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SENSORS & SENSING SYSTEMS


PRODUCTS MAINTENANCE AND DIAGNOSTICS: ENHANCING SENSOR RELIABILITY


Pepperl+Fuchs takes a proactive approach to sensor maintenance and diagnostics, incorporating advanced features that streamline identification, monitoring, and troubleshooting within industrial plants. These functionalities facilitate efficient maintenance and lay the groundwork for predictive and demand-based actions. The Localization Function stands out as a


key asset, allowing the precise identification of a single sensor within a plant. When a sensor requires repair or replacement, a specific IO-Link parameter addresses the sensor needing localization. The device responds with a flashing display, simplifying the identification process for maintenance teams. Predictive maintenance is further supported by the Operating Hours Counter, providing real-time information on a sensor’s actual operating time. Users can set limit values to prevent the sensor from exceeding a specific number of operating hours. Service technicians receive notifications when the predetermined threshold is reached, ensuring timely replacements and minimising unexpected downtime. Temperature fluctuations can be a potential


cause of sensor malfunctions. The integrated Temperature Indicator alerts users when a device surpasses or falls below its optimal operating temperature. This quick feedback enables prompt error localization, allowing preemptive actions to avoid prolonged downtime and intricate


troubleshooting procedures. The Device Status feature serves as a


comprehensive tool for condition monitoring. It provides insights into the functionality of IO-Link devices, offering detailed information in case of error messages. Users can access general and manufacturer-specific event information, facilitating informed decision-making when addressing potential issues. The Stability Alarm is particularly


valuable in maintaining sensor alignment. External influences that disrupt the sensor’s position within its sensing range can be swiftly detected. The affected sensor communicates its status to the stability alarm, signalling reduced reliability and a possible failure. This proactive approach enables rapid maintenance without causing disruptions to plant operations or assembly lines. A critical aspect of seamless sensor


replacement during operation is addressed through Data Storage. IO-Link version 1.1 devices and masters support this feature, automatically uploading device settings to the master port’s storage during commissioning. In case of changes to device settings during operation, they are promptly transferred to the master’s parameter server. This ensures that device configurations are up-to-date. During replacements, the master loads the stored


parameters into the new sensor, allowing for swift and accurate device exchange without needing prior knowledge or additional tools. In conclusion, Pepperl+Fuchs’ commitment to


advancing sensor maintenance and diagnostics through these innovative features ensures enhanced reliability, operational efficiency, and minimised downtime in industrial settings. For further details on IO-Link technology, users are encouraged to explore additional resources provided by Pepperl+Fuchs.


Pepperl+Fuchs T: 0161 633 6431


sales@gb.pepperl-fuchs.com www.pepperl-fuchs.com


OPTICAL ROTARY TORQUE TRANSDUCERS PROVIDE PRECISE MEASUREMENTS


For applications when the demand is for low torque and/or high bandwidth, Sensor Technology is offering the digital ORT 230/240 series of optical rotary torque transducers. These provide precise, dynamic measurement


of rotary and static torque from 10mNm up to 100Nm and for bandwidths of up to 50kHz. The ORT 230/240 devices benefit from


electronics that deliver significant gains in resolution, frequency response, reduced sensor current consumption and faster digital data throughput, the company explains. The high speed capability comes from an


inherently low inertia, since the electronics are not fixed to the shaft, while non-contact operation ensures a long and reliable life with high accuracy. The optical operating principle also ensures excellent noise immunity. TorqSense ORT 230 series


sensors provide fixed voltage or current analogue outputs – one for torque and one for either speed or power. The TorqSense ORT 240 provides two user selectable voltage or current analogue outputs – one for torque and the other for either speed, power or peak torque – plus digital outputs including RS232, CANbus and USB for interfacing with modern instrumentation and laptops. This also enables users to connect up to ten transducers via USB, and transducer configuration software for making changes


to transducer variables. Both devices include self-diagnostics to report


if the transducer’s torque, speed ratings or calibration date have been exceeded, while inbuilt sensors monitor shaft temperature for better compensation and accuracy. The device also offers a simple ‘sensor status’ output. TorqView software complements these


products, providing an easy-to-use advanced torque monitoring package for Windows PCs to assist with data display and recording. It offers real time chart plotting, and is compatible with both Matlab and Excel. Further, LabVIEW VIs are available for users


to design their own process control applications, and DLLs are available for users who wish to write their own custom software. These sensors are an important extension to


the Sensor Technology torque monitoring range, and offer an alternative solution when low torque or bandwidth requirements preclude the use of the TorqSense range. Optical rotary torque sensors use a pair of


gratings attached a short distance apart on a strain-sensitive shaft to modulate a light source. As torque is applied to the shaft, a slight twist results which changes the alignment of the gratings and thus varies the light transmitted through to a detector. The use of this technique results in a transducer which is able to detect torque bi-directionally, and which has a fast mechanical and electrical response, low inertia and complete freedom from brushes or


complex electronics. The absence of brush gear allows high-


speed operation with a continuous rating up to 30,000rpm standard. Further increases in rpm are available depending upon shaft size. The torque shaft is of low compliance ½˚ maximum torsion deflection on the smaller transducers and ¼˚ maximum on the larger transducers at full-scale deflection. Any full scale torque can be specified within the range 10mNm to 100Nm.


Sensor Technology www.sensors.co.uk


SEPTEMBER 2024 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 39


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