Applications of a CPI Linear Position Sensor

In 1997, when we introduced our first LVDT based position sensors, we’ve learned a lot about how to extend and refine this amazing technology into some interesting industrial applications. CPI sensors originally established for the mobile hydraulics market, are used in many different industries where reliable operation, long stroke lengths and design flexibility are the primary requirements. Here are few applications of our unique linear position sensor

Operations inside a Steel Foundry

Foundry operations and steel fabrication requires powerful hydraulic cylinders with robust position sensing. This has become an excellent opportunity for our SL Series Linear Position Sensor, as traditional rod-type sensors do not stand up to the extreme high temperatures in this environment. CPI’s SL Series sensors can operate in temperatures up to 257F while the absolute maximum temp for magnetostrictive sensors is 185F. SL series sensors feature both accuracy and reliability in this application and can save operators time and money as our sensors last much longer in this environment.

An Oil Refinery Application

Another application is seen in oil refinery equipment, where our SL series position sensor is a part of valve control system used in the coking process. There are particularly high temperatures in this application, again making rod-type magnetostrictive sensors unusable.

Sensing the Potential in a Piston Accumulator

This is quite an interesting application of our SL series sensors because there is really no better way to sense the potential within a hydraulic accumulator. Many designers have tried to use flow and pressure sensors, which never offer true piston position due to inevitable system losses around the seals. They’ve even designed rod-type sensors into a few applications, which require substantial design accommodations, and the addition of another leak point where the probe passes through the piston.

As the SL series sensor don’t have these drawbacks, it enters the accumulator using a single SAE size 8 fluid port and attaches to a 7/16-20 hole machined into the piston. It can provide absolute analog or a digital output signal indicative of the piston location, through its unique LVDT implementation.

Oil And Gas Exploration

To raise or lower the platforms on land based drilling rigs, massive telescoping hydraulic cylinders are used. Our CPI SL series are one of the few sensors manufactured to operate on telescoping cylinders and can handle stroke lengths up to 7 meters long. They are designed to be mounted either internally or externally.

About CPI

Control Products, Inc. has three platform product lines: Thermal Switches, Waterproof Switches, and Linear Position Sensors. CPI continues to evolve each product line to satisfy specific customer applications in many different industries. Our strength is providing solutions to difficult applications, drawing from the extensive capabilities of our platform products.

For more information visit our website at http://www.cpi-nj.com