Rotary sensor for industry and science.

Positek Limited has expanded its range of rotary sensors with a new cost competitive model aimed at demanding industrial and scientific applications. Based on their patented PIPS® technology, the P530 offers an effectively infinite resolution and linearity of +/- 0.25 % FSO. Application flexibility is ensured with a wide choice of industry standard outputs calibrated to a customer specified angle from +/-50° to +/-160° in increments of 1 degree. 

Positek’s non-contacting technology, a major advance in displacement sensor design, is based on simple inductive coils and micro-electronic circuitry that provides an exceptionally long MTBF life of up to 350,000 hrs at 40°C as well as excellent durability against shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

The new P530 rotary sensor’s 35 mm diameter housing is IP67 sealed and together with its flange mounting and shaft drive is finished in 316 stainless-steel. A machined registration mark identifies the mid-point of rotary travel. The comprehensive selection of supply and instrument-level signal outputs extends to input voltages of +/- 5V DC or +/- 24V DC with ratiometric and buffered voltage outputs as well as 4…20 mA current outputs. EMC performance conforms to EN 61000-6-2 and 6-3. A choice of M12 connector or cable gland connection is available with cable length specified by the customer.

Positek’s PIPS technology (Positek Inductive Position Sensor) scores well when compared to other LVDT technologies. Its simpler coil design is more compact and utilises inexpensive magnetic materials – which makes for easier installation, competitive costs and lowered environmental susceptibility. The well proven ASIC technology simply decodes the absolute position of embedded inductive coils providing a proportional, high-bandwidth and readily useable high resolution analogue output that does not require further signal conditioning. Furthermore, in comparison to potentiometer-based displacement sensors, the non-contacting PIPS technology ensures an extremely long working life.

@positekltd @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Underwater pressure transmitter.

A new pressure transmitter specifically aimed at gas and liquid pressure measurement tasks in submerged instruments and equipment used in marine and offshore applications has been launched by Positek. With its protection rating of IP68 sealed to 10bar/IP69K, the new S401 series brings together their extensive application experience in challenging environment sensor technologies with a robust and durable 35 mm diameter, 316 stainless-steel housed construction and a high accuracy piezo resistive sensing element coupled with the latest ASIC circuitry.

The new pressure transmitter is available with gauge pressure measurement ranges set to customer requirements from 0.6 to 2000 bar and with a wide choice of high level ratiometric voltage, current outputs – some with a low power consumption option for use with battery powered wireless transmitting systems.

The S401 series has a specified range accuracy of less than 0.5% and a stated non-linearity of less than 0.15% of range. Repeatability and stability/year both at less than 0.10% of the measurement range. The transmitter is designed for use in temperatures from -40 to +125°C (compensated range -20 to +85°C) with temperature coefficients at less or equal to 0.15% for both offset and range. These specifications combine with a fast response time and generous burst and overpressure ratings plus exceptional shock and vibration characteristics to ensure precise and stable pressure measurement over a wide working range with an estimated life of more than 10 million pressure cycles. Installation flexibility is aided by a choice of 1/4" NPT or G1/4" threads for the wetted components and electrical interfacing is via a moulded cable to customer’s length requirement with connector/mating connector option.

The new pressure transmitter accompanies Positek’s wide range of linear, rotary and tilt position sensors, and other sensor technologies which are extensively used across oil & gas, motorsports, mining, marine, agriculture, construction, transportation, and many other demanding industries. The ISO9001:2015 designer and manufacturer has ATEX, IECEx and CSA certification across many product lines.

@positekltd @Variohm @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Marine

Submersible tilt sensor.

The non-contacting linear, rotary, and tilt displacement sensor technology from Positek* is well proven for its durability, long life, and exceptionally reliable operation in industrial, marine, and scientific applications. 

The company has now further expanded its tilt sensor range with the new S613 series that integrates the high-resolution inductive sensing technology in a fully sealed IP68-rated 10-Bar submersible housing design with a large tilt angle measurement capability. With factory setting of the customer’s tilt travel requirement between +/- 7.5° to +/- 80°, the S613’s calibrated angle output, which may be specified in a wide choice of voltage or current output options, has an independent linearity/hysteresis specification of less than +/- 0.25°.

