Posted to News on 23rd Nov 2020, 08:58
Machinery protection – the next level?
The ability for plant engineers and machine managers to identify abnormal conditions and manage the dynamic behaviour of rotating equipment remains vital
With this in mind machine monitoring specialists SENSONICS has continued to develop and refine its well established Sentry G3 machinery protection system. It provides protection combined with flexibility of hardware in a single, straightforward module type for all sensors.
Advanced features include vibration, position and speed parameter trending facilities, including log and view of up to 60 days of data, ‘look back’ at trends and alarms, plus download data for further analysis in Excel. It is also now possible to directly view proximity probe gap and vibration transducer bias voltages, to verify correct transducer operation and calibration. The Sentry G3 single module concept is claimed to minimise the need for spares holdings also help reduce ongoing maintenance costs. Further, SENSONICS says that it also lowers the risk in retrofitting applications where the need to interface monitoring systems quickly and correctly with previously installed sensors is key. The system is fully software programmable and upgradable to ensure adaptability as application requirements change. It’s also easy to expand, says the company, by simply by adding additional G3 monitors.
The system is stated to offer good channel density with up to 24 measurement channels housed in a compact 3U x 19” rack mounted format which can halve the space needed on existing installations. Multiple outputs are available on the back of the rack for up to 3 alarm levels and 2 analogue outputs per channel. Dual redundant Modbus communications to a module level provide a robust communication system, while the in-built LCD display offers readings, sensor integrity voltages, trending and FFT, all important features which confirm the accuracy of the installation.
SENSONICS says that the system is compliant to API 670 and therefore meets the most stringent protection requirements as well as meeting IEC 61508 up to SIL-3 standards. In summary, Sentry G3 is stated to provide state-of-the-art, flexible, easy-to-install and maintain space-saving protection for the following modes:
Measurement: Absolute bearing and relative shaft vibration, displacement and thrust position, speed, phase and reverse rotation, differential and casing expansion, rod drop and temperature.
Turbine specialist measurement: Shaft eccentricity, order tracking, dynamic pressure and mark-space differential expansion.
