MTS Sensors Improves Linear-Position Sensor Vibration Tolerance
CARY, N.C. – MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division has further improved the design of its Temposonics linear-position sensors to increase the sensors’ longevity in high-vibration applications like those in the wood industry. The High Vibration Resistance option (HVR) increases the vibration tolerance from 15g to 30g (10-2000 Hz) in MTS’ R-Series Analog, R-Series SSI, and G-Series sensors, and further increases the longevity of the sensors. These developments, in addition to the rugged durability of their non-contact magnetostrictive technology, make MTS’ Temposonics linear-position sensors ideal for wood industry applications including all types of sawmill machinery, plywood and veneer equipment, portable mills and tree harvesting and processing attachments.
The wood industry requires a wide range of machinery that must operate under harsh conditions while providing accurate performance. Downtime and lost productivity are expensive, and linear-position sensors are critical components in maintaining an efficient operation.
The robustness and reliability of MTS Temposonics R-Series and G-Series linear-position sensors can greatly reduce maintenance costs, and quite often, can be used to extend the life of older machines. R-Series and G-Series linear position sensors provide a cost-effective solution for applications that demand tough, low-maintenance position sensors that ensure accuracy and production efficiency.
MTS’ Temposonics linear-position sensors employ non-contact, magnetostrictive sensing technology, which, by eliminating wear, provide users with much higher durability and output reliability than other technologies such as potentiometers or optical encoders.
The changes made to MTS’ Temposonics R- and G-Series linear-position sensors are designed to increase the longevity of the sensors’ High Vibration Resistance (HVR) option, which doubles the prior vibration resistance of 15g. The improved linear-position sensors can survive impact forces of 100g and continuous vibration of up to 30g (from 10-2000 Hz), which significantly increases their longevity, especially in harsh environments and high-vibration applications.
MTS’ R-Series sensors are rugged, industrial sensors that provide absolute, linear-position measurement with high-performance output protocols. With linearity down to +/- 20 microns or better, resolution of 1 micron, and repeatability within 0.001%, these sensors are ideal for applications that require accuracy, reliability, and consistency.
G-Series sensors are rugged, industrial sensors that provide highly accurate measurements in either analog or digital outputs, offer enhanced diagnostics and programming capabilities, and are designed for backwards compatibility with legacy Temposonics products.
Both series are easy to install and are preset with individual parameters according to order specifications to avoid time-consuming on-site calibration.
MTS Systems Corp
www.mtssensors.com
Laser Sensor Can Measure Displacement 2 Meters From Sensor
Measurement technology company Micro-Epsilon has launched a new laser sensor with a 1m measuring range. The optoNCDT 1710-1000 sensor has a measuring range that starts from a distance of one metre from the sensor, so displacement can be measured at a distance of 2m from the sensor. The sensor comes with an integrated controller in a compact 200mm x 83mm x 48mm housing. The diameter of the light spot is constant across the complete beam path. With a measuring rate of 2.5kHz, the sensor is technically superior to existing alternative sensors on the market, providing 100µm resolution without averaging. 4-20 mA, 0-10V, RS422 or USB outputs are available.
The optoNCDT 1710-1000 is used for measurement objects that have a high degree of freedom or movement. Other potential applications are in harsh ambient conditions, where the sensor has to measure onto the object from a safe distance or if the target is in a vacuum. The sensor also performs very well in high target temperatures or when it is not possible to mount the sensor close to the target. Like all other models in the 1700 series, the optoNCDT 1710-1000 also benefits from a unique RTSC circuit for the real-time compensation of surface influences. This means that a high quality signal is obtained even when changing reflections occur from the target surface.
Fluid Sensor Ideal For Medical Applications
Providing medical design engineers with a cost-effective alternative to ultrasonic sensors, TT electronics OPTEK Technology’s OCB350 fluid sensor features automatic calibration circuitry and is available with multiple output states including “fluid present,” “no fluid present,” and “no tube present.” The sensor is ideal for medical applications including monitoring fluid or air presence in tubing for infusion and transfusion pumps where fluids of different optical densities are used.
