Page 31 - Industrial Technology April 2021 issue

Sensor installation

SENSORS

3 Vibration &

STEPS FOR A
SUCCESSFUL WIRELESS Temperature Monitoring
SENSOR INSTALLATION,
DETAILED BY TOM LILLY,
APPLICATION ENGINEER
AT MANTRACOURT

s the number of devices Programmable Safety
connected to the Internet of
Things (IoT) grows, so does the Controllers
Aneed for reliable yet easily
deployable sensors. Luckily, wireless
sensor technology is evolving, providing
manufacturers with practical and cost- Precise Positioning
effective solutions to monitor the
performance of their equipment. However,
to reap the full benefits of wireless
technology, there are a few important steps
to follow during set up. transmission data, particularly if they are cables to sensors, transmitter and
on the same channel. For this reasons, repeaters to prevent moisture from Your Global Automation Partner
1. Undertake a site survey: A sensor’s Mantracourt’s T24 products have an error entering.
signal strength and data capture checking function to ensure that data is
capabilities should be assessed on-site. To transmitted correctly. As well as using a 3. Think about your data: Storing raw data
do this, after ensuring that the sensor is in clear channel, users can easily configure locally is simple but limits live analytical
place and transmitting, the site can be the rate at which data is sent to reduce the capabilities. However, thanks to cloud-
explored with a receiver, such as one of competition for bandwidth between based remote monitoring platforms like
Mantracourt’s T24 handheld receivers. transmitting sensors. SensorSpace data can be analysed in real-
This allows users to identify any dead time, allowing you to quickly identify
spots and plan their layout accordingly. It’s 2. Extend your sensor’s lifespan: Wireless trends and take action when needed.
important to remember that the ground sensors can spend most of their life in low SensorSpace can be used to remotely
can absorb a large portion of the signal, so power mode and activate to record monitor the live feed from Mantracourt’s
both the transmitter and the receiver measurements and transmit data when T24 wireless telemetry system 24/7,
should be located above ground. needed, meaning that their internal battery facilitating on-going customer support.
Other obstacles, such as concrete or can last for several years. However, in Furthermore, the system can be configured Contactless Encoders
brick walls, metal cladding, ironwork, some instances when faster transmission to send direct push notifications via SMS
metal meshes up to 100mm thick, and, rates are necessary and no permanent and email where necessary.
surprisingly, trees in leaf that contain a lot supply is available, manufacturers can use Following these steps, manufacturers
of water, can impact the signal strength. If a solar panel or energy harvesting system can easily measure variables such as linear * More than 20,000 sensors.
additional coverage is required, a repeater such as Mantracourt’s Power Pack 1 and movement, wind speed, temperature, * Factory Automation.
can help extend the sensor’s range and Solar Panel 1. loads or torque. The flexibility and ease of * Process Automation.
bypass obstacles. It’s also important to For sensors that operate in particularly installation of wireless sensors means that * Hazardous Areas.
consider the presence of future obstacles harsh environments, an enclosure can data can be collected efficiently and cost- * Harsh Environments.
that might not be present during the prevent damage from water or aggressive effectively, saving money and improving * Measurement & Inspection.
installation – for example, you wouldn’t chemicals. This is why each of processes in the long run. Also, it allows
want to position a wireless sensor behind Mantracourt’s wireless transmitter for more flexibility in ongoing projects * LED Lighting & Indicators.
a spot where lorries often park, or along a modules can be ordered in one of three IP where you might only begin with a small * Vision Systems.
train track. rated enclosures. When choosing or number of sensors and increase this down * Machine Safety.
Radio interference is usually not a designing an enclosure, it’s important to the line. In these situations, you can easily * Vehicle Detection.
concern, because licensed low power remember that the radio signal will need add more wireless sensors, connected to * Flow, Temperature, Pressure.
devices that use transmission formats such an aperture to escape, such as a small the cloud-based monitoring system,
as 2.4GHz are surprisingly tolerant to fibreglass window. Users should also without the need for costly and Turck Banner Ltd.
common interference sources. However, remember to tighten up any cable glands disruptive cable installations. Blenheim House, Blenheim Court,
having multiple sensors can block or slow and use a drip loop when connecting MORE INFORMATION: www.mantracourt.com
Wickford, Essex, SS11 8YT
Tel: 01268 578888
March/April 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY more@turckbanner.co.uk
www.turckbanner.co.uk