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HELPING YOU #MAKE SENSE OF SENSORS
EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS
TO ILLUSTRATE THE WIDE-VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS SOLVED USING
CONTRINEX SENSORS, WE HAVE POSTED A LARGE SELECTION OF
EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS WHICH CAN BE SEEN BY CLICKING ON AN IMAGE.
BELOW ARE A SELECTION OF SOME OF THESE APPLICATIONS:
Contrinex Smart Sensors are utilised in condition-based
monitoring of critical rotating machinery. They monitor
multiple parameters in real-time, including unexpected levels
of vibration, increased bearing temperature or irregular radial
deflections of a shaft. These highly versatile sensors provide a
flexible, cost-effective solution that maximizes data availability
without adding complexity.
CUSTOMER APPLICATION
Engineers are always seeking ways to minimise machine
downtime without risking costly breakdowns. It is a dilemma
faced by engineers and designers worldwide, especially in
sectors like heavy industry, mining, marine engineering, oil
and gas, green energy and rail operations where rotating
machinery is common-place and the machinery is often
remotely located or inaccessible.
Bearing failure is a significant risk in equipment with rotating
elements and it is generally sign-posted in its early stages by
increased levels of vibration and a rise in bearing temperature.
Typically, this risk is managed by frequent inspection and
maintenance of bearings, but condition-based monitoring
(CBM) has become the preferred approach for cost-effective
maintenance operations. CBM uses sensor technology to
extract real-time data from machinery, developing a
performance profile that identifies potential failures before
they bring operations to a ‘grinding halt’.
Designers have to balance the desire to collect as much data
as possible, on vibration, deflection, temperature and
operating hours, which might all help predict an imminent
breakdown, while keeping cost and complexity to a minimum.
Specifying multiple sensors meets the data-collection needs,
but is a costly approach, often requiring significant
compromise in mechanical design.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION
Contrinex Multi-Mode Smart Sensors fulfil the application’s
requirements without compromise, using their multi-function
technology. A single Smart Sensor can monitor multiple
parameters including deflection, vibration, temperature, linear
position, angular displacement and cycle count. Each of these
measurements may be reported as process data or event data,
while cumulative operating parameters are recorded in the
sensor’s on-board storage.
The user-defined operating modes enable a single sensor to
provide a range of functions. On the rotating machinery, it is
mounted in either a bearing housing or adjacent to a shaft, to
monitor for unexpected levels of vibration, increased bearing
temperature or irregular radial deflections of the shaft.
The sensor’s IO-Link functionality provides plug-and-play
replacement of damaged sensors, without any loss of
functionality and without any need for configuration.
Dual-channel operation is another valuable feature of the
Smart Sensor range. Should a critical event occur, the sensor
delivers a high-speed notification directly to the control
system, bypassing the IO-Link communications channel and
initiating a shut-down sequence immediately. This avoids
further, costly damage and minimizes subsequent process
downtime.
Smart Sensors are exceptionally reliable, making them ideal for
installation in remote locations where day-to-day access can
be impossible. In wind turbines, rail cars, drag-lines, marine
powerplants, paper mills, drilling platforms, construction
equipment, heavy-duty pumps and a host of similar
installations, these highly versatile sensors tick all the boxes.
Contrinex inductive Smart Sensors are designed with the
needs of OEMs and System Integrators in mind to provide an
unobtrusive fit-and-forget solution. For flexible, cost-effective
CBM solutions that maximize data availability without adding
complexity, Contrinex Multi-Mode Smart Sensors deliver
complete peace of mind.
