Signal conditioners and switches for vibration.

Metrix has recently announced its new 5580 series smart vibration signal conditioners and switches. The new units provide a 4-20 mA output proportional to the measured variable from accelerometers, velocity or position sensors for preventative maintenance and safety tasks on industrial fans, compressors, generators, pumps, and other large shaft-equipped machines where probe systems are essential. 

Also available as the SW5580 series, optional solid state or relay outputs realise field configurable setpoint and alarm monitoring. Both units are available as single or dual channel devices, also with field configurability for output scaling in peak or RMS units, high, low and band pass, and frequency filters.

Both units are available with full support in Great Britain from Metrix’s distribution partner Ixthus Instrumentation.

These DIN-rail mounted signal conditioners offer a competitive alternative to rack mount monitors. The 4-20 mA output allows convenient connectivity with PLCs, DCS or other 4-20 mA input monitors over extremely long-distance instrumentation set-ups. Also included, an integral signal amplifier boosts the raw sensor output for direct signal monitoring up to 300 metres. Single channel units may be modified in the field with a firmware release code which may be purchased where users require a second sensor monitoring channel as part of a system expansion etc. Metrix can supply these signal conditioners and switches fully configured for the sensor type required. For instance with a proportional output set to acceleration, calibrated in g-forces or proximity set to microns. Sensor input signal levels cover 100 to 500 mV/ips, 10 to 100 mV/g, and 100-200 mV/mm.

These compact units measure approximately 117 x 45 x 93 mm (h x w x d). Sensor excitation is included for piezo-velocity sensor input types at 24 VDC, 4 mA. Wiring is made easy with terminal strip connectors and integrated BNC connectors for output to waveform analysers. The SW5580 solid state switch version has a 100 mA, SPST, 120 VAC or 24 VDC output whilst the relay version offers SPDT resistive loads of 5A, 240/120 VAC and 5A, 24 VDC. A sensor malfunction warning is included with LED status indication on the unit’s facia. The 5580 series has full compliance EMC certification and is furthermore available with hazardous area certification to CSA & NRTL/C Class I (A, B, C & D) T4, Div. 2. ATEX/IECEx/UKCA. Comprehensive datasheets for the series are available for download from the Ixthus website.

Metrix designs and produces a wide range of range of seismic and proximity measurement sensors and instruments for industrial vibration monitoring as individual components as well as field portable and fully installed systems. Ixthus Instrumentation represents Metrix across this full range with comprehensive technical and sales support. Also, through similar distribution partnerships with many other leading suppliers of non-contact sensing technologies, Ixthus provides solutions for force, torque and vibration measurement applications across industry, research, military, aerospace, marine, oil and gas, mining, hoist and crane, automotive and more.

@IxthusInst @MetrixVibration #PAuto #Manufacturing

Preventative maintenance.

Sensors and systems to monitor plant and equipment.

Catastrophic failure on large rotating and structural machinery is arguably most commonly caused by mechanical component malfunction linked to unbalance, misalignment, and excessive wear causing fatigue as well as incorrect lubrication, seal failures, and sometimes improper use outside of the design specification of the machine. Where vibration and/or seismic monitoring with accelerometers is implemented as part of an optimised preventative maintenance schedule, early indications of these conditions can be detected and problems eliminated before serious failure occurs with the considerable benefit of reversing all of the negative outcomes of poor maintenance mentioned previously.

With its longstanding expertise in Metrix condition monitoring solutions, Ixthus Instrumentation can provide preventative maintenance assistance based on the manufacturers Digital Proximity System (DPS) and its other proximity and seismic sensor product lines. The Metrix DPS is a field-configurable PC-based measurement system for position, radial vibration and speed that comprises a digital proximity transducer, interfacing cable and a choice of signal conditioners that eliminate the need for multiple drivers and transmitters. Designed for harsh and hazardous environment use in areas such as oil refineries and gas plants, the ATEX certified and API 670 compliant eddy-current proximity measurement system works with both Metrix and other manufacturer’s sensor products as a digitally configurable proximity monitoring system.

Metrix’s seismic vibration instrumentation includes accelerometers, velocity sensors, transmitters and signal conditioners that combine for the measurement of structural vibration on components such as bearing housings, piping and machinery housings as well as machine support structures. Such systems are particularly suitable for machinery with rolling-element bearings which generally transmit both shaft-and bearing-related vibration to the outside of the machine where it can be detected by seismic measurements. The seismic instrumentation and DPS vibration systems combine to fully protect plant and equipment in preventative maintenance scenarios.

@IxthusInst #PAuto #Metrix #Mepax

Vibration alarm switch for machine monitoring.

The Metrix ST5484E-SW series configurable seismic vibration switch has been launched recently. It is now available with full support  in Britain from its distribution partner Ixthus Instrumentation. The compact 24 V DC loop-powered electronic switch will setpoint two programmable and independent alarms through solid state contacts with time-adjustable delays, as well as monitor continuous vibration through a control system.