Designers can initiate the calibration procedure at any time by grounding the J1-pin-4, which allows the device to be remotely calibrated and then mounted in the equipment. When the system calibrates the sensor, it raises the current through the LED from 0mA to 14mA, until the phototransistor reaches the preset point.
The OCB350 Series sensor consists of an infrared LED and phototransistor packaged in an opaque plastic housing that enhances ambient light rejection. The housing features an opening designed to accommodate clear tubing with outer diameters of 0.0625” (1.6mm), 0.125” (3.2mm) or 0.1875” (4.8mm). The presence of clear liquid causes the phototransistor to sink the maximum current, while the presence of dark liquid causes it to sink the minimum current. As bubbles pass through the tube, the signal will vary between the “liquid present” and “no liquid” states. If no tube is present, the phototransistor sinks current between the dark fluid and clear fluid states.
The infrared LED features a forward DC current of 50mA with a peak current of 1.0A. Reverse DC voltage is 2.0V and power dissipation is 100mW. The output phototransistor features a maximum collector-emitter voltage of 24V or 30V, with collector DC current of 50mA and power dissipation to 100mW. Operating temperature range is from -40ºC to +85ºC.
Typical pricing for the OCB350 Series fluid sensor is $13.15 each in quantities of 1k pieces. Lead time, if stock is not available, is from 6 to 8 weeks.
Breakaway connectors Allows For A Quick Disconnect
March 8, 2010 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
ITT Interconnect Solutions offers a line of breakaway connectors. The Nemesis Series and MKJ Series breakaway connectors incorporate a simple push/pull mating mechanism to engage and disengage the connector systems. The coupling mechanism utilizes a canted spring design, which allows for a quick disconnect and ratings of more than 5000 cycles.
The breakaway connectors also feature ITT’s spring probe pin/pad contact system. The contact design utilizes an internal clip mechanism that stays in constant contact with the contact itself, helping to reduce electrical contact resistance. Additionally, the spring probe contact system accommodates misalignment issues, making the contact system much more forgiving.
The spring probe system allows the connector receptacle to house individual touch pad contact areas, providing a highly effective electrical engagement point of contact. Further, the spring probe contact system and touch pads allow for ease of cleanability in the field, where dirt, moisture, mud, sand, and other contaminants may be present. The individual touch pad contacts contain no crevices for contaminants to accumulate.
The Nemesis Series sealed, lightweight, miniature connectors are resistant to salt spray for more than 500 hours, measure less than 15mm in diameter, and have an anti-reflecting coat. Maximum current rating for the Nemesis WT connectors is 3A and voltage rating is 200VAC RMS at sea level. Minimum insulation resistance is 5000MΩ, and maximum contact resistance is 8mΩ. Operating temperature ranges from -40°C to +100°C. Life span is to 2500 cycles.
The MKJ Series miniature, circular connectors are available with a variety of mounting options for both crimp and PC board contacts, including in-line, jam nut, front mount, square flange mount and flange mount. The connectors are up to 71% lighter and 52% smaller than comparable devices, and feature size 23 pin-and-socket contacts that have the equivalent electrical performance of size 22 contacts. Dielectric withstanding voltage at sea level is 500VAC RMS, 60Hz. Operating temperature ranges from -55°C to +150°C.
Typical pricing for the Nemesis breakaway connectors is approximately $90.00 per mated pair for 1,000 sets. The breakaway connectors will be available in Q2 2010.
Photoelectric Sensor Includes Suppression Sensors
March 8, 2010 by admin
Filed under Featured, Image, Photoelectric
Users looking to standardize on a mid-sized block style photoelectric sensor need to search no further than the BOS 23K sensor family from Balluff. Featuring the conventional sensing modes of diffuse, retro-reflective, and thru-beam, the BOS 23K also includes background suppression sensors, thus making it suitable as a “go-to” family for all of your sensing needs.