APPLICATION - SMART INDUCTIVE SENSORS
CONDITION MONITORING ON ROTATING EQUIPMENT
CUSTOMER VALUES
ROBUST, METAL-CASED SMART SENSORS ARE IDEAL FOR EASY
INTEGRATION
MULTI-CHANNEL MONITORING CIRCUITRY ALLOWS USERS TO
DEFINE CUSTOMIZED OUTPUT THRESHOLDS
SOPHISTICATED SENSING ELECTRONICS DELIVER HIGH-
PRECISION ANALOG OUTPUT SIGNALS
HIGH-SPEED DEVICE-TO-DEVICE COMMUNICATION ENABLES
DECENTRALIZED DATA-PROCESSING AND DECISION MAKING
SMART SENSORS ARE INDIVIDUALLY SHIELDED AND EMC
IMMUNE, ELIMINATING INTERFERENCE WHEN MULTIPLE
DEVICES OPERATE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES
ROBUST, METAL-CASED INDUCTIVE SMART SENSORS ARE
IDEAL FOR EASY INTEGRATION
MULTI-CHANNEL MONITORING CIRCUITRY ALLOWS USERS TO
DEFINE 5 CUSTOMISED OUTPUT THRESHOLDS
SMART SENSORS ARE INDIVIDUALLY SHIELDED AND EMC
IMMUNE, ELIMINATING INTERFERENCE WHEN MULTIPLE
DEVICES OPERATE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY
DEDICATED SERVICE-DATA BLOCKS HOLD DEVICE-SPECIFIC
DATA INCLUDING PRODUCT ID, LOCATION & SERIAL NUMBER
VISIBLE LED INDICATORS ENABLE SENSORS TO SELF-IDENTIFY
ON DEMAND, SIMPLIFYING COMMISSIONING AND TROUBLE-
SHOOTING ROUTINES
INDUSTRY-STANDARD -25°C TO +70°C OPERATING RANGE
CUSTOMER VALUES
RELIABLE, CONTINUOUS SPEED MONITORING IN HARSH
ENVIRONMENT
FIT-AND-FORGET SENSOR SOLUTION
EFFICIENT, COMPACT DESIGN POSSIBLE FOR MOBILE TURNING
MACHINE
NO SENSOR-RELATED DOWNTIME• NO REPAIR COSTS THANKS
TO EXCEPTIONALLY LONG SENSOR LIFE
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES
EXTREMELY ROBUST, IMPACT AND ABRASION RESISTANT IP68/
IP69K RATED HOUSING.
CORROSION-RESISTANT, V4A/ AISI 316L STAINLESS-STEEL,
FOOD-COMPATIBLE BODY.
LONG OPERATING DISTANCE OF 7MM IN A SMALL & SLIM
STAINLESS-STEEL 20X 32X 8MM HOUSING.
ROBUST, METAL-CASED INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS
SUITABLE FOR EASY INTEGRATION
FACTOR 1 - CONSISTENT SENSING, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER
THE TARGET IS STEEL OR ALUMINIUM.
RELIABLE, COMPACT VIBRATION-RESISTANT SENSORS
IO-LINK INTERFACE INCLUDED FOR FREE – IDEAL FOR
INDUSTRY 4
Agriculture is using increasingly complex automation in its
machinery and an example application is in composting
machines. Contrinex’s uniquely robust V4A/ 316L stainless-steel
sensors are relied upon for operating reliably in the
challenging environment of the inside of the machine’s drive
rotor. Withstanding dust, humidity and high temperatures, the
sensors enable the machine to provide the fast drying of
materials and optimal decomposition with reliable sanitisation
being ensured.
CUSTOMER APPLICATION
The efficient turning of organic materials – loosening, lifting
and aerating – is vitally important in industrial composting.
Special mobile equipment ensures fast drying of materials,
optimal decomposition and reliable sanitisation, processing
between 500 and 6800 cubic metres of earth per hour.
A manufacturer has introduced machine speed monitoring by
sensor. A sensor located in the rotor counts the passing teeth
of a rotating mechanical disk. From the number of teeth per
second, the controller then calculates the final speed.
Perfect sensor operation is required under these particularly
harsh conditions. In addition to permanent vibration and
shaking, the inductive sensor is also constantly exposed to
dust, moisture, and temperatures from 70 to 80°C (158 to
176°F). Since the location of the sensor in the rotor is hard to
access, the sensor must be very durable and low maintenance
to avoid time-consuming repairs.
APPLICATION - ‘TURNING OVER AN OLD-LEAF’
- COMPOST TURNING MACHINE
THE AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY IS INCREASING UTILISING AUTOMATION AND THEREFORE IT’S NEED
FOR LOW-COST, HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND ROBUSTNESS, MAKE CONTRINEX SENSORS POPULAR IN THIS SECTOR.
THE UNIQUE ROBUSTNESS OF THE 700-SERIES INDUCTIVE SENSORS, THE ENHANCED CORROSION RESISTANCE
OF THE ‘WASHDOWN’ INDUCTIVE SENSORS AND THE PRICE/PERFORMANCE RATIO OF THE 500 & 600
INDUCTIVES & C23PA/M18PA PHOTOELECTRICS ARE ALL POPULAR IN THIS SECTOR.
AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT APPLICATIONS
CUSTOMER SOLUTION
Contrinex inductive sensors from the FULL INOX family,
Washdown range, are perfect for this application. Made from a
single piece of V4A stainless steel, including the sensing face,
they have no covers, caps or welding seams and are the most
robust inductive sensors on the market. They resist shock,
vibration, impact and abrasion and almost any exposure to
dirt, gases, or liquids such as oil, water and cleaning agents.
Functionally stable at temperatures from -25 to +85°C (-13 to
185°F), they are also insensitive to core breakage.
