Part 2: Magnetostrictive Position Sensor Alternative

As mentioned in our last post Magnetostrictive Linear Position Sensors are a common type of position sensor for hydraulic cylinders where high resolution is of primary concern. Magnetostrictive sensors can consume a fair amount of power and are not the most mechanically rugged sensor technology.  A disadvantage for heavy duty mobile hydraulic applications is the sensitivity of the hollow waveguide cylinder when faced with heat, shock and vibration. All of these conditions are commonly found in non-automotive vehicular environments. Even a minor abnormality of the tube compromises the functionality of the waveguide which can cause sensor failure.

Field Replacement of Magnetostrictive Sensors in Motionless Hydraulics

Plant managers operating steel mills, Oil & Gas refineries, waste processing facilities or almost any type of large scale manufacturing may have literally dozens of powerful hydraulic systems employing position sensors. With these sensors, the larger the stroke length, the more that high heat and gravity will make the long waveguide sag over time. Eventually the shaft bends sufficiently enough to be hammered into a corkscrew. 

The CPI SL series sensor is a great replacement in this case, as it is designed to be a form-fit-function replacement for a magnetostrictive sensor in almost any static cylinder.  Moreover the characteristics of the sensor address almost every weakness of a magnetostrictive position sensor in high intensity environments.

1.      The sensor is fully qualified in the field to operate in this application for over 1 million cycles.

2.      Once CPI SL series position sensor can cover stroke lengths from 10” to 10 meters.

3.      The sensor has a greatly improved temperature range up to 300F.  Magnetostrictive sensors are typically rated to 170F max.

4.      The sensor fits easily into the bore used for the magnetostrictive sensor, no core drilling of the piston rod is required.

5.      The sensor can provide either analog voltage in 5 different ranges, or analog current output in the standard 4 to 20ma range.

6.      The sensor provides absolute position with pushbutton auto-calibration for ease of endpoint scaling.

7.      The sensor LVDT based, can be mounted internally or externally and is inherently much more immune to EMI than a magnetostrictive sensor.

An Enhanced Resolution for Magnetostrictive Sensor Replacement

The CPI SL series picks up where traditional magnetostrictive sensors fail.  The sensor is a drop-in replacement for magnetostrictive sensors in long stroke applications. Once in place CPI SL series position sensor can cover stroke lengths from 10” to 10 meters.

About CPI

CPI is a US based manufacturer of LVDT based linear position sensors. Custom designed and off the shelf products in each category fulfill the most demanding working situations. Industries served include Construction Vehicle manufacturers, Oil & Gas, Heavy Industry, Production Equipment, Mining equipment, Naval and Boat Industries, Safety and more.

Visit our website http://www.cpi-nj.com to find out more about CPI solutions.