After over 20 years of successful ifm pressure sensor history, the new generation of PN sensors has been developed in response to requests from users. ifm electronic launched new versions recently at this year’s Hanover Trade Fair, along with many other new sensors. (Read More)
Ease of use is obviously paramount, so the new PN series offers everything at a glance for enhanced transparency during setup and identification of machine conditions. Although the housing size has remained unchanged, the display size has been increased once again and the two switching status LEDs on the sensor head are bigger, brighter and can be clearly seen from all angles. The user can change the display to switch from red or green to an alternating indication of red or green, so switching states can be highlighted or an independent colour ‘window’ can be created. The sensor is now easier and quicker to set using the three pushbuttons.
High overload protection, IP67 for all types of the series and the captive laser labelling make the new PN sensors the perfect solution even in the harshest environments.
Flexibility in use is also an important factor highlighted by our customers. So now, after fitting, the sensor can be rotated for visibility from the desired direction. The new PN range also includes versions internal or external thread.
The PN series covers ten different pressure ranges, starting at 1 bar negative pressure right up to 600 bar, and different units can offer switched outputs or combined switched and analogue.
Pressure indication is needed in many different industries, and a typical example is a heat exchanger. As these are commonly found in food and beverage applications, the process connection needs to be hygienic where the product itself is monitored. Figure 1 shows an electronic pressure gauge used on such a heat exchanger. In this case, illustrated is one of the PG range from ifm electronic, which imitates a traditional gauge with its display, but is in fact a fully electronic device, shown also in Figure 2.
The presence of a pressure does not necessary mean that there is a flow of medium through the heat exchanger, and Figure 1 also shows a flow sensor near the pressure gauge. As with other sensors, ifm electronic offers several options for detecting or measuring flow rates in hygienic or standard applications. Figure 3 shows an SI-type flow sensor, which gives a visual indication of flow relative to a switch point, and outputs to confirm that the medium is moving. Shown here is the SI6000 series for hygienic fittings which, along with the SI5000 series, will detect liquid flow up to 300cm/sec (or 3000 cm/sec for gases). As will all ifm products, hightlights of the SI series are ease of use, quality and value.
For actually measuring flow rates there’s nothing better than the SM series magflow sensors from ifm electronic. The SM is a very competitive unit for measuring flows of conductive liquids and has proved highly popular. The SM can be supplied in different sizes for throughputs up to 25, 50, 100 or 300 litres/minute. The sensor display includes a 4-digit numeric display with eight integrated LEDs that together indicate the flow rate (gal/min or l/min), total volume (gallons or litres), and temperature (°Celsius or even °Fahrenheit) of all conductive media. Simple pushbutton programming quickly establishes application parameters and the flow meter can be setup to provide a switching output, analogue output and pulsed output.
While on the subject of heat exchangers, it would be inconceivable not to actually measure the temperature. For this purpose, too, there are many options. User can choose simple Pt100 transmitters in a food-grade housing (Type TM), a transducer that contains a Pt1000 but transmits a 4-20mA signal (Type TA), or as illustrated in Fig 5 and Fig 6 the type TD. The type TD includes a Pt1000 but also has a display, yet it is a simple, loop-powered device, also with a scalable 4-20mA output. The TD series also comes ready to use, with no programming required – although this is made possible, by the inclusion of IO-Link. On delivery, the TD is scaled for 0-100°C (unless the 0…300°F version is ordered), and the IO-Link facility allows the user to take advantage of the full -40 to 150°C range.
The new TD series is a fully hygienic instrument with ifm “look & feel”, and M12 connector, and housing in full 316 stainless steel, with an IP69K seal.
With its small, one piece housing and added value of a local display at the price point of a blind unit, ifm’s TD series is believed to be unique under the hygienic temperature transmitters. There is certainly not much else on the market that features integrated 4 segment, LED display, IO-Link, factory pre-setting combined with a fast response time (T05= 1s, T09=3 s).
ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.
For More Information:
ifm electronic Ltd.
www.ifm.com/uk
