Gefran's new RK series position transducer uses a contactless magnetostrictive linear sensor for accurate and reliable displacement measurement in hydraulic actuators. The RK series is designed for OEM use within the hydraulic cylinder, typically for monitoring and control in mobile applications such as earth moving, agricultural and mining equipment.
Suitable for cylinder stroke lengths from 50-4000mm, the compact sensor has a 10mm diameter probe with a compact, versatile head arrangement that is said to be smaller than any other currently available on the market. External connection to the head is via an IP67 cable connection, up to 50m long, providing a straightforward analogue output of displacement, with an a claimed industry-leading linearity and accuracy of better than 0.02 per cent of full scale.
The robust and durable transducer relies on the interaction between a magnet on the moving piston and the magnetostrictive transducer rod element. This enables a non-contact, solid-state position measurement that is not subject to mechanical wear, tolerates working temperatures up to 90degC, with 20 'g' vibration and 100 'g' shock resistance, and is sealed against the hydraulic environment for working pressures up to 700bar.
RK series transducers provide a direct analogue voltage output (0-10V) proportional to position using a standard 18-30V DC power supply: optionally available, a 12V unit provides an analogue 0-5V output. The magnetostrictive timing pulses from the transducer can also be monitored by the Gefran EK series remote electronics module. This module offers CANopen and other digital interfaces, transmitting digital position and speed information (up to 10m/s) to the equipment control system. The EK series modules are also capable of monitoring the position of two or more magnets operating on the same magnetostrictive transducer rod element, if required.
For more information about Gefran's magnetostrictive sensors,go to www.gefran.it/en/categories/category_79.aspx.