Particularly suited to severe industrial and marine-based applications such as crane & hoist, construction machinery or drilling platforms, although competitively priced for use on less arduous measurement tasks, the S613’s 10 g shock and 40 g vibration rating (IEC 68-2) contributes to exceptional reliability over an operating temperature range of -20°C to +85°C. Positek’s ASIC control technology interprets the absolute position of embedded inductive coils to provide a proportional, high-bandwidth DC analogue output signal with essentially infinite resolution. In comparison to alternative LVDT/RVDT and magneto-strictive sensors, no further signal condition is required, and furthermore the space-efficient Positek sensor has a much smaller coil design, a superior stroke-to-length ratio and does not require the use of expensive magnetic materials. In this way, Positek sensors cost-effectively offers the simplicity of potentiometer-based sensors while its non-contacting LVDT principle, developed and patented by Positek, provides exceptionally long life (MTBF - 350,000 hrs at 40°C Gf).

The compact S613 features a robust and fully sealed 35 mm diameter by 44 mm long stainless-steel housing. An integral 60 mm diameter mounting flange with two wide mounting slots and a choice of input shafts facilitates straightforward mounting. A wide choice of output options include 0.5 … 4.5 V ratiometric from a 5V supply, several buffered DC voltage outputs and 2- or 3-wire, 4…20 mA current outputs from a nominal 24V DC input. Electrical connection is via a Pg7 gland and cable arrangement with customer specified length up to 50 cm. 

*Positek Limited was acquired by the Variohm Group in 2019.

@positekltd @Variohm @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Displacement sensors including safety features.

Three derived displacement measurement formats for linear, rotary- and tilt-angle position sensing are manufactured by Positek. Their comprehensive range covers high-precision linear position measurement up to 1500 mm and angle measurement between 5° and 160°. These precision displacement sensors feature Positek's own PIPS® inductive position sensing technology.

These sensors offer exceptionally long life and superior reliability through characteristically high shock and vibration resistance in a non-contacting and long-life design that scores favourably against, potentiometer, LVDT/RVDT and magneto-strictive sensor technologies. Several years’ experience in supplying its sensors into oil & gas, mining, marine, hydraulics and numerous other harsh industrial and otherwise challenging environment applications has directed the Company to develop several variant models that have ATEX/IECEx and CSA certified approvals for hazardous gas/vapour and hazardous dust atmospheres.

Positek’s intrinsically safe sensors are presented in groups covering ATEX/IECEx and CSA approved sensors for gas/vapour and for dust atmospheres. There is also a separate group for mining environment approved sensors. Almost all of Positek’s standard linear and rotary sensors have optional intrinsically safe approved counterparts within these groups. Through each product series, options typically cover a choice of IP rated sealing, and some offer submersible versions with sealing to 350 bar. ATEX/IECEx sensors for gas/vapour have an ‘X’ designation whilst dust has an ‘E’ designation. CSA versions carry ‘G’ and ‘H’ designations respectively, whilst mining uses ‘M’.

These designations are better described using an actual sensor product as an example. One of Positek’s popular linear sensors is its P100-series hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder position sensor. In its standard product offering, this robust and durable 35 mm diameter in-cylinder mounted sensor for hydraulic pressures to 350 bar has a built-to-order measurement range up to 1485mm. It’s fluoropolymer-sheathed probe and stainless-steel target tube construction has a choice of IP65 or IP67 environmental sealing. Providing an effectively infinite resolution and a precision linearity to 0.25% FS, the sensor can perform over a working temperature range of -40°C to +125°C depending on the type of electronic output selected. Its impressive shock and vibration resistance of 40 g and 10 g to IEC-68-6 and -29 respectively is complemented with an MTBF of 350,000 hrs 40°C Gf.

