High Precision Gap Monitoring in Plant and Machinery
Published on : Tuesday 04-04-2023
The powerful eddyNCDT 3060 eddy current displacement measuring system is ideal for fast, non-contact displacement measurements onto metallic targets.
With the eddyNCDT 3060, Micro-Epsilon has developed a powerful displacement measuring system based on the eddy current principle, which combines precision, speed and temperature stability in a unique way. These characteristics are complemented with maximum ease of use and an excellent price/performance ratio. The system shows its strengths primarily with gap measurements in harsh ambient conditions.
The eddyNCDT 3060 system is designed for displacement and distance measurements. Due to its robust design and high measurement accuracy, the system is used to monitor the lubricating gap and thermal expansion, as well as to determine shaft movement and radial run out of machine parts and drive components. Factory-calibrated for either ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic materials, the inductive displacement measuring system consists of a compact controller, a sensor and a cable. With more than 400 compatible sensor models, high speed and smart signal processing, the eddyNCDT 3060 product series from Micro-Epsilon defines a new performance class in inductive displacement measurement.
The powerful eddyNCDT 3060 eddy current displacement measuring system is ideal for fast, non-contact displacement measurements onto metallic targets. As sensor and controller are actively temperature-compensated, very high measurement accuracies down to the micrometer range can be achieved even in fluctuating temperatures. The sensors are designed for ambient temperatures up to a maximum of +200°C and an ambient pressure up to 20bar. The measurements are performed at a frequency response up to 20 kHz. The compact controller design as well as the fieldbus connection enables easy integration into machines and systems.
Individual adaptation possibilities
Another particularity feature of note is the distance-independent multi-point calibration which enables the customer to carry out field linearisation in addition to the factory-calibration. The measurement accuracy can even be increased using the DT3061 controller model for a 5-point linearisation. Furthermore, the DT3061 offers switching outputs and temperature outputs and allows the storage of multiple characteristic curves. Parameter set up is performed via a modern, user-friendly web interface that is accessed via an Ethernet interface.
Measuring the bearing gap in wind turbines
Wind turbines typically have two main bearings in which the rotor shaft runs. Due to safety and cost reasons, wind turbines require 24/7 monitoring.
Monitoring the bearing gap between the bearing surface and the drive shaft is one of the primary objectives. An oil film in the lubricating gap prevents direct contact between the bearing surface and the shaft. Improved sliding properties of the bearing increase the turbine’s effectiveness while prolonging its service life. The sliding properties mainly depend on the width of the bearing gap. Based on the size of the bearing gap, conclusions can be drawn about the wear. This is because when the gap width is reduced, less oil covers the bearing surface and the component wear increases. This would lead to high temperatures, rapid wear and to bearing damage. In the worst case, the plant comes to a standstill which results in high service costs.
To date, bearing gaps were measured during standstill based on a tactile principle. Inductive sensors based on eddy currents from Micro-Epsilon acquire the measurement values during plant operation, thereby enabling reliable, cost-saving real-time analysis. The sensors can be used in the test bench and in high volume applications. Serial use is ideal as the sensor technology can already be aligned and precisely adjusted during installation and initial operation.
High robustness for industrial environments
In contrast to conventional inductive sensors, displacement sensors based on eddy currents from Micro-Epsilon stand out due to their high accuracy, frequency response and temperature stability. The sensors are suitable for use at ambient temperatures of up to 200°C. Furthermore, the sensor and the controller are actively temperature-compensated at the factory while providing reliable measurement results even with fluctuating temperatures. The sensors are insensitive to dirt, pressure and oil which is why they provide highly accurate results in ambient pressure up to 20 bar.
Micro-Epsilon India Private Limited, Pune. Tel.: +91 20 4913 1030. Fax: +91 20 4913 1001. Email: info@micro-epsilon.in
