires Rosemount (1976)

Emerson Electric bought Rosemount, an instrument maker, and turned it into the core of a dominant measurement franchise rather than building the technology in-house.

Then

Emerson gained a proven product line and engineering team overnight.

Now

The pattern of acquiring established instrument makers became a standard route to portfolio expansion in process measurement.

Why this matters now

ABB's 2024 Födisch purchase follows the same playbook: buy proven measurement technology, then extend it into new segments like explosion-proof dust monitoring.

2010

EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010)

The EU set binding emission limits and best-available-techniques requirements for large combustion and incineration plants, including continuous dust measurement obligations.

Then

Plant operators had to install certified continuous emission monitoring systems to stay compliant.

Now

The directive created sustained demand for sensitive, certified dust monitors at incinerators and combustion facilities across Europe.

Why this matters now

That regulatory demand is the market the PFM 20 Ex serves, and future tightening of dust limits is the main upside scenario for ABB's new device.