Thanks to the long operating distances of these sensors (three
times greater than the norm) a compact and efficient design
was possible using the M12 size. A long operating distance
allows the sensor to be mounted well away from the rotating
disk’s passing teeth. Setup is also straightforward, as
installation tolerances are less critical. A sensor version with
plug connector was chosen to allow speedy replacement if
necessary.
A range of multi-purpose off-road tractors allows the driver to
choose between two-wheel or four-wheel steering. When
selecting two-wheel steering using the front wheels only, the
rear axle is locked in the straight-ahead position. Before the
axle is locked, rugged inductive sensors from Contrinex detect
the straight-ahead position accurately and reliably, ensuring
precise alignment of the tractor’s steering geometry.
CUSTOMER APPLICATION
Modern multi-purpose off-road utility vehicles are
exceptionally versatile, offering four-wheel drive and both front
and rear-wheel steering. Reliable operation all year round, on
all types of terrain and in all weather conditions, is essential as
typical tasks include bulk-load transportation and agricultural
engineering.
Extreme conditions often demand increased manoeuvrability;
for maximum control, the driver can engage four-wheel
steering when required. When reverting to the default two-
wheel steering configuration, the rear axle must be locked in
the straight-ahead position to prevent misalignment of the
rear wheels.
A rugged, reliable and accurate sensor system is required to
detect the straight-ahead position of the rear axle before it is
locked. The sensor must withstand significant mechanical
shock and vibration and must also be impervious to water
ingress. Additionally, it should accommodate the extremes of
temperature experienced during all-year-round operation.
CUSTOMER VALUES
RELIABLE, REPEATABLE SENSING PERFORMANCE IN
DEMANDING OPERATING CONDITIONS
FIT-AND-FORGET OPERATION WITH MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
TECHNICALLY ELEGANT, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
REQUIRING MINIMAL RE-ENGINEERING
PRODUCT ADVANTAGES
2MM SENSING DISTANCE ELIMINATES THE POSSIBILITY OF
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE SENSOR
RUGGED, ROBUST STAINLESS-STEEL SENSOR WITH INTEGRAL
M8 CONNECTOR
AFFORDABLE HIGH-PERFORMANCE SENSOR WITH
EXCEPTIONAL RELIABILITY - FIT-AND-FORGET OPERATION
WITH MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
Configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open
interface, the sensor features an integral M8 connector and
connects to the vehicle’s central controller via a flexible PVC-
sheathed cable. Adding the sensor requires minimal
modification to the vehicle’s control systems, and
maintenance is simple and speedy.
The sensor detects the straight-ahead position of the vehicle’s
rear axle repeatably and accurately, ensuring correct, reliable
engagement of two-wheel steering. Contrinex inductive
sensors provide the customer with a cost-effective fit-and-
forget solution to a challenging problem.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION
Inductive sensors from the Contrinex ‘Basic’ range are rugged,
reliable and accommodate the required extremes of
temperature; with an M8-sized sensor being ideal for this
application.
A V2A/AISI 303 stainless-steel body and vacuum-encapsulated
electronics, make it particularly suitable for the mechanically
demanding environment, and it is rated for operation at
temperatures between -25ºC (-13ºF) and 70ºC (158ºF).
A narrow flange is attached to each end of the vehicle’s
hydraulic power-steering rack. The sensor is mounted
immediately below one end of the rack and detects the
position of the flange as it passes over the sensing face. The
sensing distance of 2mm eliminates any possibility of
accidental collision with the flange.
APPLICATION - ROBUST INDUCTIVES KEEP
TRACTOR’S REAR-WHEEL STEERING ON TRACK
WATCH THE VIDEO TO SEE THE UNIQUE
ROBUSTNESS SURVIVE A HAMMERING
WATCH THE VIDEO TO SEE THE UNIQUE
ROBUSTNESS DEMONSTRATED
WATCH THE VIDEO TO SEE THE UNIQUE
ROBUSTNESS SURVIVE PIRANHAS
WELCOME TO PLUS AUTOMATION LTD - EXPERTS IN SENSORS, WE WILL WORK TO HELP YOU
SOLVE YOUR APPLICATIONS, IMPROVE MACHINE PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY AND REDUCE COSTS
USING CONTRINEX’S EXCEPTIONAL SENSORS - LET US HELP YOU #MAKE SENSE OF SENSORS
The ‘700’ Series ‘Extreme’ sensors are uniquely robust sensors
are typically demonstrated by Contrinex as being able to
repeatedly being used to hammer in nails. Even when their
front face is dented, the sensor continues to operate correctly.
Even under the harsh operating conditions of this application,
these sensors last several years and downtime attributable to
faulty sensors is minimal. Their long service life contributes to a
reduction in repair costs.