Custom pressure-resistant sensors for hydraulic valves.

In cooperation with the German manufacturer INELTA, Hoffmann + Krippner now offers a family of robust and customer-specific hydraulic valve position sensing solutions used in a wide range of industries such as oil & gas, power generation or wherever a precise valve position in hydraulic applications is required.

“The LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) sensor measures the position of the valve to ensure correct functioning,” said Jens Kautzor, CEO of Hoffmann + Krippner, USA. “As there is lot of variance with hydraulic valves, we can create customized sensors based upon the valve’s various settings, shape, size, I/O, mounting location, etc.”

The LVDT sensors are fitted into existing hydraulic valve assemblies, and by using electromagnetic coupling, measure the core placement inside valve. They can also be used as continuous position sensors. For continuous sensing applications, the sensors can be mounted to the hydraulic valve in the end position behind the magnet or in an intermediate position in between the magnet and the valve block. The LVDT sensors can be also be coupled to the valve anchor with a non-magnetic core extension.

Depending on the version, the sensors can detect a measurement range of ± 1.2 mm to ± 20 mm. They are available with either current or voltage output (4 to 20 mA / 0 to 10 VDC).

The sensor itself is pressure-sealed. The protection level of the housing enclosure is IP65 (optionally higher). All components that come in contact with hydraulic fluid are pressure-resistant up to 400 bar (5,800psi) and withstand pressure peaks up to 1,200 bar (17,400psi). The sensors are suitable for a standard temperature range of -25 to +85° C (-13°F to 185°F) and an extended temperature range of -45 to + 125° C (-49°F to 257°F).

The INELTA LVDT sensor is design for hydraulic applications, but the technology is adaptable to other applications within the pump industry.

New sensor technologies on show!

Hoffmann-Krippner will be at the upcoming Sensors Expo event in Long Beach (CA USA 9-11 June 2015). In addition to demoing and launching their  SensoFoil and SensoInk sensing technologies, they will be demonstrating high performance sensor technologies from three of their German partners.

This includes Altmann GmbH for advanced and high-quality potentiometers used for a variety of industrial equipment controls, steering and engine control for shipping, engine control for heavy equipment, and high precision wind detection.

At Sensors expo, Hoffmann-Krippner will also be showing sensor solutions from Inelta GmbH that include highly sensitive yet robust LVDT sensors and load cells used for a variety of industrial, welding and testing equipment.

Hoffmann-Krippner will also be demonstrating sensor solutions from Pil GmbH – a leading supplier of highly accurate and robust ultrasonic sensors used for industrial automation.

According to Jens Kautzor, CEO of Hoffman + Krippner, Inc., “We provide midsize German companies who have products with a synergy to ours a channel in the US. These are high quality products that are engineered exceptionally well, all made in Germany. In some cases these companies are actually the real manufacturers behind some very well-known industry brands. So in a sense we cut the middleman - and with recent exchange rate developments - we bring very competitive priced, highest quality products to the US“.

Position sensors for medical, testing and industrial applications.

Hoffmann – Krippner offers a wide range of LVDT sensors from its German partner company INELTA for contactless and wear-free path and position detection.

The LVDT sensors operate on the principle of the differential transformer and are suitable for use in many applications, such as medical technology, industrial, seafaring, in testing facilities, machinery construction, special purpose machines and agriculture.

Thanks to the housing made from chemically nickel-plated steel with IP65 type of protection (optional IP68) and a temperature range of -25 to +85°C, which can be expanded on request, the LVDT sensors are suitable for use in harsh environments. Due to their external thread, the devices are easily installed and adjusted. Unlike competing smooth designs, there is no need for them to be clamped with grub screws which can damage the housing and distort the measured value. The connection takes place via a M12 connector or a cable.

They are available as M12 or M18 versions with external thread and capture measuring lengths of up to 2, 5, 10 or 20 mm, depending on the model. It is actuated by an unguided core or a switch with internal spring. The linearity tolerance of the sensors is ± 0.5%.

The M18 sensors come with integrated electronics and a current or voltage output. For the M12 models, users can choose between various signal amplifiers which generate output signals ranging from 0 to 5 V, 0 to 10 V, ± 5 V, ± 10 V, 0 to 20mA or 4 to 20mA.

Custom sensor designs with other configuration options, such as improved linearity tolerance or individual calibrations, are also available.  An online configuration guide and questionnaire with optional capabilities are provided to make it easy for design engineers to create their own custom designs.