The new configurable vibration switch is based on the well proven ST5484ST vibration transmitter which is used across a wide range of seismic vibration measurement applications on rotating and reciprocating machinery. Aimed at demanding machine monitoring tasks where built-in alarm protection is additionally required, the ST5484E-SW integrates a piezoelectric accelerometer, signal integrator and amplifier, RMS or peak detector, a 4-20 mA signal conditioner and a digital microcontroller into a single package. Two indepen¬dently configurable alarm setpoints with time delays and corresponding discrete outputs allow implementation of ALERT (pre-shutdown) and DANGER (shutdown) levels by a machine control system. Additionally the units’ 4-20 mA proportional velocity output enables interfacing with PLCs, DCSs, strip chart recorders, or other process monitoring systems where real-time vibration levels can be monitored.

Model variants include an 8-pin sealed connectorised version as a 10 m submersible/water resistant model. The connector version is also available with an optional non-incendive rating (Class1/Div2) that may be used with barriers for special installations. An alternative version with flying leads, wired directly to conduit fittings, is available for hazardous area installations and includes Metrix’s 8200 explosion-proof elbow. The corrosion and water resistant switch is housed in 316 stainless steel with a nominal diameter and length around 38 x 62 mm for the connector version, and overall length of 136 mm for the explosion-proof model.

A wide choice of scale-range options and mounting studs provide application and installation flexibility. The setpoints are set at the factory at one half (1/2) and two thirds (2/3) of the full scale range, but may be adjusted through Metrix software with the delay time programmable up to 300 seconds. Users can choose twelve standard full-scale peak or true RMS range models from 25.4 mm/s to 76.2 mm/sec. Stud interfacing covers all common metric and imperial dimensions through NPT, UNF, UNC and M8/M10. Hazardous area certification includes CSA, INMETRO, and ATEX/IECx and KOSHA -conforming to explosion proof and non-incendive option variants. The ST5484E-SW is also available with a wide choice of low- and high-pass filters or can be customised to exactly suit the user filter requirements.

@IxthusInst  #PAuto @MetrixVibration

Proximity sensor shaft calibration.

Metrix’s newly announced 9060-SCTS shaft calibration system pairs with the industrial condition monitoring system manufacturer’s Digital Proximity System (DPS) and associated Metrix hardware to enable custom shaft calibration in the field even when shaft material is not known. Available with full support in Britain from Ixthus Instrumentation, the 9060-SCTS (Shaft Calibrator Touch Select) is used to adjust the gap in pre-set micron level increments for calibrating proximity probe systems and thanks to the powerful DPS software, allows the user to change the configuration.

The Metrix DPS combines the performance of a fully API 670 compliant eddy-current proximity measurement system with the flexibility of digital configurability. The field-configurable measurement system for position, radial vibration and speed is well proven where critical plant equipment such as motors, compressors, pumps and other rotating machines or piston based machines need to be closely monitored for optimal reliability. Typical systems for use with the DPS comprise a digital proximity transducer, interfacing cable and a choice of signal conditioner - available as a driver for a machinery protection system or as a transmitter with a 4-20 mA signal to a PLC/DCS or SCADA system.

Together with the latest free-of-charge software version of the Metrix DPS, the 9060-SCTS is used to determine the actual proximity probe system output in mV/mil or mV/μm of a machine shaft or piston rod. Comprising a self-aligning cradle and a precision ‘micrometer head’ that positions the inserted proximity sensor under test in fixed 200 micron or 0.010” increments, the system measures output at these fixed increments and is capable of ‘straight-line’ re-calibration where material properties are not known. In this way the complete DPS system is capable of supporting a multitude of older probe systems, cable lengths, and target materials with just a single device.

The 9060-SCTS is compatible with 5 to 22 mm probe tip diameters and with a special adapter plate works with reverse mount probes. For ease of use, the displacement is adjusted by twisting a gap adjustment ring and feeling for set ‘clicks’ that correspond to the required probe calibration increments. After each increment is completed the DPS software, which has probe characteristics and part number recognition built-in, is manually commanded to record the output value. An adjusting strap allows the mounting adapter to fit on shafts from 25 mm up to 300 mm diameter. The shaft calibrator is manufactured in composite plastic material that does not affect probe sensitivity.

@IxthusInst  #TandM #Metrix

Stand alone oscilloscope

From the point of view of innovation, Metrix has not just contented itself with launching the first portable, stand-alone oscilloscope with four 600 V / Cat. III isolated channels on the market. Indeed, everything about the OX 7000 models, including their ergonomics, versatility, safety and various communication features, has been designed to offer the best possible trade-off between safety, service and comfortable use.

In performance terms, they are at the top of their category with their 12 bit / 1 GS/s converter, a sampling rate of 50 GS/s on periodic signals and capture of transients lasting 2 ns or more. Because modern means more efficient, these models can be controlled using either the "Windows-like" menus on the touch screen or 33 dedicated keys offering direct access to the most frequently-used functions. For even better performance in the field, the OX 7000 models offer a new patented system of “plug and play” accessories, individual insulation of each of the measurement channels, the extensive remote management possibilities offered by the Ethernet link with a WEB server and a variety of built-in instruments, including a 200 kHz multi-channel multimeter.

In Ireland Metrix products are marketed through PEMA