P100 35 mm diameter in-cylinder mounted sensor

This 100-series sensor is available across all the various intrinsically safe versions and is operated with Positek’s X005 galvanically isolated amplifier which provides either 4-20mA or 0-10V output. With IP67 sealing, the mechanical precision, EMC performance, and shock/vibration resistance are consistent with the standard product. Intrinsically safe versions have a typically reduced temperature range over their standard counterparts of -40°C to +80°C. For each intrinsically safe product group, the applicable standards met for the 100-series are as follows:

• X100-series ATEX/IECEx approved sensors for gas/vapour - Ex II 1G
• E100-series ATEX/IECEx approved sensors for dust - Ex II 1GD
• G100-series CSA approved sensors for gas/vapour - Class I, Zone 0 Ex ia IIC T4 / AEx ia IIC T4
• H100-series CSA approved sensors for dust - Class I, Zone 0 AEx ia IIC T4 / AEx ia IIC T4 AEx ia D IIIC T93°C
• M100-series, intrinsically safe for mining - Ex I/II M1/GD

Comparable specification differentiation between standard sensors and their intrinsically safe counterparts apply across a comprehensive range that includes more than fifteen product versions for each of the ATEX/IECEx, CSA and mining environment groups. These sensors include standalone short- and long-stroke linear position sensors in standard or slim-line housings, large- and small-angle rotary position sensors, tilt sensors and gauge head position sensors.

The company offers ATEX, and CSA approved galvanic isolation amplifiers that are recommended for use throughout the intrinsically safe sensor range. These amplifiers provide tri-port isolation between the amplifier power supply, the hazardous area and the sensor’s X005 output signal.

Where the application requires a sensor to be modified to suit specific customer requirements, Positek offer a comprehensive custom design service which in some cases can be fulfilled within days.

@positekltd @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Mining

Submersible precision linear position sensor.

Positek has launched a new range of compact and space-efficient linear position feedback sensors aimed at marine, wash-down, harsh industrial, mobile machinery, and similar challenging-environment precision measurement tasks. Based on their well-proven, non-contacting PIPS® (Positek Inductive Position Sensor) technology, the new S119 features a choice of industry standard output options calibrated to a user-specified travel range up to 350 mm. With a typical independent linearity of ≤ ± 0.25% FSO at 20°C, the fully submersible push rod style sensor includes IP68-10 bar/IP69K environmental protection in a robust 19 mm diameter 316 stainless steel housing with a wide choice of mounting options.

Positek’s PIPS® technology, a major advance in displacement sensor technology, is available in three derivative displacement measurement formats: LIPS®, RIPS® and TIPS® (Linear, Rotary and Tilt). They cost-effectively provide the simplicity of potentiometer-based sensors in a non-contacting design that convinces against alternative LVDT/RVDT and magneto-strictive sensors which have bulkier coil designs, inferior stroke-to-length ratios, and a dependence on more expensive magnetic materials. Furthermore, PIPS technology calibrated output options (typically ratiometric, 0.5 to 4.5 or 9.5 V DC and 4…20 mA from 5 V DC or 24 V DC supplies) allow direct and straightforward integration with instrumentation systems without the need for additional signal conditioning electronics. The non-contacting absolute measurement technology does not require datum homing routines on power-up and, significantly, provides exceptionally long life and superior reliability through characteristically high shock and vibration resistance.

The LIPS technology-based S119‘s compact overall body length and 19 mm diameter housing dimensions allow installation is severely space-restricted areas. With a choice of free moving or spring return push-rods, mechanical interfacing can be M5 male threaded shafts or M5 rod eye bearing types with optional body clamps to facilitate straightforward mounting. The sensor’s impressive standard specifications include EMC performance to EN 61000-6-2, and EN 61000-6-3, an operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, and a measurement frequency of > 10 kHz. Full specifications are available for download on Positek’s website. Custom modifications include improved linearity of ≤± 0.1% FSO at 20°C for a calibrated travel range above 10 mm with application-matched performance, electrical and mechanical modifications available on request.

@positekltd @Variohm @mepaxIntPR #Pauto 

Expansion on reinforced concrete bridges.

When a major British structural health monitoring systems company were called in to urgently evaluate problematic expansion joints on a reinforced concrete motorway bridge, they required not just an extremely fast delivered solution for several linear displacement sensors but also a combined accuracy, temperature stability and environmental specification that would be beyond the capabilities of most suppliers.  

Positek’s custom sensors shown in-situ for horizontal and vertical displacement measurement of expansion joints on a reinforced concrete motorway bridge.