- Long sensing ranges for extended sensing ability
- Accurate switching performance for precise positioning tasks
- Highly visible red light for easy alignment
- At-a-glance status indication LEDs, viewable from all sides
- Two mounting options – holes or dovetail – for flexible sensor placement
- Impact-resistant ABS housing with rotating connector suitable for many applications
Ideal for use in material handling and conveying applications, the BOS 23K photoelectric block sensor provides a great combination of high accuracy and long sensing range at a reasonable price. In a typical application for example, two BOS 23K diffuse sensors with background suppression are able to monitor different colored totes as they travel from one production station to another without false triggering on the background.
TURCK Linear position Sensors Replace Magnetostrictive and Potentiometer Devices
Minneapolis, MN — TURCK’s new LI-Q25 series linear position sensors replace magnetostrictive and potentiometer devices to deliver precise, repeatable measurements in metal processing machines, rolling mills or injection molding machines. Unlike magnetostrictive or magnetic inductive position sensors, LI-Q25 sensors do not require a magnetic positioning device; thus, they are unaffected by metal debris. The sensors provide up to 1 µm resolution and can achieve measuring ranges between 100 and 1,000 mm with analog voltage/current, SSI or I/O Link outputs.
The linear position sensors use emitter and receiver coil systems, precisely arranged on a printed circuit board, that are activated with a high frequency AC field and produce an inductive RLC circuit with the positioning element (resonator). As a result, the resonator is inductively coupled with the receiver coils. Different voltages are induced into the coils depending on the position of the resonator, and these voltages serve as a measure for the sensor signal.
To increase the speed and accuracy of measurement, LI-Q25 series linear position sensors have a coarse and a fine measuring coil system that is microprocessor controlled. An integrated processor provides an output signal in different formats: 0 to 10 V, 4 to 20 mA, IO-Link or SSI.
The linear position sensors have extremely short blind zones of only 29 mm on each side, along with a wide temperature range of -25 to 70°C. The sensors may also be programmed for different measuring ranges.
TURCK
www.turck.us
Pressure Sensors Built For Industrial Use
Bestech Australia has released the AST4000 industrial grade pressure sensors for a range of applications.
With a one-piece stainless steel sensing element, the sensor is used in rugged environments where a high cycle life and media compatibility.
The sensor features a wide operating temperature range, is compatible with a range of liquids and gases, has no oil, welds or internal O-rings and ranges up to 10 000 psi.
It is designed for use in water management, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, HVAC equipment and for industrial OEM equipment.
The pressure sensor’s accuracy is below ±0.5% and it has an environmental protection rating of IP-66.
The analog outputs include 4-20 mA, 1-5/1-6 VDC, 0-50 mV and 0.5 to 4.5 ratiometric.
The AST4000 comes with a variety of threads, pressure ranges, outputs and electrical connections in order to make system integration seamless.
Split-Core Coils Sensor Suitable For Use In Class 1 Power Devices
March 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
LEM has introduced the first of its AC current sensor families based on Perfect Loop Technology. After calibration, the new RT series achieves absolute accuracy of better than 0,65% – including position error – making them the first split-core Rogowski coils to be suitable for use in Class 1 power devices.
An imperfect coil structure induces an unbalanced geometry and increases sensitivity to the position of the measured conductor within the sensor, or to the proximity of external electric cables. The RT series of sensors overcomes the problem of asymmetry resulting from the discontinuity at the sensor opening, which is inherent in conventional split-core Rogowski coils. LEM engineers have invented a unique magnetic coupling technology that allows a perfect extension of the magnetic flux at the loop opening, which compensates for coil asymmetry.
The thin, light and flexible format of the RT sensors allows them to fit into applications in which traditional current transformers are typically too heavy and bulky, especially when measuring high currents. Their split-core construction allows them to be easily wrapped around the conductor without dismantling cables or shutting down operation. The benchmark accuracy of RT series sensors provides enhanced performance in current and power monitors as well as energy meters.
