Torqsense RWT 330/340 features compact sensor head

As more applications are found for Torqsense, a number of popular requests have been noted, as Tony Ingham of Sensor Technology explains: "At its launch Torqsense was nothing short of revolutionary, since when it has steadily grown in popularity with enquiries constantly coming in from new fields. Last year, in response to requests, we showed at Mtec our expanded range up to 10,000Nm, since Torqsense can be applied to virtually any size of system where precise yet simple torque monitoring is required.

"We also get requests to fit Torqsense into very small spaces, so now the design team has come up with a solution by separating the sensing head from the control electronics to form a two-part unit. The head is very compact so can be fitted into the tiniest of spaces, while the electronics can be sited at a convenient place further from the shaft under test."

How it works

Torqsense uses piezoceramic combs fixed to the transducer's shaft that distort in proportion to the instantaneous torque level. These piezoceramic combs create data signals that are transmitted via a non-contact radio frequency (RF) coupling rather than by conventional slip rings or high-inertia rotary transformers. Because piezo technology requires so little power, this is also supplied via the RF coupling.

The data signal is transmitted to the control unit, from which it can be read on an alphanumeric display or transferred to a PC for storage and analysis using the Torqview software programme.

Ingham states: "Our larger sensors are used in many applications at the heavy-duty end of industry; our smaller ones are used in applications such as fine chemical dosing and lab-based research. At both ends of this spectrum are applications where splitting the sensing head from the control electronics is desirable. It may be a space constraint or it may be a matter of protecting the electronics from harsh environmental conditions such as heat, damp, noise, vibration or EMC.

"What Torqsense is about is reliably collecting high-speed, real-time torque data. With that captured and secure, Torqview can display it via on-screen virtual instruments so users can perform a full range of analyses."

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