Compounded by such restraints they contacted Positek Limited who pulled out the stops and within a one-week timescale delivered around forty custom-built sensors featuring a unique differential coil design with electronic temperature compensation and full IP68 protection. Based on Positek’s PIPS™ non-contacting sensor technology – a compelling alternative to LVDT and potentiometric displacement sensors – the long life and exceptionally durable sensors deliver consistently high accuracy linear position measurement in the harshest environments.

The expansion gap on a typical road bridge is expected to linearly expand and contract around 1 mm over a temperature range of -20 to +35°C. In order to precisely monitor abnormal non-linear gap movement in both vertical and horizontal planes and in real time, the overall accuracy offered by the sensor’s had to be excellent. Due to mechanical expansion as well as a temperature shift in the sensor electronics, it was decided to custom modify the standard coil design of Positek’s S115 series linear displacement sensor and integrate thermal drift compensation to boost precision and temperature stability.

The standard PIPS coil design features a fixed reference coil, an active coil and a one-piece metal target. The custom modification introduces a second active coil in place of the reference coil with a metal target spanning both coils. This differential layout was further enhanced by modelling the sensor’s thermal coefficient and factoring the values into temperature compensation electronics that was integrated into main housing. Sensors with a 5 mm displacement range were supplied for the application and arranged vertically and horizontally on brackets supplied by the customer. The modified design can be supplied with displacement ranges as low as 1 mm. As well as improve the measurement linearity over the temperature range, the modification also increased the gain by a factor of three and reduced the electrical noise by two- to three-times - which was of benefit for the multiple measurement instrumentation system the customer developed for the application.

Positek’s linear displacement sensors, even as standard components, offer environmental ratings up-to and exceeding IP68 protection levels and 10-bar submersible pressure endurance. The 35 mm diameter push-rod sensor used for this challenging measurement task was housed in 316 stainless steel and fully sealed to protect the sensor electronics against rain, road salt and sea water corrosion as well as the potential for frosts and high-humidity. The durable sensors also impress with standard shock and vibration specification values of 10g (IEC 68-2-6) and 40g (IEC 68-2-29) respectively. As with the standard PIPS technology design, this custom differential model is contactless and offers extremely long working life.

For this application, the custom sensors included industry standard 4…20 mA outputs with continuous proportional and absolute output with no need for additional signal conditioning. M8 rod-eye bearing fixings and cable gland/flying lead electrical connections facilitated straightforward commissioning. Positek’s linear displacement sensors are also available in a wide choice standard electrical outputs with various electrical connection options and calibrated output-to-length ratios.

Positek successfully manufactured and delivered the fully requested quantity of customised displacement sensors within the one-week timescale required by the customer to accommodate a scheduled maintenance closure of the motorway bridge.

@positekltd @Variohm @mepaxIntPR #Construction #Pauto

Displacement measurement for large-scale structural monitoring tasks .

Positek’s PIPS™ non-contacting sensor technology, based on a simple, single coil design, delivers highly accurate and repeatable position feedback for linear, rotary and tilt displacement measurement. A wide range of product variants and Positek’s extensive custom design capability combine to provide users with novel and cost-efficient measurement verification solutions across all branches of industry and science. One such application area is for linear displacement tracking as part of the structural monitoring systems that maintain safety in the harsh and extreme environments on bridges and other large construction projects.

Whether installed during construction and required for long term health monitoring or for shorter term structural degradation analysis for maintenance or refurbishment, these linear displacement solutions can provide compelling solutions when compared to other electro-mechanical displacement measurement technologies such as potentiometers or LVDTs. And, as alternatives to laser, fibre optic and ultrasonic displacement sensors, Positek’s cost-effective and highly durable range offers consistent measurement in the harshest environments – with IP68 and IP69 ratings in durable stainless-steel housings for straightforward installation without the need for additional protective equipment.

For displacement monitoring on road and rail bridges and similarly large structures, a typical complement of several individually mounted sensors, such as heavy-duty S115 series push-rod variant, can be used to monitor the real-time displacement between critical structural elements. These 35 mm body diameter sensors provide continuous positional information via a wide choice of industry-standard electrical outputs with a calibrated proportional and absolute output-to-length ratio. This allows complete flexibility for the customer’s preferred data-logging or other instrumentation system, and there is no need for additional signal conditioning as is the case with more complex and costly LVDT sensors.

