Summer Discount for Pressurex® Sensor Film
MADISON, N.J. – To spur research and development efforts, Sensor Products Inc. is offering a 10% discount on its versatile Pressurex® pressure-indicating sensor film during this summer. Over the past decade, hundreds of White Papers have been written using the sensor film. Pressurex ® measures surface contact pressures between 2 — 43,200 PSI (0.14 – 3,000 g/cm2). The 10% discount is available to researchers until November 30, 2010. To receive the discount, researchers must order the film during the registration period and work for an accredited academic institution. A complimentary sample may be obtained by contacting Sensor Products Inc. at 1.973.884.1755 (USA), emailing info@sensorprod.com, or visiting www.sensorprod.com/sample.
Pressurex® reveals pressure distribution and magnitude between mating or impacting surfaces. When placed in the interface, the film changes color in direct proportion to the actual pressure applied. The result is an instantaneous and permanent “topographical” image of pressure magnitude and distribution across the contact area. Precise pressure magnitude is easily determined by comparing color variation results to a color correlation chart (conceptually similar to interpreting Litmus paper).
The film is routinely used to trouble shoot assembly problems, aid in research and design, and reveal defects during quality control. It is flexible, conforming to curved as well as straight surfaces and can be hand or laser cut to virtually any size or dimension. New applications for Pressurex® are being discovered daily. Common applications include contact pressure measurement of nip rollers, gasket and bolted joint interfaces, connectors, heat sealers, heat sinks, biomechanics, lamination, wafer polishing and bonding, composite lay up, and plastic molding, to name just a few.
About Sensor Products Inc.
www.sensorprod.com
Making Sensor Classifications Easy
July 23, 2010 by admin
Filed under Frank Talk
In this Frank Talk About Sensors, Randy Frank discusses different ways of classifying sensors including the Sensor TiPS approach.
Low Pressure Sensing Chip uses Advanced MEMS Technology
July 7, 2010 by admin
Filed under Frank Talk
Welcome to Frank Talk about Sensors. I’m Randy Frank and today I’m talking to Tim Shotter, director of new products at All Sensors, a leading supplier of MEMS-based pressure sensors and systems. Tim, welcome back to Frank Talk About Sensors.
RotorFlow® Sensors Combine Continuous Fluid Flow Sensing with Visual Indication
Plainville, CT – Gems Sensors & Controls introduces the RFO type of the RotorFlow Series of fluid flow sensors. RFO stands for “RotorFlow Output”, and is designed for flow rate monitoring or metering applications. RotorFlow RFO type sensors provide a pulsed DC voltage output that is proportional to the rate of flow. The 4.5 to 24VDC pulsed output is easily integrated into most digital logic units. What makes RotorFlow sensors unique is the highly visible paddlewheel that provides verification at a glance to confirm that fluids are moving. Typical applications for RotorFlow RFO type sensors include water purification, dispensing systems, chemical metering, laser and welders, semiconductor processing, water injection systems, and chillers and heat exchangers.
As liquid passes through the RotorFlow RFO body, a magnetic rotor spins at a rate proportional to flow. The magnetic fields turning with the rotor excite a static Hall Effect sensor, located in the body, and generate a series of voltage pulses. The output pulse voltage is equivalent to input (4.5 – 24 VDC), with a frequency proportional to the flow rate. Digital rate meters, totalizers, and other electronic controllers then utilize the output signal. A subset of the RFO type RotorFlow sensors is the RFA Type. These use the same operating principle, but instead of outputting a voltage pulse they are conditioned to provide an analog output signal of 0-10 VDC.
RotorFlow sensors are offered in ¼” to 1” port sizes, and monitor fluids with flow rates ranging from 0.1 GPM to 60 GPM (0.4 LPM to 227 LPM). Accuracy is dependent on model and flow range selected, and is typically within ±7%. RotorFlow sensors combine their high visibility rotors with solid-state electronics that are packaged into compact, panel mountable housings. Housing bodies are available in brass, stainless steel or polypropylene. Brass and SS bodies provide operating pressures (@ 70°F/21°C) to 200 psig (13.8 bar), while polypropylene allows 100 psig (6.9 bar). Maximum media temperature for polypropylene models is 180°F (82°C), and with brass or SS bodies is 212°F (100°C).
Gems Sensors & Controls
www.GemsSensors.com
Randy Frank discusses “thinking outside the chip”
July 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Frank Talk
Welcome to another Frank Talk about Sensors. I’m Randy Frank and today I’m talking to Roger Grace. Roger is the president of Roger Grace Associates, a technical marketing consultancy that is deeply involved with microelectromechanical systems or MEMS technology, which his based on semiconductor processes and designs.
Slim Line Magnetostrictive Sensors from ASM
ASM launches the new PCFP25 series of slim line Magnetostrictive sensors to compliment the existing “POSICHRON®” range. The PCFP25 is a slim, non-contact linear position sensor using Magnetostrictive sensing technology which has been specifically designed for harsh applications with limited space. With a profile of only 8mm x 28mm it can fit into areas that were previously inaccessible.
