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Focus on Sensors

| By Gerald Ondrey

Wireless transmitters save on level sensor installation

Reduce the cost and complexity of installing a silo inventory-management system using this company’s wireless-communication solutions. A simple point-to-point configuration eliminates the hassle and cost of running wires. Point-to-multipoint systems are easily scaled for more complex deployments using additional wireless units, base stations and wireless repeaters. Either setup can transmit up to a mile line-of-sight outdoors or 500 ft indoors. For easy point-to-point communication, the WR-30-TR wireless bridge uses two weatherproof units to transmit analog, Modbus or discrete data. For more complex applications, a custom point-to-multipoint system can be built using two or more WR-90-TR units in conjunction with a base station. Each base station accommodates up to 16 dual input/output expansion cards to transmit analog, digital or Modbus signals to a maximum of 32 WR-90-TR field units. — BinMaster, Lincoln, Neb.

www.binmaster.com

A new family of smart, wireless sensors/transmitters

Omega Engineering

The rugged long-range XW Series wireless sensor/transmitter system (photo) provides seamless connectivity across this company’s catalog of sensors. The wireless devices are designed for demanding industrial applications indoors and harsh outdoor environments. The electronics are protected in a rugged weatherproof NEMA 4 (IP65)-rated housing and are simple to set up using a standard USB cable in conjunction with free SYNC configuration software. A wide variety of compatible probes and sensors mate quickly and easily with robust M12 connectors. The XW series provides options for compatibility with both digital and analog sensor types. The XW-ED accepts a wide variety of smart digital probes and accommodates pulse and process inputs. The XW-EDA model supports a wide range of thermocouples, RTDs, and precision process inputs. “Pro” versions feature two additional configurable discrete inputs/outputs, which enable true edge control capability. — Omega Engineering, Norwalk, Conn.

www.omega.com

Sensor design solves wet-gas flow measurement problems

Fluid Components International

The new optional Wet Gas (WG) MASSter Sensor (photo) delivers accurate, repeatable gas-flow measurement in the presence of moisture and condensation droplets. Available with the Model ST80 Series flowmeters, this new WG sensor configuration features a mechanical design that shunts moisture, condensation and water droplets away from the thermal flow sensor, thus maintaining an accurate gas-flow measurement while minimizing errors that could occur due to a cooling effect on the sensor. The WG MASSter Sensor option can be used in applications that have either moisture entrained in the gas or for protection against down-the-pipe rain in larger, vertical stacks. The ST80 Series flowmeters with the WG MASSter Sensor option are suitable for pipe diameters from 1 to 99 in. (25 to 2,500 mm) and air/gas temperatures up to 850°F (454°C). They have an accuracy of±1% of reading,±0.5% of full scale and repeatability of±0.5% of reading with flowrates up to 1,000 ft3/s (305 Nm3/s) and 100:1 turndown. — Fluid Components International, San Marcos, Calif.

www.fluidcomponents.com

This ethanol sensor operates in explosion-proof zones

The EXP-SNR-TG-EC-ITS-ALG-E200explosion-proof ethanol sensor (photo) is configured to detect ethanol vapors at concentrations from 0 to 200 parts per million (ppm), for use in Class I, Division 1 hazardous locations. The electrochemical sensor includes an internal data logger that stores measured gas values, which can be viewed on the LCD screen or downloaded using the interface. Operators have the ability to calibrate, view data, set alarms and do other tasks with a magnetic tool, which eliminates the need to open the sensor enclosure. — Larson Electronics LLC, Kemp, Tex.

www.larsonelectronics.com

 

 

 

Avoid calibration inaccuracies with this calibrator

Ametek Sensors, Test & Calibration

Many processing plants within the pharmaceutical and food industries feature a wide range of short sanitary sensors that cause problems during calibration because of their shape and size. Because of this, these sensors necessitate calibration within an oil bath, which often introduces further problems. To avoid these difficulties, this company offers a portable calibration kit for use with its JOFRA RTC-156 dry-block calibrator (photo). Customized inserts and a reference sensor were developed specifically for this application. This kit features inserts that protrude above the well, providing surface-to-surface contact between the sensor and the insert. A port in the kit allows users to position a flexible reference sensor at the same depth as the sanitary sensor tip for more accurate and consistent results. If the penetration depth doesn’t allow for proper immersion, users can position the reference sensor from the bottom of the insert to the depth of the sanitary sensor. — Ametek Sensors, Test & Calibration, Alleroed, Denmark

www.ametekcalibration.com

Position sensors for hostile environments

NewTek Sensor Solutions

High-temperature LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) position sensors (photo) operate in applications with extreme temperature environments where other position-sensing technologies, such as encoders, magnetostrictive sensors and potentiometers, cannot survive. With standard a.c.-operated LVDTs available with temperature ratings up to 400°F (204°C) and custom linear position sensors available with temperature ratings up to 1,000°F (538°C), the company offers sensors in a range of temperature ranges that offer the highest reliability in challenging applications, such as chemical processes (valve position at petrochemical plants), material testing chambers (specimen position monitoring), power plants (steam valve positioning), downhole oil drilling (cutter orientation, wellbore case profiling and wire and cable line tension measurement) and jet engines (valve positioning near engine cores). — NewTek Sensor Solutions, Pennsauken, N.J.

www.newteksensors.com

Non-contact displacement sensor for extreme conditions

Kaman Precision Measuring Products

This company’s line of Extreme Environment high-precision displacement sensors and systems feature a rugged all-welded and hermetic construction. The sensors and systems are ideal for turbine-engine validation testing, and are also suitable for other applications that require high accuracy, high reliability and structural integrity, including nuclear reactors, steam and gas turbines, chemical processes and high-temperature processing. Three separate systems are available (photo), specifically designed for high-pressure, low-temperature and high-temperature conditions. The Extreme Environment sensors and systems work in operating temperatures ranging from –320 to 1,000°F (up to 1,200°F short term). Displacement systems withstand pressures up to 5,000 psi. Their dual-coil sensor design effectively minimizes temperature effects. — Kaman Precision Measuring Products, Middletown, Conn.

www.kamansensors.com

Sensors for low torque and high bandwidth measurements

Sensor Technology

The digital ORT 230/240 Series (photo) is a new optical rotary-torque sensor suitable for applications when the demand is for low torque or high bandwidth (or both), providing precise, dynamic measurement of rotary and static torque of less than 100 Nm and for bandwidths of up to 50 kHz. The ORT 230/240 devices replace the company’s E200 ORT series, benefiting from all-new electronics that deliver significant gains in resolution, frequency response, reduced sensor-current consumption and faster digital data throughput, says the company. The ORT 240 enables users to connect up to 10 transducers via USB, and transducer-configuration software allows users to make changes to transducer variables. — Sensor Technology Ltd., Wroxton, Banbury, U.K.

www.sensors.co.uk