Rugged smartphone manufacturer Handheld Group has announced the release of its first intrinsically safe model, a special version of the Nautiz X1 handheld computer, in collaboration with Mining Consultancy Services (MCS).
The ‘intrinsically safe’ rating is for electrical equipment that will be operated in environments where flammable gas or dust will be present. The rating means that the amount of electricity and heat available for ignition is limited, so no spark can escape.
“This version of the Nautiz X1 is designed specifically for the intrinsically safe market, so now users in the mining, chemical plant, oil and gas, and asset and facility management markets can safely collect data where potentially explosive gases, liquids or vapors may appear,” Handheld Group director of product management Johan Hed says.
“Over time we’ve seen an increase in demand from these segments of the market, and we’re very pleased with our collaboration with MCS and that together we can introduce the Nautiz X1 to this audience.”
The Nautiz X1 comes with a 4″ sunlight-readable touchscreen and runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. The unit is powered by a Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 1GHz dual-core processor, meaning operators don’t have to sacrifice performance for ruggedness.
“Historically, mobile computers for use in hazardous environments have been large and heavy with limited functionality, forcing users to make significant tradeoffs,” MCS CEO Chris Wilkinson says.
“With the Nautiz X1 intrinsically safe version, this is no longer the case. With the combination of our expertise in hazardous areas and Handheld’s experience in building ultra-rugged mobile computers that also feel good in the user’s hand, we believe our customers will truly be getting the best of two worlds.”
The Nautiz X1 is rated for operation in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees and is also rated to US military standard MIL-STD-810G for vibration and operation in dust and humidity.