With environmental sealing to IP68 and 10 bar pressure endurance, the all-stainless steel S115 series benefits from straightforward mounting options that include M8 rod eye bearings and body tube clamps. The sturdy 12.6 mm diameter push-rod can be supplied free moving, captive or spring loaded in either travel direction. With its minimal overall body-to-measurement length, the compact sensor is easily installed. Customers can select a calibrated measurement range from 5 mm to 800 mm and the push-rod design can be custom adapted to accommodate large installed spans between the fixed and moving elements of the application. The S115 has a typical linearity specification of >±0.25% over a 450 mm measurement range and an effectively infinite resolution that allows real-time linear position detection of the smallest sub-millimetre structural movements.

With no contact between its moving electrical components, the sensor’s reliability and life is exceptionally high in comparison to potentiometer alternatives. With potential mounting sites needing to survive high humidity, driving rain and severe temperature extremes, the sealed IP68 rated sensors’ durability is further assured with respective shock and vibration specification values of 10g (IEC 68-2-6) and 40g (IEC 68-2-29). As with all other Positek sensors, a wide choice of electrical connection options is offered.

The ISO 9001-2008 qualified manufacturer’s comprehensive range includes linear, rotary and tilt displacement sensors based on its patented PIPS technology that are extensively used across a wide variety of industrial and scientific position measurement tasks. Along with custom design service, Positek also offer a range of ATEX- and IECEx-qualified sensors for structural monitoring and other measurement tasks for intrinsically safe installation.

@positekltd @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #Position

Temperature monitoring, protection and sensing specialist acquired.

Variohm Holdings, part of the discoverIE Group plc, has advanced its strategic plans to expand both product portfolio and manufacturing competency with the acquisition of the German/Hungarian temperature control component manufacturer Limitor Solutions GmbH. With its main 2.700 m2 manufacturing site based in Pecs - Hungary and headquarters and warehousing facilities in Urbach near Stuttgart (D), Limitor Solutions has a fifty year history as a leading manufacturer of temperature based component technologies for thermal protection, regulation, switching and sensing as well as temperature timers, fuses and controllers.

Udo Angermaier, managing director of Limitor Solutions GmbH looks forward to the acquisition’s opportunities. “We are most excited to join Variohm Holdings, to work with the other members and enjoy the benefits of our combined forces and the capability for significant growth.” 

With a customer list that spans global electronics manufacturers such as AEG, Siemens, Kärcher and Philips, Limitor Solution’s temperature monitors, temperature limiters, thermal switches, controllers, temperature fuses and timers find wide use in electric motors and associated drives, inverters and generators, transformers, domestic and DIY appliances, as well as automotive, medical, scientific and industrial control equipment. The Company also manufactures other electrical and electronic components such as cable harnesses and power cables, printed circuit boards, pumps and other components for customers and its many commercial partners.

Limitor Solutions’ core technologies and comprehensive manufacturing capabilities extend to an extensive design and automated production capability throughout its product range. Manufacturing is supported with component assembly equipment, automated welding and soldering machinery, plastic moulding and encapsulating machinery, marking and printing equipment. Fully supported by 100 employees with highly trained, qualified and experienced sales, production and quality control teams, the Company has certification for ISO 9001:2015 quality management as well as ISO 14001:2015 environmental management approval.

Over the past few months and during these most difficult times the Variohm Holdings has purchased Phoenix America - the leading USA based magnetic encoder and magnetic sensor solutions specialist - as well as the present acquisition of Limitor Solutions. 

These new additions join the other Variohm Holdings’ members including 

• Variohm EuroSensor (sensor and transducer supplier and manufacturer), 
• Herga Technology (switching and sensing solutions), 
• Ixthus Instrumentation (specialist measurement systems), 
• Heason Technology (motion control components and systems) and 
• Positek Limited (specialised linear and rotary voltage displacement sensor technologies).

Variohm Holdings’ managing director, Graham Pattison, acknowledges discoverIE’s support and vision for the substantial potential in manufacturing capability and sales growth this latest acquisition brings. “This latest purchase demonstrates discoverIE’s belief in Variohm Holdings, providing even more synergy and paving the way for an increasingly compelling offer to our valued customers”.

@Variohm #PAuto #Components 

Simplifing bakery machinery measurement.

