FEATURE SENSORS & TRANSDUCERS
The cyclic output waveform distinguishes SST devices - it provides a ‘heartbeat’ that confirms the oxygen sensor is operating correctly
They do not have the temperature sensitivity problems that are endemic in alternative solutions - enabling them to support 400°C operation (with the capacity to extend this still further to 1,000o
C, when appropriate thermal
require the incorporation of a sealed reference gas sample into the sensing system - something that in many applications will prove to be impractical as it takes up too much space.
COMBINING BOTH MECHANISMS Rather than employing one of these sensing mechanisms in isolation, a unique approach has been taken by SST Sensing which brings both mechanisms together. Its devices each have a sensing cell that operates through the successive pressurising and evacuating of a sealed
chamber between two pieces of ZrO2 using the principle of oxygen ion
pumping. Simultaneously, the pressure change is monitored via the Nernst effect. From the time period taken to achieve the desired pressure changes, the oxygen partial pressure can be calculated to a high degree of precision. The SST Zirconia oxygen sensors dispense with the need for a reference gas, allowing them to have more compact housings and thus address a broader spectrum of applications where space constraints need to be factored in.
management is put in place). This robustness means that the expense of complex temperature control apparatus can be circumvented. The novel cycle of pressurising (using ion pumping) and evacuating the chamber (so that Nernst measurement can be carried out) results in a cyclical output waveform. This signal allows diagnostic benefits to be derived, allowing the health of the sensor to be continuously checked. These devices are thus highly suited to safety critical application scenarios. SST Zirconia sensors can be
implemented in many uncompromising operational environments, with the ability to deal with high degrees of shock and vibration. They offer lifespans of up to 10 years (depending on the operating conditions), with minimal maintenance and calibration requirements.
SST Sensing
www.sstsensing.com
SENSORS & INSTRUMENTATION COMES BACK TO THE NEC IN SEPTEMBER
I am delighted to announce that the eighth Sensors & Instrumentation show will be held on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 September 2017 in hall one at the NEC Birmingham. The event has gone from strength to strength each year and 2017 will see us moving to our new location in hall one. This year also sees the launch of Connecting Industry LIVE!, bringing together leading suppliers from different manufacturing sectors for live, on stage demonstrations. Attendees to the UK’s only national sensors event will also be able to take part in hands-on demonstrations of the latest instrumentation technology in the Innovation Showcase. As ever, the event will be packed with
market-leading exhibitiors such as Huba, Binder, Keller, Infratec, Bronkhorst, SIKA, Shawcity, Charcroft and PR Electronics. This year’s expanded seminar programme will be backed by a series of high-level, keynote and case study led conference sessions. Delegates can hear from leading industry figures on the hottest topics affecting the industry.
The success of Sensors &
Instrumentation is evident in the feedback we received at the 2016 show. For example, Yasin Frei, application engineering manager for Keller, described the show as ‘perfect’ while Paul Burroughs, area sales manager at Bronkhorst UK, said: “We had a fantastic lead from an application that we’ve never been involved in before which matches out portfolio perfectly.”
Running up to the event in September, we will be featuring
previews of exhibitors and products from the show in Instrumentation to give you a taste of what you can expect to see at the event. You can register for the event and keep up-to-date with the latest news about Sensor & Instrumentation on the show’s dedicated website here:
sensorsandinstrumentation.co.uk
Victoria White, Instrumentation
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FEBRUARY 2017 | INSTRUMENTATION
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