Page 17 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 20th July 2020

possible, sensors must be mounted on existing corresponding to height of one of the sensors. As
rotary actuators, and real-time communication with the shaft rotates, opening and closing the valve, the
existing plant wide control systems is mandatory. targets pass in front of the sensing faces, triggering
the sensors.
Customer solution These M12-diameter devices, rated to
Sensing the position of a rotary-valve actuator is a IP68/IP69K, have all-metal bodies with PBTB
routine task for Contrinex Classics washdown sensing faces and vacuum-encapsulated
inductive sensors. These sensors interface directly electronics; each features an industry-standard PNP
with a range of industrial process controllers and normally open output. Fully embeddable, and with
provide cost-effective confirmation of control-valve a sensing range up to 2mm, they are well suited to
status around the clock. the hostile operating conditions of a washdown
A purpose-designed bracket, mounted on the environment.
top surface of each actuator, holds two sensors; Each sensor has an integral M12 connector,
these are positioned with the sensing faces interfacing with the customer’s control system via a
vertically aligned, one above the other, and facing TPE-S-sheathed cable. Reliability is excellent; the
the actuator shaft. NAMUR-compatible (VDE/VDI system is simple and cost-effective
3845) mountings on the actuators provide a known The inclusion of IO-Link, a standardised point-
datum for the sensors. to-point serial connection protocol for sensors and
A solid plastic disc, mounted on the shaft, actuators, is provided at no additional cost. It offers
carries two or more stainless-steel targets, the advantages of digital communication without
positioned at 90 degrees to each other around the the need for special cabling, making them ideal for
outer peripheral surface of the disc. Each target Industry 4.0 applications.
occupies either an upper or a lower position www.plusautomation.co.uk

July 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA! • p17