When a British subsidiary of a multinational food and beverage equipment manufacturer looked to upgrade and simplify an automated dough thickness adjustment option across its range of biscuit baking machinery, they turned to Positek Limited and its P103 series LIPS® short-stroke linear position sensor to provide precise measurement of the gauge roller gap position.

The gauge rollers form the dough into a flat sheet of the required thickness in a continuous process before the biscuit shapes are cut out prior to the baking process. The dough sheet thickness control is not only important for consistent quality and material costs but also needs to facilitate different product to be produced, so fast changeover times are important. The previous sensor, an older LVDT type, required a special electronics module to convert its signal to suit the machine’s PLC and all components needed a good deal of electrical calibration to compensate for the non-linearity of the electrical response before changeover. Furthermore, a relatively long overall length and large diameter for the previous LVDT sensor made the gauge roller assembly somewhat bulky.

Positek’s P103 series short stroke linear position sensor with LIPS® technology is ready-calibrated to the exact travel required so can be directly installed into the machine for each set of paired gauge rollers with no need for extensive and costly setup. Positek’s LIPS® technology is based on inductive coils and uses a unique custom integrated circuit to produce an accurate analogue output signal. Its standard two-wire 4-20mA output directly interfaces with the PLC and greatly simplifies the previous wiring arrangement. With a linear response to within ± 0.25% of the travel range and extremely low temperature coefficient error, the sensor has improved the accuracy and long-term signal reliability resulting in reduced machine recalibration and maintenance requirements. With no need to incorporate adjustments in the PLC, installation and commissioning is now faster and less complicated.

The sensor’s mounting flange face provides convenient mechanical interfacing and is used as the reference for factory calibration, so when installed on the machine the only adjustment required is setting an initial mechanical datum for the roller gap using a Vernier gauge screw. The P103’s housing diameter is just 35 mm and, with the output calibrated to the measurement travel required, the short-stroke linear position sensor’s nominal length remains compact with no unwieldly overhanging components for the gauge roller assembly. Its stainless steel construction and IP65 sealing (IP67 on request) and wide operating temperature range of - 40 to +125 °C is a perfect fit for food and beverage applications.

The P103 series is generally available with spring loaded or a free running plunger and is part of a wide range of linear, rotary and tilt sensors utilising Positek’s LIPS® technology which is characterised by excellent EMC, vibration, shock and environmental specifications. The comprehensive range includes ATEX, IECEx, and CSA certification across many product lines with wide use in intrinsically safe, hazardous, automotive, and submersible measurement tasks as well as general industrial and scientific applications. Through the range optional voltage and current output alternatives are available along with custom electrical and mechanical modifications.

Positek Ltd is an ISO9001:2015 certified designer and manufacturer and part of the Variohm Group of companies.

@Variohm @positekltd #PAuto #Food

Sensors, probes, transducers and indicators.

Positek Limited has increased its comprehensive range of precision sensors with new pressure transducer and temperature probe product lines along with dedicated instrumentation displays. In addition, a broad range of cable extension transducers will supplement the displacement transducer manufacturer’s extensive portfolio of linear, rotary, tilt and intrinsically safe position sensors. The increased range follows Positek’s acquisition by The Variohm Group earlier this year that promised and has already begun to deliver in-depth partnerships between its members with shared complementary products and technical expertise.

The new pressure transducer and temperature probe lines now supported are designed and manufactured by Group partner Variohm EuroSensor. EPT series pressure transducers cover a very wide application and market areas for gas and liquid pressure measurement from fluid power to HVACR and from chemical & industrial plant to medical instruments. Across the EPT range, gauge, absolute and differential pressure measurement from a few millibars to several thousand bars is taken care of with 12 product series’ offering an extensive selection of pressure port interfaces, electrical connection, output characteristics and environmental ratings. These pressure transducers typically utilise piezo resistive sensing element technologies coupled with the latest ASIC circuitry. They are compatible with stainless steel wetted parts and other materials from plastics and brass for low cost solutions at low pressure levels to materials with improved chemical resistance against aggressive media or extremely high temperatures. Combined pressure and temperature measurement of up to 1000 bar and temperature range between -50 to +150°C is also possible with Variohm’s EuroSensor’s EPTTE series transducers.

