Micro-Epsilon at Instrumentation Scotland & Offshore Systems

Micro-Epsilon's wireSENSOR range of draw-wire (string pot) displacement sensors uses three main measurement methods: a multi-turn potentiometer, an incremental encoder or an absolute encoder. One of these devices is mounted onto the drum axle, converting the rotary motion of the drum into a signal that can be evaluated. The measured displacement can be output as an analogue current, voltage or potentiometric signal. For a digital output, there is a choice of HTL or TTL, with interfaces for most of the common fieldbus systems, including CANopen, SSI and Profibus.

As with traditional tape measures, the wireSENSOR series is capable of measuring around corners and edges. Micro-Epsilon supplies pulleys that deflect the steel wire in the desired direction. The sensors cover a measuring range from 50mm to 50m. Options are available for harsh environments (including subsea), with an IP67 version available.

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon (UK), comments: "Our draw-wire sensors are being used in a wide range of applications, from general industrial machinery and scissor lifts, through to more specific uses such as pneumatic and hydraulic systems, forklift trucks and subsea oil and gas systems. Our wireSENSOR range is very popular with machine builders and OEMs who require low-cost, robust, reliable sensing solutions that can be easily integrated into their customer's existing machine, components or control and automation systems."

Eddy current sensors

Visitors to Micro-Epsilon's stand will also be able to see the company's new range of ECT (Embedded Coil Technology) sensors. ECT is described as a breakthrough in eddy current sensor design and manufacture that is claimed to overcome the previous limitations of using eddy current sensors.

Due to its ultra-compact design and construction using new inorganic materials, the eddyNCDT ECT sensors provide almost unlimited scope in terms of the external design and geometrical shape of the sensor. This means that sensors can be adapted for almost any use, including subsea, oil and gas applications.

Micro-Epsilon's eddyNCDT ECT sensors offer extreme mechanical robustness, resulting in longer service intervals and improved temperature stability. The electronics are integrated into the sensor itself, saving space for OEMs and machine builders. The sensors are suitable for harsh environments, including high vibration, impact shocks, high pressure/vacuum, and high operating temperatures up to 350degC. Sensors have also been produced with extremely low thermal drift and with temperature errors of less than 20ppm/K.

Non-contact temperature measurement

As well as displacement sensors, Micro-Epsilon will also be showcasing a range of non-contact temperature measurement products, including thermal imaging cameras and inline process temperature sensors.

After recently setting up a partnership agreement with Flir Systems UK, a leading supplier of infrared thermography systems, Micro-Epsilon is now able to offer the thermoIMAGER i series of handheld thermal imaging cameras, as well as its own inline process temperature sensors.

For more information on Micro-Epsilon's range of sensors, or to see a product demonstration, visit stand 703 at Instrumentation Scotland & Offshore Systems 2010 or contact the sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, go to www.micro-epsilon.co.uk.