The PCFP25 is an industrial grade sensor which has been designed to be maintenance free due to the non-contact Magnetostrictive sensing technology which is also highly resistant to shocks and vibration. Due to the very small profile of the sensors they can also be used for safety critical applications where two PCFP25 units can be mounted together, either vertically or horizontally to provide two totally independent redundant outputs.
POSICHRON® represents a complete family of non-contact linear position sensors and the addition of the new PCFP25 extends the application ranges to areas with limited access or that are safety critical. This series of sensors offer a range of absolute analogue outputs of 0-10VDC and 4-20mA as well as CAN-bus versions and can be supplied in stroke lengths from 100mm to 5500mm in increments of 10mm.
ASM UK
www.asm-sensor.co.uk
ASM Introduces Compact MEMS Inclinometer for OEM Applications
June 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under Inclinometer, Level
ASM introduces its smallest addition to the POSITILT® inclinometer series that is available in single and dual axis versions. By using MEMS technology, this new inclinometer PTAM20 series is packaged into a very compact, flat housing making it ideally suited for OEM applications. The measurement range for the single axis version is available from +/- 15° to +/- 180°, in increments of 15°. For the dual axis version, the measurement range is available from +/- 15° to +/- 60°, in increments of 15°.
Due to its small size of 7mm in height and 48 mm in diameter, the PTAM20 series inclinometer has been designed to fit into the tightest locations in OEM applications. The enclosure is rated IP60 which is suitable for many instrumentation functions.
The maximum measurement range for the single axis version is +/- 180° and +/- 60° for each axis in the dual axis version. Each version is available with smaller ranges in +/- 15° increments. Several analogue output types are available: 0.5-4.5 V, 0.5-10 V and 4-20 mA.
The resolution is 0.05° and the linearity is up to +/- 0.5°. Each version offers high shock resistance.
ASM UK
www.asm-sensor.co.uk
Scott D. Seehawer Named President of TRI-TRONICS
May 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under Image, Photoelectric
TRI-TRONICS COMPANY, INC. Since 1995, he has held the positions of Electrical Engineer, Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, and most recently Senior VP of Operations.
Seehawer is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Enginneering and also graduated with honors from their MBA program. He holds several patents through the TRI-TRONICS Company.
TRI-TRONICS Company
www.tritronics.com
Servo Inclinometers Have IP64 Environmentally Sealed Housing
May 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under Inclinometer
Sherborne Sensors announced the North American market introduction of the LSI series, a family of cost-effective, rugged, closed loop gravity referenced servo inclinometers. The LSI series is specially designed to withstand severe shock and vibration inputs, for precision measurement capabilities in even the most demanding of environments.
The LSI series incorporates a unique, flexure-supported torque balancing system, which is rugged enough to withstand shock inputs of 1500 g, yet still provides excellent accuracy and repeatability over a wide operating temperature range. For added durability, sensor components and associated electronics are contained within IP64 environmentally sealed housing. Units are available in ranges of ±14.5°, ±30° and ±90°, and offer a high level, 5-Volt analog DC-output signal, proportional to sine of the angle of tilt. LSI series models are fully self-contained, and are able to connect to a DC power source and a readout or control device, to form a complete operating system. These robust units are ideal for use in civil engineering, structural monitoring, geophysical and seismic studies, machinery and structural alignment, pipeline leveling, crane safety and satellite antenna leveling applications, among others. Recommended accessories include bi-polar power supplies and the new DTI series digital panel indicator, which allows a user to read outputs directly in degrees. All are available from Sherborne Sensors.
Flow Sensor From PKP Built for Low-Viscosity Liquids
PKP Process Instruments, A manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of process instrumentation introduced its model DR05 Flow Meter.
Model DR05 paddle-wheel flow sensors are used wherever the flow of liquids having low viscosities must be reliably and economically measured, including but by no means limited to, cooling systems, demineralized water and aggressive/caustic liquids in the chemical industry.
The DR05 paddle-wheel flow sensor measures the flow of water and substances similar to water. The flow sensor consists of a section of polypropylene pipe fitted with a paddlewheel. The paddle wheel, which extends into the area of flow, is set into rotation by the flowing liquid. The rotary motion is detected by a Hall sensor and output as a series of pulses. The output frequency of these pulses is directly proportional to the flow rate. Alternatively, the pulsed output can be converted into an analog signal (4 to 20 mA) or into two limit contacts by optional integrated electronics. DR05 paddle wheel flow sensors are made completely of plastic; they have no metal parts. Wetted materials include a PP housing, ECTFE rotor and ceramic axels and bearings. Viton seals are standard (EPDM optional).
These devices are available for pipe sizes of 1″ to 2″ with turndown ratios of up to 50:1.
