Explosions, fuel loss, malfunctions… you want to prevent that. That’s why you use a pressure sensor. Intelligent and powerful pressure sensor technology is indispensable for the most demanding industrial applications. The pressure sensor is useful for both safety and optimizing energy consumption. Moreover, it is sustainable if your machine does not explode, then you would need a new one.
Today’s tools are partly like mobile factories. Many processes are automated and run without human intervention. The operator turns on the device and most of the work is done automatically, it only needs to be checked that the system does not get stuck and all kinds of functions assist with the desired action at the push of a button. Sensors measure exactly what is needed or has to be done when. How different was it in the past when every action still required physical effort?
Measuring physical pressure prevents damage
A pressure sensor converts physical pressure into an electrical signal. This allows you to easily monitor the pressure in a system and check whether it falls within the set margins. Pressure sensors therefore play an indispensable role in various applications such as hydraulic systems, pneumatics, mobile machines and water management. They ensure very accurate pressure measurements, which is essential to guarantee the performance and safety of systems and to prevent damage due to overpressure or underpressure.
Pressure sensors are often used in combination with a pressure switch.
Comply with safety protocols
A pressure sensor keeps your machine and your people intact and working. In safety-critical applications such as self-driving equipment, which are sometimes self-learning or autonomous, you want to be sure that all safety protocols are safeguarded. This Safety Performance Level can be monitored, for example, with an F02 Safety sensor that is available for measuring a pressure range between 10 bar and 1,200 bar. Rotero recommends this specific pressure sensor from STW because it has various outputs and also has the functionality for a different setting in the event of a redesign.
This specific pressure sensor from STW thus meets the strict Safety PL requirements according to ISO 13849 and the SIL 2 standard IEC 61508. In addition, it is also certified for the stricter ISO 25119 standard, which specifically takes into account, among other things, spreading machines (according to the AgPL).
Pressure measurements ensure sustainability
Given the high investment costs, you want to protect large engines extra well so that they can last a long time. Rotero therefore recommends the SMX.pt-ea1 cylinder pressure sensors from STW. These help to be more economical with fuel, and the combustion is also optimized so that fewer greenhouse gases are emitted. At the same time, these cylinder pressure sensors monitor important engine parameters and therefore also prevent engine damage. The SMX.pt-ea1 cylinder pressure sensors are suitable for diesel, gas and dual-fuel technology.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is currently the most important development goal in all areas of application for large engines. Think of ship propulsion, power generation, rail transport and gas compression. At the same time, digitalisation and trends such as remote monitoring and predictive maintenance require additional and increasingly accurate operating data.
Cylinder pressure sensors use measuring cells based on thin-film technology for robustness, precision and long-term stability. What does that mean in concrete terms? That Rotero is happy to supply you with cylinder pressure sensors for a pressure measuring range of up to 300 bar and a temperature range of up to 400 °C at the diaphragm. With IP67 protection and an extremely robust connection cable between sensor and electronics, these are the sensors you need for the most demanding applications.
Continuous recording of pressure measurements
In (non-mobile) applications, continuous monitoring and registration of pressure, average temperature in combination with other status and diagnostic information can be important. The M01 pressure sensors can simultaneously read all this information in environments up to 2000 bar. These sensors use a 32-bit microcontroller platform that guarantees long-term viability and availability. The M01 is also compatible with the existing SAE-J1939, CANopen and SENT protocols. The expert knows that SENT transmits a continuous signal via a classic analogue three-wire connection, but with a much larger information range. SENT simplifies the monitoring of the condition of a machine: imminent damage or errors can be recognised before the machine crashes. A huge advantage for the safety and productivity of the machine operator.
Metal rot, explosions… pressure measurement essential for hydrogen
Poof, expansion tank gone? Hydrogen is one of the most demanding fuels for pressure measurements. In fuel cell vehicles, you can’t do without a pressure sensor. Without countermeasures, the volatile gas can simply escape, right through materials – including metals. Less accurate measurements and malfunctions are the result, even to the embrittlement of the machine due to loss of structural integrity. A pressure sensor is therefore an absolute must for hydrogen applications. STW has developed even stronger measuring cells especially for hydrogen pressure measurements with substrates of hydrogen-impermeable materials with thin-film technology in combination with resistant but very sensitive functional layers for the best pressure measurements in these types of applications.
Advice on pressure sensors is therefore essential
Developed a new machine or application? With such an innovation you want to be absolutely sure that everything goes well. Rotero supplies all kinds of sensors to make mobile machines as effective as possible. Pressure sensors, accelerometers, angle sensors, inclinometers, laser distance meters, rotation sensors, temperature sensors and of course the tilt switch and related accessories. We are happy to advise you on what is best to use. In the field of pressure sensors and pressure switches we can recommend those from STW, this expert from the Allgäu has been around for as long as Rotero and has specialized in measuring pneumatic and hydraulic pressure as used in, for example, agricultural machinery, cranes and vehicles in the field of street cleaning and waste collection. STW sensors are always compatible with the open source software openSYDE and can therefore be parameterized, configured and monitored in a user-friendly manner. Feel free to contact us for more information!