Positek’s new ETP series temperature probes utilise Variohm EuroSensor’s well developed overmoulding technology as cost-effective measurement solutions that integrate proprietary NTC, PT100/1000 and other temperature sensor types into convenient measurement packages. This includes encapsulated temperature probes in pipe clamps, ring terminals, hexagonal bolts, PTFE and brass cylinders, plastic straps and other components that can be directly assembled directly into a machine or instrument application. Saving installation time and cost, the IP67 rated probes are used extensively for general Instrumentation, medical & communication equipment, machine integration, HVAC and many other precision temperature measurement tasks. With a wide standard range the ETP series typically suits precision temperature measurement between -40 and +125°C for NTC types and -40 to +250°C for PT100/1000 sensing elements. Custom modified versions are available for alternative temperature ranges and modified mechanical interfacing – for instance with alternative bolt thread dimensions.

Complementary displays are also now available from Positek. Manufactured by Orbit Merret and with compatibility for all of the various output types available for pressure and temperature measurement, users can select the appropriate read-out characteristics in panel mount and din-rail mount designs.

Cable extension transducers or draw wire sensors provide an alternative technique for measuring linear displacement and offer a logical product expansion Positek’s comprehensive range of highly specialised non-contacting linear and rotary voltage displacement sensor technologies. Manufactured by TE Connectivity – a Variohm Group distribution partner – the extensive range includes miniature designs for instrument type measurement tasks up to highly durable IP68 rated units for harsh environment use. Measurement techniques include potentiometer and incremental encoders with industrial standard current and voltage output as well as digital output options such as CANopen or RS232. With measurement ranges from 60 mm to several metres, accuracy from 0.04% to 0.18 % FS, and repeatability to 0.02%, this technology suits straightforward medium precision linear measurement tasks where a proven reliability in automation, structural engineering, medical, and test and measurement applications is essential.

#PAuto @positekltd @Variohm @mepaxIntPR

Linear & rotary sensors.

Positek Limited has recently been acquired by The Variohm Group. The world-wide supplier of linear, rotary, tilt and intrinsically safe position sensors becomes the fifth member of the expanding Variohm Group; joining Variohm EuroSensor, Herga Technology, Ixthus Instrumentation for and Heason Technology.

Positek Limited brings its highly specialised linear and rotary voltage displacement sensor technologies (LVDT/RVDT) and customised design expertise to the Variohm Group as well as expand the overall production and customer support capability; taking the Group head count over 190, including 20 engineering staff operating across Europe and with world-wide distribution in major industrial markets. Furthermore, Positek is to benefit from a much broader sales and technical capability through the shared customer base and extensive synergy that is encouraged and prevails throughout the Variohm Group - headed by managing director, Graham Pattison.

Further expanding Positek’s potential for extensive growth and success through the acquisition, the Variohm Group is a member of the LSE-listed discoverIE Group plc (LSE: DSCV) - an international group of businesses that designs, manufactures and supplies innovative components for electronic applications.

Positek Limited was established over 25 years ago and today operates as an ISO9001:2015 certified designer and manufacturer of linear, rotary and tilt sensors with several specialist quality standard certifications including ATEX, IECEx, and CSA for both sensors and galvanic isolation measurement amplifiers. The Company has developed its own patented non-contact inductive position sensor technology and enjoys a high reputation for its fast-turnaround standard range as well as customised sensors and transducers that are extensively used in intrinsically safe, hazardous, automotive, submersible and other challenging environment measurement tasks. The extremely robust and highly accurate technology allows linear position measurement up to 1500 mm or more with angular position measurement capabilities from between 5° and 160° - notably in very compact form-factors. Application areas include, but are not restricted to, oil & gas, mining, medical, marine, hydraulic & pneumatic cylinder position feedback, tilt sensing on construction and heavy machinery, and more.

Commercial director Mark Spreadbury and production director Robert Munn will continue to manage the team at Positek, reporting to Graham Pattison who is delighted with the expansion of the Variohm Group: “The acquisition substantially boosts our design and manufacturing capability, and brings exciting new products and sales channels for both Positek and the existing Group members. We very much look forward to developing and enhancing our application-solving competencies by promoting the Group’s products through Positek and vice versa.”

@Variohm #PAuto @positekltd