Product category:
Proximity Sensors
News Release from: Positek | Subject: IS linear and rotary sensors
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 September 2000
IS linear or rotary sensors using
inductive method
Positek's novel PIPS inductive sensor technology can now be used to produce linear or rotary sensors with an Intrinsically Safe qualification from Sira
Positek's novel inductive sensor technology can now be used to produce linear or rotary sensors with an Intrinsically Safe qualification In an unusual situation Sira Certification Service has been able to provide Positek with the Intrinsically Safe qualification for an electronic system in any sensor produced using the PIPS (Positek Inductive Position Sensors) technology
Bob Cooper, Sira's General Manager, commented "Sira engineers adopted a flexible approach to achieve certification for the many varied mechanical variants of this product without imposing burdensome technical restrictions.
The standard PIPS electronic system only needed slight modification to meet the qualification requirements.
In addition Positek also received a most unusual occurrence of a zero non-compliance count on the ATEX quality system audit carried out by Sira."This means that Positek can produce a wide range of linear and rotary displacement sensors with the ATEX approval to II 1G EEx ia IIC T4 (Ta=-40C to +80C).
The product range includes sensors for both linear and rotary motion covering linear displacements up to 600mm and rotational movements up to 160deg.
Because the qualification is only restricted to the electronic circuit design the mechanical design of the sensor is flexible.
Therefore Positek can make custom designed products with the qualification as well as the standard products.
Each sensor produces a 0.5 to 4.5V signal which is transmitted to a barrier in the safe area.
The barrier is an amplified galvanically isolated type produced by Pepperl and Fuchs.
The barrier controls the maximum voltage and current levels supplied to the sensor and then produces an amplified 0 to 10 voltage or 4-20mA current signal for use in the remainder of the control and monitoring system.
The barrier and sensor are able to compensate for any voltage drops along cables between the sensor and the barrier up to 100m long.
The development of the sensors has involved close co-operation between Pepperl and Fuchs and Positek to ensure that the barrier and the sensor operate together and meet the Intrinsic Safety requirements.
Each sensor is qualified to II 1G EEx ia IIC T4 (Ta = -40C to +80C).
The qualification is suitable for applications where gases including Hydrogen and Acetylene are present and for ambient temperatures up to 80C without exceeding the T4 surface temperature rating of 135C.
The safety ratings of the sensors for voltage, current and power limits are 11.4V, 0.58A and 0.51W.
The standard range of sensors available from Positek includes the P500 and P502 rotary sensors for movements up to 160ø, P100 linear sensors for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder feedback, the long stroke P101 Series and the short travel P103 Series.
Positek's sensors provide an unique blend of performance, durability, ease of use and cost effectiveness.
The typical performance of the sensors is +/- 0.25% linearity with temperature stability of +/- 0.01%/degC.
Each sensor is supplied ready calibrated which saves installation time.
The sensors offer distinct advantages over other sensors such as LVDT's and offer improved durability and robustness compared with potentiometers.
The sensors are designed to survive the most hostile environments without the need for any additional protection.
Environmental protection is to a minimum of IP65.
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