Sensor Measures Dissolved Nitrate In Water
March 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Level, Liquid Level, Safety, Temperature
Featuring a precision nitrate ISE electrode sensor with an integral self-cleaning sprayer, the new HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System from Electro-Chemical Devices, Inc. (ECD), offers superior measurement, monitoring and control with virtually no maintenance.
The highly intelligent HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System measures the concentration of dissolved nitrate as nitrogen (NO3–N) in water. The sensor uses two electrodes to determine the NO3–N concentration: a nitrate ion electrode and a chloride ion electrode. An optional electrode is also available for pH measurement.
The system’s HYDRA Analyzer is configured to periodically actuate a cleaning cycle using the integral spray cleaner in the nitrate sensor, minimizing the formation of biofilms or other coatings on the electrodes and keeping maintenance to a minimum. The cleaning cycles feature a user configurable period and duration. During the cleaning cycle the 4-20 mA output is held at either a preset value or the last value.
While useful in all types of water treatment applications, the HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System is especially well suited for municipal wastewater treatment plants. Nitrogen primarily enters a municipal wastewater system as ammonia/ammonium compounds. Nitrification oxidizes the toxic ammonium ion into a much less toxic nitrate ion using an aerobic activated sludge process.
De-nitrification reduces the nitrate ion (NO3-) to nitrogen gas (N2) through an anoxic reaction in the same treatment basin or in a separate anaerobic digester. The NO3–N measurement helps optimize the methanol being fed to the digester, which minimizes cost and provides trend measurement of the total nitrogen (TN) in the effluent.
The nitrate ion electrode provides the primary measurement. A second electrode measures the Chloride ions in the sample. The HYDRA Analyzer subtracts the appropriate amount of signal from the nitrate measurement for accurate monitoring. The sensor also detects temperature, and the analyzer provides a temperature-compensation calculation for superior measurement accuracy.
The rugged nitrate sensor offers 1.25-inch NPT rear facing threads for attaching an extension/immersion tube for easy installation from catwalks or handrails. Internal signal conditioning allows the sensor to be mounted up to 200 meters from the analyzer. The sensor is extremely low-maintenance, featuring a movable electrode guard to facilitate easy electrode replacement when necessary.
ECD’s HYDRA Nitrate Analyzer System measures nitrate and chloride in concentrations from 0.1 to 1000 ppm, pH from 0 to 14 and temperature from 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F). Accuracy is ±3 percent of reading with a response time of T90 1 minute.
Featuring a backlit LCD display that provides up to 4 lines of text and graphics, the HYDRA Analyzer includes two 4-20 mA outputs with two SPDT alarm relays. Input power is 110/220 Vac. It is housed in a rugged NEMA 4X enclosure.
AST Updates CE Approval For Its Pressure Sensor
American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has updated and expanded its CE approval for its pressure sensor, transducer, transmitter and switch product families. AST products with the CE logo conform to EMC Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Tested by the independent laboratory, TUV Rheinland in Newton, CT, each product was evaluated for performance against radiated emissions, electrostatic discharge (ESD), radiated immunity, electrical fast transient (EFT), surge immunity, conducted immunity, and power frequency magnetic field immunity.
Products were tested and approved to the following standards:
| EN61326-1:2006 | EN61326-2-3:2006 | EN61000-6-1:2007 | EN61000-6-3:2007 | EN55011:2007+A2:2007 & FCC Part 15 , ICES-003 | EN55011:2007+A2:2007 & FCC Part 15 (Radiated Emissions) |
| EN61000-4-2:1995 + A1:1999 +A2:2001 | EN61000-4-3:2006 | EN61000-4-4:2004 | EN61000-4-5:2005 | EN6100-4-6:2007 | EN61000-4-8:1993 + A1:2001 |
Products approved to the new standards include:
AST2000, AST20HA, AST4000, AST4200, AST4300, AST43LP, AST4310, AST4400, AST44LP, AST4410, AST4500, AST4510, AST4520, AST4600, AST46HA, AST4700, AST4710, AST47LP, AST47HP, AST47SM, AST4900, Model1000 and Model5000.
